The Cougar's Byte

Issue date: 2/26/07 Section: Campus Life

How do you measure Black Love? Most importantly, how do you personify Black Love? Well the Pan African Student Union did exactly that with their annual Black Love Week. Black Love Week was developed to show the love that exists between two people, whether it is friendship or romantic love. It forces you to ask the question, "How can I love myself if I do not love my sisters and brothers?" This question was answered through a week of events and principals, to include the Black Love Affair that was held on Thursday, February 15.

Monday, February 12 was "Hug Me Day." On this day, you were to show the external love once missing from the African Family. Embracing one another is the most personal way to tell someone that you love them and deeply truly care about them. This action let you know that your sister and/or brother will be there for you. As you embrace your fellow African family, you begin a new and lasting relationship with someone that will show you unconditional love.

Tuesday, February 13 was "Do Something Nice for a Brother/Sister Day." This principal promoted manhood building. This allowed the men in the community to display their manhood. In return it developed a sense of responsibility in the men. As the day went on, men were holding books for their sisters, pulling out chairs and even opening doors, (not to say that they were not doing it before). These gestures were being done for every single sister and not just the ones in their own personal life, some brothers even went as far as to cook meals for their sisters. This is definitely a trend that sisters were happy that started.

Wednesday, February 14 was "Shake a Brother's Hand Day." all too often in the African community, brothers are not appreciated for their hard work and dedication. Saying "thank you" to a strong black man in our lives is a sentiment mostly forgotten. By shaking a brother's hand, we extend our deepest gratitude, encouraging them to continue their good deeds.

Thursday, February 15 was "Compliment a Brother/Sister Day." This day was intended to alleviate jealousy and need for competition that exists in the African American community. Words have the power to lift you up to a point of absolutely elation or bring you down to a level of desolation. By complimenting our brothers and sisters, we have verbally denounced any jealousy or hatred that was harbored in our hearts. On this day, Black Love really was celebrated, at the annual Black Love Affair.

The Black Love Affair is a semiformal celebration that acknowledged the love that everyone had for their brothers and sisters. As you entered Downs Hall, the room was decorated in black, silver and gold. The colors illuminated in the dimly lit hall were simply beautiful. As guests entered, they were greeted by the incomparable executive board, and serenaded by the selections of DJ Phoenix.

As the night continued, the guests enjoyed a dinner that connected them as a family. Laughter filled the room as each person shared stories and congratulation. As one turned and looked around you felt the true sense of family.

Friday, February 16 was the last day of Black Love Week. The principle was to promote African unity, where the focus was "Each one, teach one." All the activities that were held on this day were to include the whole community.

This year's Black Love Week was a success. The Pan African Student Union displayed to each and every person the true meaning of love. The executive board under leadership of their president, Reginald Marc, senior Psychology major, has done an exceptional job yet again.

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