The Black Student Union sponsored the second-annual Black History 365 event May 3 to educate students on campus about black history. BSU decided to host the event in May this year to show black history is something that can be celebrated outside of February, Black History Month.

“We were able to give opportunities for more people to come and do performances this year,” said Daryl Meek, coordinator of the event and BSU president. “We knew what to expect, so we were prepared, and the performers came and gave it their best.”

Students read poems written about their personal experiences. B-Smooths, the alias of one UW-Platteville student, tweeted F. Stokes—who visited UW-P March 30—asking permission to recite one of his songs as part of the presentation. F. Stokes granted her permission.

Fusion X ended the event with a performance, to the great pleasure and excitement of the audience.

“The performances were a new view into a culture that I’m not very acquainted with,” said freshman biology major Nick Reinhold. “I enjoyed the energy that was shown throughout the night; it was very upbeat and had the audience constantly involved.”

In addition to the performances, there was a buffet for the audience and performers to enjoy during the intermission. There was also a table set up with various pieces of artwork representing black culture and history.

“It was a great performance, and we hope to bring other [universities] in next year,” Meek said. “We hope to educate everyone about our culture and the black experience with this and the other events we hold every week during Black History Month.”