Spring Break
Old School meets New School at Block Party
Black and Latino organizations throw a block party for newly admitted student
Juontel White
Issue date: 4/26/07 Section: News
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"This is a wonderful welcome to the black and Latino students who have been admitted into the university," said Cathy Rubin, USC Assistant Vice President of External Relations.
The admitted students traveled from as far as Washington D.C., Atlanta and Detroit.
They, along with local admits, came in hope of experiencing what life at USC is all about.
"I think this is a real important event," said Evian Wyley, a newly accepted student from Washington D.C. "Some people might be worried about integrating or what you can get involved in and this is a great way to learn."
The block party consisted of food, live music and entertainment and an involvement fair.
The food table never ceased to have a long line of people waiting for some tasty eats like nachos, tacos, rice and beans and the classical picnic favorite, grilled hamburgers.
Tables lined the edges of the grassy Alumni Park, each stationed with a display from a different Black and Latino organization on campus.
USC's Caribbean Student Association, Latino Business Student Association, Sisters in Spirit and many other organizations were represented. The African American and Latino Greek organizations were also in attendance.
The unity aspect of the block party was exhibited through the overall friendly atmosphere and the mutual support between the Latino and African American communities.
Guests danced and clapped to the sounds of USC's mariachi band.
The same enthusiasm was used to applaud dance groups such as USC Fly Girls and the Anointed Vessels of Praise.
"I think it's very helpful to introduce us to people of our own culture," said prospective student Amber Miles. "It enriches our experience."
Many times when students recognize that someone of their same background or heritage is achieving, they are more inclined to follow the same path, according to Rubin.
Of USC's current student body, approximately 5 percent are African American and Latino respectively.
About 6 percent of the admitted freshman class is African American and/or Latino and this is not the same number of students who will actually choose to attend in the fall.
"The numbers of black and Latinos in universities definitely needs to increase," said Rubin.
This is why the Center for Black Cultural Student Affairs and El Centro Chicano sponsor events like the Unity Fair Block Party.
It is a means of influencing prospective students to actually come to USC because it gives it gives them a chance to envision themselves attending the university and achieving just like Black and Latino students have done for years.
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