The Ultimate Family Reunion Cookout Concludes Black History Month

Keshawn Allen

When it comes to inclusion and representation, the University of West Georgia ensures that students of all different cultures and backgrounds feel like they are seen and respected, putting on events targeted to specific demographics. Feb. 29, the Ultimate Family Reunion concluded Black History Month this year and it gives African American students a chance to celebrate in a fun and imaginative way.

Instead of being an educational seminar giving out facts about Black history or a regular game night, this event is more of a party celebration highlighting the beautiful aspects of the Black and African American community. What makes this event unique and stand out differently from other Black History Month events is the style of event that it is. It was an indoor cookout celebrated in the Campus Center Back Gym, , giving students a chance to honor African American culture with things that would make up a regular outside cookout prominently associated with the cookouts being held within specific Black communities. Food was catered by Dine West, and many games that are popular in the community were displayed for everyone to enjoy.  

“I really just thought about how could we celebrate the end of Black History Month, and as a Black woman myself, I was like, as a Black community, what do we do to celebrate in a way that students can enjoy and that when I came up with the family reunion kind of vibe,” said Lilly Mallette, the Graduate Assistant for Student Diversity, Equity and Inclusion.

This is the first time the cookout has taken place at UWG. The Center for Student Involvement and Inclusion were present at the event under the Department for Student Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. However, the attendance of the other organizations across campus showed the amount of respect that UWG has for the many different cultures that make up its student and faculty populations. 

Aside from catered food, those who will attend this event will get a chance to not only have food and games but they will also support Black-owned businesses. A skincare company from Atlanta, Amani & Co, will attend the cookout to sell their skin care products. Not only that but the students attending will also be taught how to make body butter and get some skin health facts from the professionals.

Still, students can look forward to attending the cookout again next year as this plans to be an annual Black History Month event that students will enjoy.