Students gathered for a night of celebration, culture, and community at the Black Student Association’s Umoja event, ‘A Jazzy Night in Harlem’ which highlighted Black history, creativity and connection on Loyola’s campus.
Featuring food, performances, and activities designed to celebrate Black culture, the event created a welcoming space for students to come together. Attendees enjoyed themed mocktails inspired by the Harlem Renaissance, participated in Black history trivia, and watched performances from local step team ‘Controlled Chaos’ and members of the upcoming BSA Fashion Show.
Kayla Hayden ‘26, President of the Black Student Association, described the energy of the night as vibrant and welcoming, with students connecting from across campus.
“The vibe was really, really good. I feel like everybody was meeting new people,” Hayden said.
The Harlem Renaissance theme shaped much of the event’s atmosphere, from the decorations to the artistic inspiration behind the night. Organizers drew inspiration from classic Black art, including the famous painting ‘The Sugar Shack,’ to capture the joy and creativity of the era while bringing the influences into a modern campus setting.
Hayden said the event was designed to highlight multiple forms of Black creativity, which were reflected in the performances throughout the evening. ‘Controlled Chaos’ delivered a powerful routine that combined music, choreography, and storytelling, while models from the BSA Fashion Show showcased their work and announced the theme of this year’s show, ‘The Black Print,’ scheduled for March 27 at 8 p.m.
Beyond the performances, Hayden emphasized the importance of Umoja as a space for students to celebrate their identities and connect with others.
“At a predominantly white institution, it’s very easy to feel like your culture isn’t seen or appreciated,” Hayden said. “Umoja provides a space to just be yourself.”
For students involved in the performances, the event also created a strong sense of community and confidence.
Isa Peguero ‘28, a scene leader for the BSA Fashion Show who performed during the event said that she hoped that participating in Umoja helped students feel connected and encouraged them to embrace new experiences.
“It made me feel like I was part of something bigger than just Loyola,” Peguero said.
Peguero added that moments like performing on stage and supporting other students helped people step outside their comfort zones, while finding a supportive community on campus.
Students attending the event also expressed enthusiasm about the atmosphere of the night. Caitlin Misfud ‘26, a Loyola student who attended Umoja, said the event stood out among campus activities.
“I had so much fun,” Misfud said. “It was one of the best times I’ve had at a Loyola event on campus.”
For Hayden, one of the most meaningful moments of the evening came when students from different backgrounds came together on the dance floor, sharing a moment of joy and connection.
Events like Umoja, she said, are important reminders that cultural celebration and community building can create lasting impact beyond a single night.
