BY Fernanda Guevara Asst. Features Editor and Circulation Manager
The Black Student Union (BSU) will host its fifth annual Black Love Gala on Thursday, Feb. 12. As part of Sacred Heart University’s (SHU) Black History Month programming, this event will bring students together to celebrate Black culture, love and community.
Source: Daniel Passapera, Sacred Heart University
The annual celebration is intended to bring together not only the Black student population at SHU, but the entire campus community. According to sophomore BSU member Emmanuel-Bruno Tabe, the gala serves as both a celebration and a recognition of the broader influence of Black culture.
“The Black Love Gala is a great opportunity to bring together not only the small population of minorities at our school, but everyone to celebrate black culture,” said Tabe. “Black culture has had an undeniable influence on society, and this is a recognition of that influence and ultimately a fun time.”
According to sophomore BSU member Kathnie Fabre, the purpose of the Black Love Gala is to bridge the celebration of Black History Month and Valentine’s Day.
“We dedicate a night to exemplify Black love, history and culture,” said Fabre. “The Black Love Gala is one of our biggest events of the academic year, and it’s really important to us that it’s open to all students.”
The evening will be a formal event, with elegant evening attire required. The celebration will feature music and food, creating a welcoming and festive atmosphere where students can gather, socialize and engage with one another.
The event celebrates Black culture through community, self-expression and shared social experiences. Rather than focusing on one specific tradition, it recognizes Black culture as a combination of music, fashion, identity and togetherness, creating a space where students can feel seen, valued and connected.
This year’s gala will take place at Edgerton Performing Arts Center atrium, a change from last year’s location at Thea’s Abbey. Fabre said the move was made to make the event more accessible and encourage greater student participation.
“We wanted to make it more accessible by having it on main campus in hopes of gaining even more students than last year,” said Fabre. “With our returning members and the support of student workers from the Agape Center for Human Dignity, we’re excited to see familiar faces again.”
Fabre also explained that the concept of “Black love” extends beyond romantic relationships and represents appreciation, affirmation and unity within the Black community.
“I like to think of Black love as a love letter or a token of appreciation from the executive board to the student body for supporting and attending our meetings and events,” said Fabre.
This year’s theme, “Jazz and Dandyism,” is inspired by the 2025 Met Gala and encourages attendees to use fashion as a form of self-expression.
“Sharing culture and ideas and letting your outfit express your emotion is a big part of the theme,” said Fabre. “Love is such a powerful emotion, and we wanted to use that drive to create something creative and meaningful.”
Events like the Black Love Gala hold particular importance at predominantly white institutions, where students of color may often feel underrepresented. Tabe shared that throughout his academic experience prior to SHU, recognition of Black culture was limited.
“I went to predominantly white institutions my whole life, but I never really felt recognized or celebrated,” said Tabe. “Coming to SHU and seeing how present and accomplished Black students are here was a culture shock for me. It made me feel truly seen.”
Both organizers said they hope students leave the gala with a deeper understanding of Black culture and a broader perspective on love and community.
“I hope students understand that love is patient and kind, and that it’s more than just romantic,” said Fabre. “Everyone is deserving of it, and we hope this encourages students to attend more events hosted by the BSU and other unity groups.”
The Black Love Gala is one of several events organized by the Black Student Union throughout the academic year that aim to promote cultural awareness, inclusion and community engagement at Sacred Heart University.
