UC students find creative outlet in Black Arts Collaborative

Clubs can help students stay connected during COVID-19

By Joí Dean 

When she came to the University of Cincinnati as a biology major, Jazsmin Vaughn was looking for a circle of new friends.

Vaughn happened to meet an executive board member for the student organization Black Arts Collaborative and was encouraged to audition. Vaughn tried out for the drama section, and has loved the group ever since, she says.

Black Arts Collaborative is a platform for the expression of Black art. The organization focuses on the adversities and experiences of the Black community but is open to students of all ethnicities. In the past, the collaborative has held a numerous number of events at various functions on campus such as Akwaaba (Black Student Welcome), Tyehimba graduation and even halftime shows at football games.

Everyone has something they can do. Everyone has a creative aspect.

Jazsmin Vaughn, UC biology student

“The Black Arts Collaborative is one of the most prestigious organizations on campus as far as the African American community within the African American Cultural & Resource Center,” said DJ Benson, a fifth-year student majoring in biological sciences and health education.

Benson is the former president of the Black Arts Collaborative who now serves as technology and audio department director.

Benson was originally involved in the dance department as a freshman. During his sophomore year, he learned — coincidentally — to DJ, which led him to become more familiar with the equipment necessary for stage production. Since then, Benson has been involved with the collaborative's tech and audio department. 

Biological Sciences major and Black Arts Collaborative president Jazsmin Vaughn.

Biological Sciences major and Black Arts Collaborative president Jazsmin Vaughn.

“The overall purpose of BAC is to have somewhere to go to create creative expression. It’s nice to be something else than just a student,” said Vaughn, now in her fourth year at UC.

She has served in the collaborative's drama department and as marketing chairwoman, which led to her current position as its president.  

The collaborative has flourished, despite the virtual nature of its events because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Last fall, the collaborative held its annual fall show online and created a platform for members from each department to share with the world what they have been working on by displaying students’ talents such as dancing or reciting a spoken word piece on its main Instagram page, @uc_bac.  

“I think no one should be afraid to join. I think the biggest thing is no one sees themselves as a creative. And everyone has something they can do. Everyone has a creative aspect,” Vaughn said.

The Black Arts Collaborative has five main departments: drama, dance, poetry, visual arts and technology. Students audition and may participate in multiple departments. Students interested can contact the BAC: ucblackartscollaborative@gmail.com.  

Featured image at top: Photo/Gift Habeshaw/Unsplash

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