By Faith Ball
On Feb. 19, 40-45 Grand Rapids Community College students and staff gathered to share food, culture and conversation at the second annual Food 4 Da Soul Banquet. This event was held on the first floor of the Wisner-Bottrall Applied Technology Center.
“Black Africana Student Union is a student organization that is… open to everybody,” stated BASU Secretary Mekhi Walton in a text to The Collegiate. “We aim to keep our student organization as inclusive as possible. In tandem, we also want to create a safe space for Black students on campus who may feel like… they can’t express themselves fully at GRCC.”
Walton first became a member of BASU in 2023 after seeing a poster advertising the club. “Ever since then, I’ve been deeply invested in the group and have found such a vibrant community here!” Walton stated.
Food is the common denominator for all people, regardless of race, gender or sexuality. Food can unite everyone. The Food 4 Da Soul Banquet, hosted by the BASU was the perfect example of food uniting a community.
Everyone came together around tables covered with pink and white tablecloths and paper flower arrangements. There was an extensive variety of delicious foods, including green beans with turkey bits, country-fried chicken, mac and cheese, peach cobbler and cake.
Cameron Hauenstein, 22, of Grand Rapids was a BASU first-timer and said he came for the food and stayed for the fun.
Ariel Wood, BASU’s media representative, said her favorite food from the event was mac and cheese with peach cobbler being a close second.
This event was held during Black History Month to connect the Black community and educate those who desired to celebrate Black culture.
“Black history for me is a place where we can reflect on the stories of those who came before and look back for inspiration, wisdom, and guidance!” Walton stated. “Black history is embodied by the food. Soul food has such rich ties to the African American community. I’m glad our event made sure the food was the star of the show. For the banquet, we wanted to introduce students to the world of soul food as well as the culture behind it. Additionally, soul food is known for its power of uniting communities and that’s exactly the type of thing our group is about.”
“The event was successful to me because… the message and the intent were there,” stated Deshanisty Smith, 19, of Grand Rapids in a text to The Collegiate.
Smith had not attended BASU events before but said the Food 4 Da Soul event has inspired her to go to future gatherings.
When the event was over, BASU President Evodie Djunga, offered the remaining food to a GRCC staff member cleaning up after the banquet. This act of kindness created another bridge between culture, food and community.
BASU holds events like the Food 4 Da Soul Banquet almost every month. Students who weren’t at this event have many opportunities to get involved in the future.
“Next month is Reading Month so for our meeting… bring a book, article, newspaper or anything that interests you, and you can talk about it,” Walton said.
BASU meetings are held every Wednesday from 12-1:30 p.m. in room 206 of Raleigh J. Finkelstein Hall.
“Come as you are,” Walton said.
