Ithaca College

Sister 2 Sister, an empowerment group for the women at IC and a network of support for social, emotional, psychological, academic, and political growth, held an event called “Re-Claiming Blackness” to conclude Black History Month, Sunday, February, 28 in Emerson Suites. The event showcased a variety of Ithaca College students and alumni as well as a group of three poets/teachers from Albany called, “The New Poets.”

Sophomore Brittany Gardner, co-president of S2S, emceed the event with sophomore Denise Terrell, community service chair of S2S. Gardener said the event was about the performers' perspective of blackness.

"This event is important because ALANA students need to understand the past and love each aspect of themselves,” Gardner said.

Performances included poetry, rapping, beatboxing, instrumental and vocal performances from students like Ava Bryan,  Damiano Malvasio, Marissa Booker, Isabella Mia, Isaiah Horton, Alyse Harris, Justine Elliott and Gardner. Dance groups such as D.O.P.E Steppers, Island Fusion, Pulse and Ground Up Crew also performed. The event also highlighted Malaika Apparel, a clothing line by senior Rita Bunatal with the goal to help uplift, empower and ultimately bridge the gap within the Black/African diaspora.

The idea for the showcase, Gardner said, came from brainstorming at several executive board meetings.

For more information on Sister 2 Sister and other student organizations please click here.