In recognition of Black History Month, Rider University’s Black Student Union (BSU) will present a series of events on the Lawrenceville campus, including a keynote address by civil rights activist Jesse Epps and a lecture by author and speaker Hasani Pettiford. This year’s theme is “Ordinary People Equipped for Extraordinary Leadership.”
Rider’s BSU adviser Uchenna Duru said the theme and ideas of some of the workshops were borrowed from the Black Leadership Conference, which BSU members attended earlier in January in Washington, D.C.
“The BSU executive board just loved the theme of the conference, so they decided to make it the theme of this year’s Black History Month,” said Duru, who also is a graduate assistant in the Center for Multicultural Affairs. “The message the theme sends is to liberate the leader within you. That’s truly what the BSU members are trying to strive for. We’re in a transition in American history, and you can’t say that your words or actions can’t make difference.”
BSU President Tamare Merentie said she hopes the keynote address and the rest of the month’s events will motivate Rider students to create change at the University and in the surrounding communities.
The schedule of events includes:
Monday, Feb. 9, 5 p.m., Gill Chapel — Protestant Campus Ministry will welcome Derrick Chambers, former NFL player (Carolina Panthers and Jacksonville Jaguars) and current student at Princeton Theological Seminary. Soul food dinner and Q & A with Derrick to follow.
Tuesday, Feb. 10, 7 p.m., BLC Theater — Black History Month Keynote Speaker: Jesse Epps. Epps was involved in the Sanitation Workers’ Strike in Memphis, Tenn. in 1968.
Wednesday, Feb. 11 — Midnight Run: 5 p.m., prepare sandwiches at Gill Chapel; 7 p.m., head to NYC to help the homeless.
Thursday, Feb. 12, 5 p.m.-7 p.m., BLC Fireside Lounge — Student/faculty mixer – opportunity for students to network with faculty.
Tuesday, Feb. 17, 7 to 9 p.m., BLC Fireside Lounge —Workshop: Black Like Me will address stereotypes within the black community.
Wednesday, Feb. 18, 8 to 10 p.m., BLC Theater — Black History Month lecture: Hasani Pettiford. Pettiford is recognized for his work addressing human sexuality, interpersonal relationships, personal growth and development. His has written several books, including his series of personal growth and development, The Habit Series.
Friday, Feb. 27, 7 p.m.-10 p.m., BLC Theater — Color of Music, a ceremony featuring students in various music performances going through a timeline of black music.
Saturday, Feb. 28, 9 p.m.-midnight, BLC Fireside Lounge — A Black Affair, a music and dance Celebration. All black attire recommended.
Sunday, March 1, 5 p.m., BLC Theater — BSU Gospel Fest will feature performances from Rider and the local community. Soul food dinner to follow in the Cavalla Room.

