After Emory University Men’s Basketball Head Coach Jason Zimmerman called the crowds for the men’s and women’s basketball teams on Jan. 17 the “best” he had seen during his time coaching at Emory, he hoped the trend would continue for the remaining Friday night games. This was definitely the case for the “blackout” games on Feb. 9 against Washington University in St. Louis (Mo.), where packed stands brought energy and enthusiasm to the event.
Emory’s Black Student Athlete Group (BSAG) and Black Student Alliance (BSA) organized this annual game for its second year.
BSAG president and junior sprinter on the men’s track and field team Geoff Point-du-Jour said the group was in close communication with Emory’s athletics department to make sure they had the resources for a successful event.
“The blackout game was something that we did last year as a way to bring not only the Black student-athlete community together but also incorporate Black Emory and the general Emory student body to see that there is diversity within the sports programs, and we’re here making an impact,” Point-du-Jour said.
The event began with AHANA A Cappella’s performance of “Lift Every Voice and Sing.” The organization, which is Emory’s only multicultural R&B a cappella group, harmonized in the center of the court to kick off the night.
Emory’s only Caribbean dance troupe, Emory Vibez, then performed during the women’s game halftime. Kio Whitten (26C), a member of the dance troupe, said they were “shocked” when they heard Vibez would be performing at the games.
“Vibez dance group doesn’t do too many official Emory events, so I thought that was really fun … especially during Black History Month,” Whitten said.
Emory’s National Pan-Hellenic Council, including members of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Zeta Phi Beta Sorority and Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, gave the final men’s game halftime performance.
Mady Ferrer (26C), who attended both games, said the energy with the pep band and DJ was “off the walls.” Ferrer said she appreciated how the event showcased diversity at Emory, in addition to providing a fun event to hang out with her friends.
“It’s important to show that Emory celebrates diversity here,” Ferrer said. “As a Black student, it’s nice to see the representation at a big sports game like this.”
Point-du-Jour said to see this display of school spirit was “amazing.”
“I love seeing that people are able to make the time to come out and watch the games,” Point-du-Jour said. “From what I’ve seen, compared to last year, there were definitely more people this year … I feel it has a long lasting impact, even when it’s not a blackout game.”
