Building community, celebrating individual identity, paving the way for future leaders through Black History Month
Belmont’s Black History Month celebration hosted several campus events designed to build community, highlight Black creativity and honoring cultural traditions of the Black American experience. This year's celebration included a line dancing event, featured Chapel speakers, film screenings, Gospel karaoke, and more — providing a space for Belmont's community to connect, learn and celebrate together.
Becoming Agents of Change
When walking onto Belmont’s campus for the first time, Jay Bracy and Trenton Evans noticed the same thing: there weren’t many people who looked like them. Instead of pulling back, they chose to embrace the difference.
“Belmont has equipped and set us up for success, especially to find our people, our connectionand our culture,” said Bracy, a junior double major in secondary education and mathematics from Memphis, Tennessee.
Bracy and Evans have stepped up as agents of change at Belmont, rising into leadership roles to help grow a community with students who share their experiences.
Leadership Through Community
Bracy is heavily involved in campus life, serving as president of the Kappa Alpha Psi fraternity, an admissions office liaison, and a student supervisor in the Office of Advancement.
He is also chaplin for the Black Student Association (BSA), a culture-based organization open to all college students that strives to promote Black cultural awareness and minority issues on campus and throughout the community.
BSA hosted several events during Black History Month, which Bracy sees as a significant contribution to campus life.
"Once I became the treasurer, I found myself getting more involved and learning and growing my relationship across campus,” said Bracy. “I wanted to be surrounded by people who were like-minded, focuses on a higher goal and growing their relationship with Christ”
Bracy values the importance of community and leadership, noting, “There is nothing like having your own people. There's nothing like having a community. Nothing can break us apart.”
He highlights the important role BSA has in building meaningful connections and the significance of Black History Month in celebrating both past and present achievements.
For Bracy Black History Month is an opportunity not only to honor the past, but to also recognize Black students making history now.
“Let's begin to celebrate those who are here with us, who are making history,” he said. “Sooner or later, we're going to start celebrating them.”
Resilience, Creativity, and Support Systems
Similar to Bracy, BSA became the anchor for finding community and belonging. Evans is a marketing and public relations major.
Also a highly involved junior, Evans is a member of Onyx Creators Club, Bruin Recruiters, African Student Association and BSA.
At Belmont, he has found encouragement and support through departments like the Office of Hope, Belonging and Unity (The HUB) which actively promotes a welcoming campus culture.
Evans recently thanked VP of The HUB Dr. D’Angelo Taylor for his leadership in a LinkedIn post.
“When you hear people say, ‘Belmont feels like home,’ a lot of that comes from the people who intentionally create spaces where you feel seen, welcomed and valued,” Evans shared. “As a student, it’s encouraging to know there are leaders on campus whose entire job is centered on belonging and impact.”
Even his relationships with professors have grown into something deeper than just academics. What starts as academic support turns into genuine connection, shaping his sense of belonging at Belmont.
“I feel very supported by my professors,” Evans said. “Although I’m there to learn more about what I need help on, sometimes during office hours, I also get to know my professors on a personal level.”
For him, the Black History Month is about cultural expression, community, and the importance of celebrating shared identity.
Celebrating Community and Culture
Belmont’s celebration of Black History Month demonstrated the beauty of community and leadership, which is not only built from events but also through students who chose to lead and create a space of community for others. Bracy and Evans represent that work by using their voices, creativity, and commitment to motivate those around them. As Evans shared, “Creativity lives in us,” shared Evans. “Black History is about resilience, identity and it’s about celebration.” as a reminder that Black culture continues to thrive.
As Belmont continues to grow, so does the legacy of students who step up and make history in their own unique way.
Roots and Traditions
Belmont hosted an herbalism workshop during Black History Month, honoring past and present of a cultural tradition. Students gathered to learn an ancient practice that once kept entire communities alive. Herbalist Dana Stein, a Nashville native, led the group through making lavender-infused oil, explaining that this wasn't just a craft project; it was a direct link to survival.
"During Black History Month, we often focus on well known figures and big moments, but today, we're honoring something quieter in justice, power. Powerful the everyday healing practices sustained black communities for generations” Stein said.
Recording session with Stalley
Stalley is an Ohio-born rapper known for his raw, honest storytelling and a sound deeply rooted in Midwest grit and authenticity.
The spirit of artistry and authenticity was alive in Belmont's Ocean Way recording studio where Stalley stepped behind the mic and invited students to witness something rarely seen up close.
Stalley led the room through a recording session and reminded students that great music doesn't begin with fame it begins with something much quieter.
Moments from Black History Month
Belmont students move across the floor together during a Black History Month line dance workshop located in the Beaman Center
Belmont students enjoy a dance workshop during Black History Month line dancing event in the Beaman Center
Dr. Lisa Weaver speaks to the audience at Chapel during for Black History Month
Belmont students perform worship music on stage at Chapel
American rapper Stalley laughs alongside fellow panelists during a Black History Month discussion at Ocean Way Nashville Recording studios
Belmont University students gather in a chapel-style venue to hear rapper Stalley speak during a Black History Month panel discussion
Belmont students make lavender essential oil during a hands-on workshop led by herbalist Dana Stein
Dana Stein and two members of Belmont's landscaping team smile together outdoors on campus
Learn more about the program in this story