The Black Student Center (BSC) at the University of Massachusetts Boston celebrated Black Love Day on Feb. 25.

Black Love Day is one of three nationally-celebrated African-American holidays, started with activist Ayo Handy Kendi. Kendi founded the holiday in order to celebrate love and self-love of Black people.

Black Love Day follows five tenants: love for the Black community, love for the self, love for the Black race, love for the creator, and love for the Black family.

Shauna Pulley, the BSC’s coordinator, described how each performance touched on all mentioned tenants.

The events began with a video of a rendition of Jeremiah Wright’s “Why Are You So Strong, Black Man.” The poem paid homage to the resilience and strength of Black people.

The events then turned to the first performer, a cover of John Legend’s “All of Me.”  

Mariette Bien-Aime, a Ph.D. student on campus, presented five of her art pieces, each highlighting the five tenants of Black Love Day.

“I paint to promote healing and to show the struggles that consistently come up in the minority community.” One of Bien-Aime’s most popular pieces of art is titled “Woman, You Are Beautiful.”

The piece was painted on three placards and depicted a Black woman looking at a white flower. Bien-Aime said that the art piece was made to reflect the beauty Black women have, even while they appreciate the beauty of others.  

Following the art show was a cover of Deniece Williams’ “Black Butterfly.”

Afterwards, there was an open discussion with the crowd. One of the BSC organizers asked the audience what their thoughts and feelings were after watching, hearing, and seeing the performances.

According to one student, things like Black Love Day really help Black females learn how to love themselves in society.

A poem read later on in the event, titled “Ode to A Black Activist,” was written in remembrance of MarShawn McCarrel, a Black Lives Matter organizer who committed suicide on the footsteps of Ohio’s Statehouse.

The event ended with a dance performance by student Junior Cius. Cius danced to songs from Kendrick Lamar and J. Cole, celebrating the Black experience while taking aim at racial injustices.