Empowering Black artistry: Cleveland State University’s first Black arts club – The Cauldron
Discovering a safe haven as a Black artist at Cleveland State University can feel like an overwhelming challenge. In a society where the brilliance of Black creators is frequently overlooked or commodified, discerning when and where to showcase oneself becomes a daunting task.
This reality prompted Black students at CSU to take action by forming a club dedicated to celebrating and amplifying the voices and works of Black artists.
In February 2023, the Black Leading Arts Cultural Club (BLACC) was born. This club was founded with the explicit aim of providing a sanctuary for young Black student artists to immerse themselves in the world of the arts.
Photo Credit: BLACC at CSU
Black Artists and Black Excellence
Cassandra Miller, president and founder of BLACC, shared that the name “BLACC” was chosen not only to symbolize the identity of its members as Black individuals and artists, but also to spotlight the essence of Black excellence embodied within the club.
“Creating an acronym that spelled Black…that was another one of our goals,” Miller shared in an interview with The Cauldron.
For centuries, Black excellence has prevailed. Black artists have historically made a large impact on the arts of America, including dance, literature, visuals, clothing, music and more.
“Black excellence is, you know, the catalyst of what Black artistry is and what Black is,” Miller said.
Miller also emphasized Black excellence as something that comes from Black people naturally. It is something that pays homage to the ancestors who have paved the way for Black artists to do what they do.
A prominent illustration of Black Excellence within the arts can be found within the realm of Black theater.
Black theater within the United States has long been a bastion of creativity and excellence, but its history is also deeply intertwined with struggles for liberation. Early depictions in films like “The Birth of a Nation” exemplified how white creators caricatured Black experiences for the entertainment of privileged audiences, marginalizing Black voices in the process. ‘
Despite this systemic exclusion, Black artists courageously reclaimed their narratives, establishing their own spaces to thrive and express their truths. This journey of reclaiming agency within the realm of theater is emblematic of the broader struggle for Black liberation in America.
Black theater encapsulates the vivid movement that encompasses plays crafted by, for, and about Black Americans.
Cleveland boasts not only the longest-standing Black theater in America, Karamu House, but also the second-largest performing arts center in the United States, Playhouse Square.
All of which bring forth the ongoing history of Black theater arts.
“It’s important for Black students, Black artists, to see that, but also the University as a whole, to learn about other cultures that are different…,” added Miller.
While striving towards this objective, BLACC acknowledges the sobering reality that American culture often fails to fully recognize Black excellence. BLACC seeks to navigate and work towards ways of connecting with those outside the African diaspora.
“Non-Black students want to engage with us. No matter where you go, people want to gravitate towards Black culture… Black culture influences every aspect of America, whether it is acknowledged or not,” said Miller.
The Foundation of BLACC
Being supported and surrounded by like-minded people as a Black artist is something that Miller thought was necessary.
“BLACC was founded because I originally started at a different university for my freshman and sophomore year…and I really didn’t have any black artists around me…It was very lonely, very isolating…we did not have Black teachers,” shared Miller.
Students across the country who identify with the Black diaspora frequently encounter similar challenges. This shared experience can present obstacles to maintaining motivation and dedication, particularly in the absence of sufficient examples or established paths to follow.
Therefore, the creation of spaces like BLACC, as Miller highlighted, is imperative.
The inclusion of supportive faculty and staff within spaces like BLACC is also crucial, as it significantly contributes to fostering a sense of safety and security.
“They are like our mamas…. In a sense, it is in Black culture, you know, our elders, our ancestors, our mothers, the aunties, the grandmas, are very important,” Miller said. “And although they aren’t our moms and probably couldn’t be our moms with their ages… they definitely mentor us, and they definitely are, you know, a mothering space for us.”
The faculty that helped make BLACC a reality provided insights and support in a way that made students feel welcomed, loved, and protected.
The creation of spaces like “BLACC” is imperative in bringing together the Black diaspora, giving them the community and resources to succeed in their art and beyond. Photo Credit: Cassandra Miller
BLACC in the Future
BLACC takes various initiatives to bridge the gap in Black art, with a primary focus on cultivating an engaging student environment. This includes organizing group outings to watch productions like “The Wiz,” “Black Nativity,” and other impactful Black plays.
Not only is the group involved in Cleveland, but BLACC also works to create spaces for others to come together to celebrate the works of Black students beyond the city.
The organization hopes to grow its membership by hosting events on campus.
“We try to hold things on different days… different hours [throughout] the week, so that everybody who’s interested can find themselves at a Black event or meeting in some shape or form,” Miller said.
Some of these events on the horizon include its highly anticipated “Take the Stage” event, which was a resounding success last year and promises to be even bigger this year; the Garfield Heights History Event, featuring student modeling and dancing; and their monthly Soul Food and Cards Event, with the next one scheduled for March 22.
Moreover, the club collaborates with artists participating in CSU theater’s newest production titled “Ancestra,” showcasing historical elements depicting significant Black figures. The play runs from Feb. 22 through March 3.
The club also has workshops where students can build skills in specific art forms such as dance and movement.
Get Involved
BLACC is eagerly preparing for its annual event, “Take the Stage,” which serves as a vibrant platform to celebrate Black artistry in its diverse expressions. Whether you’re pursuing arts as a major or not, you’re encouraged to join this inclusive community. Composed of students from different class levels and backgrounds, BLACC reflects a rich tapestry of experiences and perspectives.
For more information on BLACC and to get involved, visit the club’s page on VikesConnect.
Stay tuned for updates and upcoming events through the club’s Instagram: @blackleadingartsculturalclub.
A Final Note for Black History Month
In the tradition of the Black arts, the phrase “Asé, Asé” holds significant cultural resonance.
However, the catchphrase of BLACC has evolved to symbolize a harmonious connection between the newer and older generations, as Miller articulates, stating, “Asé, Asé,” which is a word of affirmation, followed by an affirmative response of “YER.”
This adaptation beautifully captures the spirit of unity and continuity within the Black community, bridging past and present in a powerful affirmation of collective strength and resilience.
With that, I wholeheartedly echo, “Asé, Asé,” inviting you to affirm with a loud “YER!”
Collectively, let us embrace the richness of Black art and excellence.