In celebration of Black History Month, Western Michigan University’s Office of Multicultural Affairs for Students (MAS) hosted “Hustle After Dark,” a night of culture, community and movement Feb. 24. 

The event took place at the WMU Student Center Gathering Stairs and was a collaboration with the Martin Luther King Jr. Student Scholars Academy (MLK Academy) and Registered Student Organization You Beautiful Black Woman (YBBW).

“One of the things that’s common in Black communities is the hustle,” said MLK Academy Director Denisha Griffey. “It brings together the community and brings joy.”

 MAS Student Ambassador and WMU junior A’Miah Winston described a hustle as a line dance.

“There’s dances like the Greenlight and the Tamia Shuffle, to name a few of the ones that are pretty popular amongst the Black community,” Winston said. 

She highlighted the importance of events that bring together WMU’s student body. 

“It’s a very particular, universal experience to have to be a Black person on campus and have a space where you feel safe like this,” Winston said. “This isn’t secluded to a party space, but it’s actually right here in the middle of the Student Center where everybody can come together and just have a good time.”

She continued: “It can be intimidating in a party setting where everybody knows the dance, so this is not only a place to come and hang out if you know the dances, but it’s also a place to learn and experience something new.”

YBBW Secretary and WMU junior Khloe Prince emphasized the importance of bringing students together in a central location.

“The Student Center was created less than three years ago, so I think it’s important to make use of the beautiful space that is the gathering heart,” Prince said.

Griffey discussed how hustles have historically brought the Black community together and invited all students to come to events hosted by MAS.

“We want everybody to understand our history, because it is American history,” Griffey said. “Our events aren’t just for students of color, but for all students of this campus.” 

For more information on YBBW, visit their Instagram page: @ybbw_wmu.

For more information on MLK Academy, visit their website. 

For more information on MAS, visit their website.