Looks like Black Rain for Kuumba

Oberlin College wasn't ready for Black Rain.

At least not until members from the class of 2001 took over by storm.

This semester's celebration of creativity by ABUSUA, the black student union, began Kuumba week on Thursday. The theme is "Black Rain: And Who Shall Inherit the Earth?"

Organized primarily by first-years Camille Newman, Jacquelyn Strait and Nicole Davis, Kuumba week is full of cultural events that highlight the power of the black community on Oberlin's campus.

Newman said she decided to take on the challenge of helping to organize this event for one reason: "to change the world."

"My entire life is revolved around change, especially change for the upliftment of my people," Newman said. "I also wanted to chair the Kuumba committee because I felt that the class of 2001 needed to leave their mark on something. It is very important as a black community that we are overflowing with spirit and vigor, because our race has never been weak."

This semester's Kuumba events include a fashion show with clothes from J. Crew, J. Riggins, Banana Republic and Champs sportswear, as well as a dance choreographed by first-year Kyleema Murray.

There will also be a Variety Show, the Kuumba Jam, a Carribbean Candlelight dinner and the Black Conservatory night.

Strait said, "Oberlin is fortunate to have first-years that are so dedicated to a program of this caliber, but we would have very much appreciated help from more upperclassmen. We get about 20 people daily who want to pass out fliers, but it's not all about that."

In the past, Kuumba week has been organized by members of the black community with support from some members of the faculty. The weeks have had themes that have centered around time period, the black family and freedom of expression.

This semester's theme was developed by first-year Baderinwa Lumumba-Umoja.

"The rain is our class, bringing talent and creativity to help enhance the growth of out community," said Newman.

The committee has been planning for this semester's Kuumba since the end of last semester.

Originally, Kuumba was scheduled to last for 10 days. Due to cancellations and lack of funds, however, several events had to be eliminated or drastically scaled down.

The original budget was $30,000, with allotments for two speakers and artists for the Poetry night, but because the committee had no prior experience with budgeting, the funds were severely cut.

"We didn't know how to set up a budget to send to SFC. Maybe we could have gotten more money had a treasurer, or even a former treasurer, helped us," said Strait.

"I hope everyone enjoys the program. College isn't all about the degree, it's about who you become in the process," Newman said. "In a few weeks we will all leave and others will probably forget about out blood, sweat and tears, but it's nice to know in the end that you personally accomplished what you set out to do."

Newman decided to dedicate Kuumba week to a theme along those lines. "Kuumba is hereby dedicated to all the black folks, the 'birds of promise, who defy the odds and sing their songs,'" she said.