UC students find creative outlet in Black Arts Collaborative

By Joí Dean 

When she came to the University of Cincinnati as a biology major, Jazsmin Vaughn was looking for a circle of new friends.

Vaughn happened to meet an executive board member for the student organization Black Arts Collaborative and was encouraged to audition. Vaughn tried out for the drama section, and has loved the group ever since, she says.

Black Arts Collaborative is a platform for the expression of Black art. The organization focuses on the adversities and experiences of the Black community but is open to students of all ethnicities. In the past, the collaborative has held a numerous number of events at various functions on campus such as Akwaaba (Black Student Welcome), Tyehimba graduation and even halftime shows at football games.

“The Black Arts Collaborative is one of the most prestigious organizations on campus as far as the African American community within the African American Cultural & Resource Center,” said DJ Benson, a fifth-year student majoring in biological sciences and health education.

Benson is the former president of the Black Arts Collaborative who now serves as technology and audio department director.

Benson was originally involved in the dance department as a freshman. During his sophomore year, he learned — coincidentally — to DJ, which led him to become more familiar with the equipment necessary for stage production. Since then, Benson has been involved with the collaborative's tech and audio department.