Rising Black Men throws its first annual Black Prom at Michigan State

The suits were sharp and the gowns were flowing. Michigan State's Rising Black Men closed out Homecoming weekend by hosting its first annual Black Prom on Sunday night at the MSU Union in East Lansing.

A black-tie night to remember

The event ran from 5 to 10 p.m. Oct. 11 with dinner and dancing. It also featured the crowning of the Homecoming court winners. For many students it was a rare chance to dress up just for the joy of it.

Rising Black Men president Kenneth "KJ" Nathaniel, a journalism senior, said he usually saves formal wear for career fairs and interviews. This time he got to show up for fun. He said he could not wait to see everybody's outfits.

Seven months in the making

The idea started last year when former president Myles McGee pitched a prom to the executive board. It sat on the shelf until Nathaniel was elected in the spring. He spent the summer lining up a caterer and a DJ. He also picked a color scheme and shopped for decorations.

Nathaniel said the night meant a lot because the group had never done anything like it. After about seven months of planning he finally got to watch it come together.

A founder sees how far it has come

Rising Black Men was founded in 2017 to empower Black men on campus, mostly through a mentorship program that pairs underclassmen with upperclassmen as they settle into college life. Founder Dr. Tim Herd started it after his freshman year to push back on the negative way Black male success in college is often described.

Herd now leads a nonprofit and came back for the big night. He said it was awesome to see the group grow into events like this. He said he was just excited to be a fly on the wall and take it all in.

A space that says you belong

Business sophomore Ivan Phillips, a transfer student, ran for Mr. Sophomore to get involved fast. He did not win the title but said he came to enjoy the experience. Phillips said Black proms carry a standard of class and success that matters in the community.

African Student Union president Kadiatou Kaba, a human development senior, said the prom fills a real gap. She said freshmen who walk in will see that there is a place for them. Her message was simple. Everyone deserves spaces where they feel important and appreciated.