BSU’s “Jazz Night” Continues to Thrive

Written by Caroline Daniels & Anya Penherski

On Dec. 5, at 7 p.m., the Interlochen Black Student Union (BSU) held a “Jazz Night,” where students of all majors and backgrounds were able to converge and listen to live jazz music, eat food, dress up, recite poems, and more. It was held on the lower level of the Bonisteel Library.  

The student members of the BSU organized and planned the event, to bring all different types of people together for an act of celebration. The organizing was led by four-year Visual Arts major Muniba Ritman Oke, who serves as BSU Co-President alongside four-year Acting major Alijah Cambridge. Muniba planned and organized this event with other members of the union, similarly to previous jazz nights. She played a very big role in making sure everything ran smoothly and came together, by organizing dates and times, musicians, food, lighting, and so much more.

The Jazz Night event began in 2024, and it is now a tradition; it became a huge hit for IAA students.

Jackson Alejandro, a four-year Acting major, as well as a member of the BSU, described the event as “chaotic, loud, and busy.” Then he added, “At the same time, really exciting. There were lots of people there and it seemed everyone had a good time. [My favorite part was], honestly, the poems. They were very memorable.”

Malika Prasad, a three-year senior jazz drummer and violinist as well as one of the members of the jazz band for the event, said, “The energy was really nice to see, and all of it was really fun. I think each year they will continue to get better.”

In the end, the tradition of the IAA BSU Jazz Night will continue to thrive for years to come. The students and members of IAA are so grateful to the Black Student Union for organizing and putting these events together!