Senya Scott ‘26

On Sunday, Oct. 6, the autumnal sun cast a golden light on an event that no one could miss. It had everything you could ever need: live music, student vendors, zines, and free food, all done in the most melanated and well-seasoned way. This was none other than Sarah Lawrence’s annual “Student of Color Block Party.”

This event meant more than “let’s have some fun on a Sunday.” This statement grants visibility to the talents and artistry of Sarah Lawrence’s most overlooked demographics.

It should be no surprise to anyone that Sarah Lawrence is pretty white. Students of color have all grown accustomed to seeing white students on our campus spotlighted for their achievements year after year. One thing about SLC is that there is a sizable collective consciousness among white students around the overwhelming whiteness of the college. “Sarah Lawrence lacks a lot when it comes to diversity. Oftentimes that creates a sense of isolation for a lot of the Black students on campus,” Will Lines, ‘27, said.

In order to rectify this, many students of color have been putting the work in far before this block party to ensure that students who look like them have spaces to show their work and be in the spotlight in a space that was made for them and them only. “I think it’s really important to let students know that they have a space to interact with other people of color,” Angeline Truong, ‘25, said.

Truong is the co-chair of Dark Phrases, Sarah Lawrence’s premiere magazine that makes a conscious effort to highlight POC (people of color) centered work. “They need to know that there are spaces where they can be heard. That’s the whole point of Dark Phrases. To amplify these voices on campus,” Truong said.

The event was a hit. Students spread across the lawn on blankets and enjoyed each other's company in the fall sun. It was refreshing to see so many black and brown faces on the lawn and on center-stage.

The duty and responsibility of prioritizing students of color is usually placed in the hands of students of color themselves. That is why white participation can be important when wanted. “I sometimes think it’s important for white students to attend these events to show that they care,” said Lines.

These events are for everyone to enjoy. We all play a role in the system we are part of, we might as well use that power to support the right folks. "Support our artists and musicians, listen to our music, enjoy our food. Everyone has so much fun at these events, but there is also a networking aspect to it. We need to stay within reach of our community,” Nina Simone, ‘25, said.

Nina Simone ‘25, Sarah Lawrence’s new “Student for Student Scholarships” chair, was the belle of this ball. Not only did she run a booth selling prints of her art, but she also ran a booth throughout that whole week raising money for student scholarships. She is a perfect example of the active leadership that the students of color continue to display on this campus every year.

Why We Need Student of Color Block Parties