The Fourth Iteration (Black Formal)

Northwestern has committed itself to diversity, as proven by the number of policy changes in admission and financial aid that seek to incorporate students of more diverse backgrounds into the population of undergraduates. However, a diverse environment is not necessarily analogous with an inclusive environment. Inclusivity, as many of us know, requires an understanding of power dynamics and privilege and an intentional effort to ensure equity for all students. For the fourth year in a row, a collective of students within the Black community, representative of members that both do and do not hold official leadership positions, have joined together to continue the premier event of the year for the Black community, the Fourth Annual Black Formal: The Fourth Edition. 

For the past three years, Black Formal has hosted one of the largest and most attended events on campus. This formal has become a prominent fixture in the Black undergraduate experience in only  three years of existence. Students have voiced how amazing it is to meet so many new faces and see so many Black students, and how validated and safe they feel. This Formal has provided a space for Black students to expand their understanding of the scope and diversity of Northwestern's Black community as a whole and allowed us to reflect on our own Blackness, how it's presented, and how it can be such a unifying identity in a place that can often feel very isolating.

This year’s event, Black Formal Presents: The Fourth Edition, is slated to occur in spring 2020, per the Black student body’s wishes. We anticipate finalizing a venue by the end of winter quarter and will be posting save the dates with an official date and location. All of the money raised will directly support the fundraising events to support the Formal. These events include a Black Business Expo and a ‘Products of Beauty’ Event. Making a gift will allow even more students to be able to attend this event. Thank you in advance!