University of Missouri

Photos by Mikala Compton and Hanna Yowell
Published Nov. 6, 2015

Black Culture Awareness Week originated in 1992 with a proclamation by Columbia Mayor Mary Anne McCollum. The week’s events provide MU students and the Columbia community with insight into black culture and history.

The 2015 events, held Nov. 1-6, included a film screening, community discussions and lectures, the seventh annual Play the Part show, and a visit from Hazelwood West High School students.

Soul Food Brunch

Students kicked off the series of Black Culture Awareness Week events with a Sunday Soul Food Brunch at Mizzou's Gaines/Oldham Black Culture Center. Photos by Mikala Compton.

Jazmine Stockdale laughs at a table with her friends during the Soul Food Brunch at Mizzou's Gaines/Oldham Black Culture Center.

Students settle into the Gaines/Oldham Black Culture Center for a shared meal.

Sade Upshaw smiles after greeting her friend Lea Brown at the Soul Food brunch.

Destini Long eats brunch with her friends.

Eunice Onyelobi waits in line as a Black Cultural Center staff member serves her food.

All Aboard the Soul Train!

The Missouri Theatre was home to Thursday's Play the Part, a staple feature of Black Culture Awareness Week. This year’s theme was “Soul Train Awards,” and participants portrayed artists from various time periods and record labels. Photos by Hanna Yowell.

Diana Ross

John Legend

Lauryn Hill

Michael Jackson