Community, unity and action were the main themes of Black Organization Night at Sacramento State on Oct. 3. and made it clear that even the smallest action could have a huge impact.

Org. Night was held in the University Ballroom of the Union, with nearly 20 organizations performing and/or presenting.

Organizations need to apply to be a part of Org. Night and there are strict guidelines that must be followed in order for an organization’s application to be considered.

“Each organization must have substance, there has to be an education point and a purpose,” said Khalil Ferguson, chairperson for Org. Night.

The key aspects of being able to present at Org. Night are simple but necessary to keep with the theme.

“There are three components to Black Organization Night, first off is community. Secondly, we have campus unity. Lastly, it’s just getting involved,” said Jabari Lewis, committee chair for Org. Night.

Though the name is officially Black Organization Night, all ethnicities and cultures are welcome to attend and participate.

“Whether you’re a predominantly African American organization or a Latino organization, or a Caucasian organization, we want to make sure that everybody is involved,” said Lewis.

All organizations in attendance are focused on helping college students succeed, especially students of color.

“[Black Org Night] represents the organizations here on campus and showcases what types of organizations we have and what you can join to make you a better student and a better professional,” said Jackie Morris-Henderson, Black Alumni Chapter president.

There was a diverse audience at Org. Night, a multitude a skin tones all packed into one room to learn about opportunities that could help them better their college experience and better themselves as individuals.

“Each organization here tonight is a place to call home, for someone,” said Melinda Ramey, theater and dance department chair.

As sororities strolled the aisles with fraternities following close behind and as each presentation expressed the importance of education and strengthening communities, a camaraderie began to form amongst attendees.

People began to recognize their ability to do more for their separate communities and larger communities like Sac State.

“If we don’t take responsibility for the problems we face, who will?” asked Veronica Williams, an ethnic studies major and MC for the night.

The need to answer that question seemed to be the point of Org. Night.

Black Org. night was the perfect place for young people of all races to come together and counteract the effects of racial inequality so that young men of color like Michael Brown and Trayvon Martin are not dying for simply being young men of color.

Sac State faculty member and Black Alumni Chapter president at UC Davis, Robert Oden pointed to members of the audience and said, if you and you and you do well that’s great but we ALL have to do well in this community.

Taking action and focusing on education and creativity was a key concept for Karasi Morrow, founder of the group Mind Kandi. She said, “I can’t change the world but I can change the whole world for somebody.”

Changes can be made in small steps. The more people that take a step, the bigger the impact. Sometimes just stepping into a room will change change a life. 

“I wouldn’t be where I am now if I didn’t go to Org night when I was a student,” said Henderson.