On Friday, Columbia students put on a Fashion and Culture exposition as a part of Black Heritage Month celebrations. Musicians, dance groups, and fashion designers displayed work influenced by black culture, joining in appreciation of our diversity.

"The theme this year was The New Black: Molding our Identity and the main issue that we wanted to approach was to make sure that we redefine and try to bring in a community from Columbia University and let them know what black heritage means to us," says Organizer Kalema Boateng.

Throughout the night, artists showcased their talents and paid their respects to the vibrant history of the black community. But what did the event mean to the attendees? What was the sense of Black Heritage that they walked away with?

"To me, Black Heritage Month is just a time to showcase the accomplishments of the black population in America; whether that means Black America, the Caribbean, Africa… it’s all the same to me personally."

"I mean, we should be celebrating it year-round, but it’s the time when we really choose to appreciate our history and look back and remember the people that got us to the place where we are today."

After a night of culture and art, students left the event with a greater appreciation and pride in the richness of cultural diversity here at Columbia.