Anne Reyna ‘23
Staff Writer
What it is, UVA Law! Last Tuesday, the club was definitely going up. Feb Club was back in full swing just a few days after Barrister’s, as the Black Law Students Association (BLSA) threw the grooviest, most far out party this month. Students came dressed in their funky threads and boogied all night long at Crozet. This party was the ’70s personified, with everything from multi-colored lights and a slammin’ playlist, to a polaroid camera and enough pizza to go around. The people wanted the ’70s to be brought back, and BLSA delivered in a big way. So, everyone bring out your flare pants, v-necks, and nifty patterns, because it is all back in style.
A specific thank you goes out to BLSA members and event organizers, Marley Peters and Genesis Moore. Peters, BLSA’s social chair, discussed how her “favorite part was the Soul Train line dance.” For those who don’t know, Soul Train was an American musical variety show which aired all the way from 1971-2006, with over 1,100 episodes recorded. BLSA definitely did the show justice and provided a unique law school party experience unlike any other. “We picked the ’70s because we wanted to dance to good music, see some creative outfits and have a good time with our classmates. We are so happy with the turn out, and thanks to everyone who came!” said Peters.
Photo Courtesy of Anne Reyna '23
One of the standouts of the night was the immaculately curated playlist for the event. “The playlist was fire,” confirmed 1L Briana Woody. Everybody was getting down to Donna Summer, The Supremes, Bee Gees, Stevie Wonder, Kool & The Gang, and so many more incredible musical talents. Whether you were boogying to “Love Train,” “September,” or belting out “Boogie Wonderland,” BLSA brought the whole house down (or at least the upstairs of Crozet). “This party reminds me of the best part of the ’70s,” said 2L Peter Lee Hamilton mid-groove, and with the good music, off-the-hook dance moves, and even better company, it’s hard to dispute his claim. “BLSA’s Feb Club party was a great place to catch up with old friends and make new friends while dancing. Literally no other Law School party had music and moves like them. 10/10,” said confirmed party attender Payal Sampat ’23. So the reviews are officially out, and we’re all left wondering when BLSA’s next event is happening.
The other standout of the night was some of the jammin’ ’70s outfits. “The best outfits were the Black Panther outfits, hands down,” said law student Mustapha Yoosuf-Akinlaja ’23. One of BLSA’s members, Matthew Lyskawa ’23, came dressed as a Black Panther, one of several at the party. The Black Panthers were a political organization formed to challenge police brutality against African Americans. When asked about his inspiration for the outfit, Lyskawa offered some thought-provoking comments.
Photo Courtesy of Anne Reyna '23
“When wearing my Black Panther outfit, I was provoked to remember. As Rambert, who was also dressed as a Black Panther, and I were walking to the party, almost everyone we walked passed stared at us with looks of both fear and curiosity. Such reactions to the perception of black folks is commonplace in our lives. Our presence often invokes fear and curiosity: I will never forget the fear in the cop’s eyes, with his gun drawn, as he pulled me over for a broken tail light or when one of my academic advisors, with the curiosity of a child, touched my hair when I grew it out. What made these perceptions different was the militancy with which Rambert and I showed up in the world: we were not only black, but black and militant. That perception of black people has proven to be dangerous. Dressed as a black panther provoked me to remember my militant ancestors, their resolve, their audacity, and their hope. I remembered the black and brown subaltern communities around the world who have employed militant tactics to contest their subjugation. I remembered my enslaved ancestors who toiled under the threat of gratuitous violence when they built UVA,” said Lyskawa.
Hopefully everyone was able to make it out to a few Feb Club events, as by the time this article comes out, we will have sprung into March. “I thought it was a great turnout, this was the only Feb Club party I came to, and it was the only party I needed to come to” said certified party attendee Effie Kisger ’23. So lastly, I personally want to thank everyone who made each event possible. This month brought a lot of us together and truly made the Law School live up to its reputation as being a fun and collegial environment for all.
Until next time Feb Club, peace out.
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agr5ag@virginia.edu