The UAB’s Black Students Board launches its annual Back to School Jam, Thursday, Aug. 19, where students are anticipated to enjoy music, food, learn about African American organizations and enjoy the company of fellow N.C. State students.

Every year, the BSB hosts the Back to School Jam during Wolfpack Welcome Week to promote school spirit and introduce students to campus organizations. Students can expect food, fun and great entertainment.

Khalia Braswell, a BSB chairperson, said the intended audience is freshmen.

“The purpose of this event is to target freshmen and allow them to visit different African American organizations and view performing organizations. It’s an event for people to meet each other, become involved and get entertainment… plus free food,” Braswell said.

Lelia White, a freshman in biology, said she’s going to the Back to School Jam to meet people.

“This is my first event to go to here at State, so it’s pretty important. I’m mainly going in hopes of meeting people,” White said.

Alana Young, sophomore in fashion and textile management, said she is attending the event for the second year in a row.

“I’m going to see what free stuff they have and to see what else there is to do over there. The event is fun and gives you something to do,” Young said.

Dance Visions, Black Finesse, Rizzy (a female rapper), Black Repertory Theater, the Winners Circle and Alpha Nu Omega Fraternity will all perform and most National Panhellenic Council members will be stepping.

“The performers and the people who come out make this event successful,” Braswell said. 

Rosalyn Smith, a sophomore in accounting, said she enjoys the Back to School Jam for multiple reasons.

“I enjoy getting to meet new people, eating great food, hearing good music and seeing fraternities and sororities step,” Smith said.

According to Telicia Hunter, a junior in biological sciences, people always talk about how much fun the event is.

“I think it’s good for the students so they can meet new people, or people like them, and get a feel for the environment.  Every year people talk about how fun it is, so I figured I should check it out,” Hunter said.

As far as coordinating the event, Braswell said organization is the key to improving the event from last year.

“This year we planned early and reached out to organizations so we can organize better. Instead of getting a random person from the crowd, the performers had to sign up like the organizations did, using a Google form. We also have BDhat from 102 Jams, a comedian with experience,” Braswell said.

According to Braswell, the only other time students can see these groups perform is during the spring.

“This is good entertainment because the only other time anyone can see these groups is during Pan-African week, which is during the spring. Through this event, students get to know about these organizations ahead of time, if they want to join them,” Braswell said.

Among all things, students attending the Back to School Jam appreciate this event and its contribution to University life.

“I think Back to School Jam allows you to not be stressed out for the first week of school and it’s a nice, calming event.” Smith said.

In addition, Braswell added that the first general body meeting for the Black Students Board is Aug. 31. Also, upcoming for the BSB will be a Back to School Supply Drive sometime in August, where all proceeds go to the Boys and Girls Club. Students can follow the BSB on Facebook and Twitter.

The event will be held Thursday, Aug. 19 at Harris Field from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.