The Shippensburg University chapter of the Frederick Douglas Institute hosted its second annual paint and sip night as part of the university’s Black History Month celebrations.
On Thursday night, students gathered to paint and sip mocktails in McFeely’s.
The event kicked off with FDI President Taniya Fuller welcoming the attendees and saying a few words about FDI and its mission.
“It’s an academic organization that calls for scholars to think intellectually, mindfully and intentional within day-to-day actions and in terms of academics,” Fuller said.
SU’s chapter of FDI is part of a larger collaborative of several schools within the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education, also known as PASSHE. It was established in 1995 and was designed to create inclusive communities in PASSHE universities.
“How we’ve designed Frederick Douglas here is to extend the conversations out of the class. We’ve talked about issues of race, gender, ethnicity, identity in general, and FDI for that reason becomes a very inclusive space. All are welcome,” said Sharnine Herbert, the campus director of FDI as well as a professor of communications at SU.
Students gathered their paints and refreshments before settling in for a night of painting.
Tables were filled with easels displaying the canvases provided for students to color. The image printed on the canvas was a silhouette of a head with lines mimicking a halo surrounding it. It also had the outline of a paint palette and the FDI logo in the top right and left corners, as well as the outline of an easel in the bottom left corner for students to paint affirmations.
The goal of the “Culture and Color” event was to invite students to “express themselves through art while honoring Black history, storytelling and togetherness,” according to SU’s itinerary of Black History Month events.
As the night progressed, every canvas was filled with different vibrant colors, making each painting a unique expression by the student.
“Even though I’m not really good at it [painting], I do think it’s calming. I think it’s a nice activity,” said Shaniyah Fortson.
FDI is located in CUB 222 and meets every Thursday at 3:30. Non-members are always welcome to join.
FDI has plans to collaborate with different organizations to celebrate different cultures.
For more information about FDI and future events, check out its Instagram @ fdi_ship.
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