February 5, 2024

Manhattan School of Music’s annual Black History Month Concert is presented by MSM’s Black Student Union on Friday, February 16 at 7:30 PM in Neidorff Karpati Hall.

Meet the leaders of the BSU!

We spoke with BSU President, Ja’hlil Pembleton (BM ’25), along with Co-Vice Presidents Samara Bowden (MM ’24) and Rahel Lulseged (MM ’24), about the BSU at MSM and the annual Black History Month Concert.

MSM Staff Advisors:

Tell us about the Black Student Union’s annual Black History Month concert.

Ja’hlil: I’m super excited about the Black History Month Concert! This year’s concert will showcase students from nearly every major — from the orchestral and piano department to jazz, classical, and music theatre. We’re also proud to feature new works composed by our talented students. Overall, it’s going to be an amazing show, highlighting the incredible talent within our community. Plus, there will be a small reception afterward, generously funded by the President’s Office.

Samara: The Black History Month Concert will be a moment to remember. It will give anyone in attendance the opportunity to experience what Black culture uniquely means to the students of MSM. It is clearly a difficult task to compile all of our history into one program, but it will definitely give a lovely taste that will end in a soulful reception. It’s not a matter of why you should come but rather why wouldn’t you want to be significantly impacted? It’s a no-brainer.

Why is the BSU important?

Ja’hlil: The Black Student Union is important because it offers Black students a safe haven to embrace their culture, tackle challenges unique to their journey, and rally for meaningful change within our school. It’s where we find kinship, support, and the strength to amplify our voices and make a difference in our community.

Samara: The BSU is like a home away from home on campus. It is a safe space where students of color can come together to share our stories, share collective knowledge, and build a tight-knit community. The BSU is an organization that celebrates our varied identities and supports each other’s growth. The BSU isn’t just an organization but our family within the university, where every voice is heard and every dream is empowered and supported as best as possible.

Rahel: The BSU is essential for any campus. It initiates community among the Black students, which I think promotes our sense of belonging and positively impacts our mental health. 

How long has it been since you joined the BSU? What is your most memorable moment since joining?

Ja’hlil: I joined the Black Student Union during my first year at MSM, and one of the most memorable moments was our trip to Washington, D.C., which was sponsored by Sharon Daley Johnson [BM ’88, MM ’89]. It was an incredible experience. We visited the National Museum of African American History and Culture, attended Written in Stone at the Kennedy Center, featuring MSM alums Jason [BM ’97] and Alicia Moran [BM ’00], J’Nai Bridges [BM ’09], and Daryl Freedman [MM ’09], and had the opportunity to sit down with these artists, which was truly inspiring.

Rahel: I joined when I got to MSM last year. I mostly appreciate any time we have an event and we get to sit and spend time together. Because our schedules are all so different, we don’t always get to see each other, so it’s nice when we get those moments. 

Samara: I joined the BSU when I first came to MSM in 2022 as a first-year graduate student. As someone who came from a Historically Black College and University [HBCU], having a space where I felt seen and understood was very important to me. My most memorable moment since I joined was actually my first Black History Month Concert at MSM. I sang “I’m Here” from The Color Purple and in that moment, it was very clear to me that my wildest dreams were beginning to manifest.

How do you personally connect with the BSU?

Samara: I connect mainly in a supportive role of our president, Ja’hlil Pembleton. He is someone that strives to make an impact, and I can’t help but rally behind a vivid dreamer. I connect with the BSU as a collective by being the person that makes sure that the students of color feel seen. Whether it’s a smile in the hall or an encouraging conversation over lunch, I long to ensure visibility and connectivity.

Ja’hlil: As the president of the Black Student Union, I’m grateful for the opportunity to continue the legacy of the BSU and to help foster a community where Black students can come together beyond the confines of the classroom. It‘s important for us to have a space where we can connect, share experiences, and support each other.

What would you like to tell students who are interested in joining?

Ja’hlil: By joining the Black Student Union, you’re not just becoming part of a student organization; you’re joining a supportive network of peers who share similar experiences, challenges, and triumphs. It’s an opportunity to amplify your voice, advocate for change, and contribute to a more inclusive campus environment. Plus, we also have exciting events happening year-round, providing opportunities for community building and cultural celebration.

Samara: You are invited to the cookout! It is literally our mission to show up and provide an outlet to connect and express. We see you and welcome you!

Rahel: Please come! All are accepted. It’s a safe space to be unapologetically Black. It’s an environment to be fully seen at a PWI [Predominately White Institution], which can be hard sometimes.