Imagine this: bright lights, colorful beads, warm chocolate chip cookies with snow cones, rappers, singers, poets, dancers, models, a fashion show, a talent show, inspirational speeches, and much shouting, laughter, smiling, and clapping coming from spectators.

If you can imagine that, then you can begin to imagine what it was like at the Mardi Gras celebration hosted by the Black Student Union on Friday in the Student Center at 7 p.m.

The BSU hosted this celebration in honor of Black History Month.

This celebration included a fashion show, a talent show, a short play, guest speakers, and it even included a performance by a gospel choir.

What most students were impressed with were the speeches given by the celebration’s keynote speaker, Coordinator of Judicial Affairs Gary Cain.

“(Cain’s) speech had me in tears,” said English major Shanaya Matthews, “it made me realized how underestimated African-Americans have been and how they have surpassed all oppressions placed upon them.”

Her husband, Terrel Matthews was astonished when he learned that most of our everyday appliances were invented and created by african-american.

“In his speech he mentioned inventors of things I use everyday that I never even bothered to try to figure out who made them. It was amazing to hear all their accomplishments,” he said.

Other students, such as history major Enel Miles, enjoyed the speech given by guest Arner Pitts who was a former jail inmate and was forced to drop out of school.

Because she used to ditch school, do drugs, and has been to jail twice before reaching the age of 18, she felt she could relate to Pitts.

“He used to do the same things I did and now he is a successful, happy being,” she said, “so he inspired me to pursue my goals and try to better not only myself but also my life.”

Although there were some setbacks like the dj showing up half an hour late, the person in charge of singing the national anthem bailing out on the event, and a numerous amount of technical difficulties, President of the BSU Terrell Berry was very pleased with how the event turned out.

“We had to work around the mishaps and detours, but overall it was an inspiring, fun and great event,” he said.

“There was a lot of student support and a lot of help, especially from our adviser Connie Hunter and the International Student Association Club,” he added.

Berry’s mother Brenda Berry was particularly glad and proud the celebration was held.

“I’m so proud of (Berry) and give all the glory to Hunter and God for allowing him to be able to host and participate in such events,” she said.