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The streets of Harlem were filled with jazz music, Harlem Renaissance clothing, and Jesse Owens dressed in a Chico State jersey Saturday night.
The smell of collard greens and potatoes filled the room as a couple danced enthusiastically, celebrating Chico State's first event for Black History Month this year.
The Harlem Renaissance Rent Party in Harlen Adams Theatre kicked off Black History Month with a night of dancing, eating and dressing up.
"It's a costume party with a message," said President Paul Zingg. "And it's fun."
The Black Faculty and Staff Association sponsored the event, which has been at Chico State for four years and was co-sponsored by the Cross Cultural Leadership Center, an Associated Students-funded program that allows students to feel connected through multiple events.
The party was a re-enactment of how Harlemites in the 1920s and 1930s collected money to pay rent, said Tray Robinson, diversity coordinator. The host would hire a musician, cook food, charge people to attend the party and use proceeds to pay rent.
The performing arts department transformed the theater into a Harlem Renaissance setting with dim lighting, and a city street backdrop along the wall with a full moon rising above.
The department has helped with the event every year and students look forward to it, said sophomore Jaime Mckibben, who works for the department.
"I love being able to set it up and help out," Mckibben said. "It's my first year helping, but I had heard nothing but great things about the rent parties in the past."
People have liked these parties and they are a fun opportunity for people to dress up and learn history, Robinson said.
"The driving force is to have a good time and for people to pay tribute to history," he said.
Americans have recognized black history since 1926 to bring awareness to contributions blacks have made, and Chico has actively participated in campus awareness and events, he said.
Several campus events are planned for Black History Month, and Robinson wants to have more and touch on different aspects of education, he said.
"I hope people are uncomfortable because they are learning about other positions," he said. "It's important to feel a bit uncomfortable but to still learn from it."
Zingg agrees and tries to go to as many events as possible, he said. This was his second year attending a rent party and he looks forward to the southern food.
"You can't get this food and atmosphere anywhere else," he said. "It's nice to see support across the university and campus."
Organizers also plan to bring HIV awareness to campus with the help from Butte County Public Health on Thursday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. between Siskiyou and Glenn halls, Robinson said. Students will be able to get tested for free.
"We want everyone to come," he said. "Students need to get tested - need to be aware."
A diversity talk is also planned by students who have visited Africa and will talk about their experiences, Robinson said.
"We need to explore topics we don't normally talk about," he said.
The main goal for the month is for people to be touched emotionally, Robinson said.
The best part of Black History Month is people get to learn the contributions blacks have made to the country, said English professor Tracy Butts, who organized the party.
"I'm always amazed at people's openness and look forward to it," she said.
All students and faculty are encouraged to participate.
"It's a prime opportunity for all of us to learn something new," Robinson said.
Taylor Flores can be reached at tflores@theorion.com
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