Celebration of brilliance and legacy at USC Black History Month ‘Family Reunion’

As graduate student Derrick Pough Jr. from the USC Thornton School of Music began singing the timeless Sam Cooke track “A Change Is Gonna Come,” a quietude enveloped the lively audience at Tuesday’s family reunion-themed closing event for Black History Month at USC.

Pough’s voice resonated throughout Founders Park on the University Park Campus as he delivered, with intensity and purpose, the 1964 creation by Cooke that highlighted the Civil Rights Movement and its reflection of the trials he and many others were undertaking.

“I believe it’s crucial now more than ever to commemorate not only Black history but also the diversity and the myriad cultures that contribute to this nation’s identity and greatness,” he articulated following his performance.

Pough expressed that he selected this song for anyone feeling adrift “or believing that things will never improve. It serves to remind us that by coming together in unity, nothing can obstruct us and true change will indeed manifest.”

His performance stood out as a major feature of this year’s gathering, themed “Black Brilliance: Honoring Labor, Legacy, and the Joy of Excellence.” Over 400 attendees explored booths run by campus organizations and indulged in food from local vendors accompanied by music from DJ Brandon, which set the ambiance. Professor Mark Pearson from the USC Rossier School of Education, the event’s host, consistently reminded everyone that “Black history is the history of everyone.” 

Transforming despair into hope

Dean Franita Tolson of the USC Gould School of Law — the first Black dean and the second female dean of the institution — provided the keynote address and elaborated on Pearson’s message.

“Black history and American history coexist as one narrative, deeply intertwined and inseparable,” she stated. “There is no narrative of American history without Black history, which encompasses tales of endurance, hardship, and success — narratives that illuminate our collective human experiences.”

Tolson urged the audience to draw strength from challenges, insight from errors, and seek support from their communities.

“This is USC, an institution where we not only educate individuals, we
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“Cultivate leaders,” she expressed. “I recognize that at times the world can instill a feeling of despair, perhaps even trepidation. But resist that pitfall. You possess the bravery and determination within you to become the leaders who can transform that despair into optimism.”

Tolson further communicated to participants that merely existing within historical moments is insufficient and encouraged individuals to document their journeys.

“Have the courage to be exceptional leaders who leave a remarkable legacy and don’t stop there,” she remarked. “Encourage and elevate others, particularly those who will follow in your footsteps. Create a narrative that you can reflect upon with pride — one whose influence will last.”

Community and cuisine at USC Black History Month celebration

Participants indulged in vegan macaroni and cheese, chicken patties, and spinach patties from Simply Wholesome, hot dogs from Earle’s on Crenshaw, along with a variety of chicken wings, cornbread, and black-eyed peas from Annie’s Soul Delicious. All three restaurants are featured in USC’s Trojan Shop Local, an eclectic consortium of over 60 small enterprises throughout Los Angeles.

Standing in a lengthy queue for lunch, USC Rossier graduate scholar Adenike “Nike” Taylor shared that she never skips the yearly occasion and particularly values the involvement of Black-owned businesses.

“I enjoy witnessing the diverse individuals who identify as Black from various areas of the school whom I don’t see regularly,” Taylor mentioned. “We’re all assembled here simultaneously, and it’s wonderful to reconnect with others, forge new relationships, and simply embrace my Black identity.”

Sophomore Antonio McVay from the USC Viterbi School of Engineering shared his appreciation for the chance to reconnect with peers and fellow Trojans he usually doesn’t encounter outside academic settings.

“The atmosphere is uplifting — the music is fantastic, and the food is truly delicious,” he remarked. “It’s an excellent opportunity to demonstrate how we, as Black individuals, unite, along with our allies and supporters of the culture coming together. It represents the unity of everyone.”

Senior Kharee Hoggs from the USC Dornsife College of Letters, Arts, and Sciences expressed that she was deeply moved by the rendition of “Lift Every Voice and Sing,” commonly recognized as the Black national anthem, performed by USC Thornton student Giselle Strong.

“It resonated with my spirit,” Hoggs shared. “It’s crucial to uplift the community.”