Thursday, April 10, members of Black Students for Artistic Expression gathered in a candle-lit HSS classroom, complete with paintbrushes, paint and vases. Gathered in a circle on the tarp-covered floor, the students began their Art Therapy event with a vulnerable question-and-answer session. Outside, rain beat against the windows, but inside BAE members shared what’s been on their hearts lately.
The night was led by Via Jackson, a mental health professional, who works with those struggling with addiction. Jackson asked participants to reflect on what it meant to be a Black student on a predominantly white campus. She asked questions like ‘How have you felt unseen or unheard?’ ‘How do your experiences compare to those who attend a HBCU?’ and ‘What would your ancestors say about your acceptance to this university?’
The answers reflected a variety of perspectives within the community. Students spoke of being treated like diversity tokens, of racism both individual and institutional and erasure of safe spaces on campus, with no acknowledgement from the university. Some students touched on the Trump administration’s recent attacks on DEI, and how this has affected Black students on campus. The conversation turned inward as well.
Each student reflected on what their ancestors might wish for them at the University of Tennessee. Everyone acknowledged the range of emotions that might be experienced, but they landed on relief and joy.
“Do what you have to do, but come home,” one student said.
Giving back to the community was a highlight of the therapy session. Several students wondered how they might best return to and give back to those who raised them. Within the group, there was a strong sense of connection to their heritage and communities back home, wherever that may be.
Artistic expression is a vital part of the group’s mission to promote creativity and community. Painting is just one of those avenues of expression. Jackson provided vases, all of different shapes, sizes and textures, for the group to paint. Jackson said that she chose vases as they “have a purpose and use.”
Each vase told a story. They included colors from tribes and flags, of family memories and of different emotions. As the vases dried, everyone pitched in to help clean up. Even this felt symbolic of the collective care that defines BAE.
Black Students for Artistic Expression provides a safe space for students of color to express themselves through different mediums of art.
BAE isn’t just a space for Black students to be themselves, it is a collaborative and creative space that honors all kinds of expression. Their members represent a diversity of mediums — paint, music, fashion, dance and more.
Layla Moore, vice president of BAE, said that art is a form of self-expression and that creativity supports mental health.
“Art can be a way to lighten our burdens and take a break from some of the heaviness of our lives,” Moore said.
This attitude carries into music practice as well, where some members of BAE are preparing for an upcoming MIC fest on April 26. When they reach the music building, the energy builds. The space explodes with sound, including drums, electric guitars, piano and impressive vocals. They rehearse a vibrant, genre mixing, setlist. It includes Olivia Rodrigo, Car Seat Headrest and Brie Larson’s version of Black Sheep.
After the practice session, the group decides to go to Chick-Fil-A. Here is where BAE’s heart as a connected community is most evident. They swap stories, tease each other and plan their weekends. They discuss their upcoming short film, titled “The Cut,” premiering on May 1, and their performance at MIC Fest. It’s a busy group, but they don’t seem to mind.
Within a Greek Life centered campus culture, BAE offers something unique. Sustainability and mental health look different for different student organizations. For BAE, it often looks like a painted vase and a song shared around a piano.
To learn more about the group, you can visit their Instagram page @utkbae, attend their upcoming MIC Fest on April 26 or go to “The Cut” premier on May 1.
