Tulane Scholar Co-Chairs Black Arts Festival
Inspired by her passion for gospel singing and its rich history in New Orleans, Tulane University sophomore Kayla Jackson volunteered to co-chair this year’s Black Arts Festival at Tulane University.
The annual festival, organized by the Tulane Black Student Union, featured myriad events that celebrate this year’s theme, “A Celebration of Black Arts, Culture and Entertainment.” Among the talented speakers and performers at the festival were Irma Thomas, the “Soul Queen of New Orleans,” and Spike Lee, the renowned film director and this year’s keynote speaker.
As co-chair, Kayla played an integral role in the organization of the 10-day event, collaborating with Tulane faculty and staff, local artists, and venues to support the theme of this major festival.
"It’s important to display and celebrate all that black culture, art and music have undoubtedly contributed to the city of New Orleans and Tulane University,” says Kayla. “The Black Arts Festival is an opportunity for our campus community to experience black culture in its most authentic form.”
In addition to participating in the Black Student Union, Kayla is also an active participant with The Bridge, a student-run college ministry group, and she volunteers with Tulane’s Office of Multicultural Affairs. An English major and music minor, Kayla hopes to acquire her teacher’s certification and become a high school music teacher after graduation.
