March 4, 2025
Last week, the Crossroads Black Student Union (BSU) hosted Black Arts Explosion (BAE), an annual event dedicated to celebrating Black creativity, culture, and history. This dynamic evening showcased the incredible talents of our students and local artists, fostering a powerful space for expression, connection, and community engagement.
From spoken word poetry to live music and dance, BAE highlighted the depth and breadth of Black artistic excellence. A standout moment of the evening was a collaboration between our middle school students and older adults from the Wisdom Café at Delmar Divine, who performed two-voice poems reflecting on shared and differing experiences across generations. This intergenerational exchange brought a unique and meaningful perspective to the celebration.
In addition to the performances, guests had the opportunity to explore student artwork, support local Black-owned businesses, and hear from inspiring student speakers. The night concluded with a powerful rendition of The Black National Anthem, “Lift Every Voice and Sing,” performed by guest artist Spring Tyme, leaving the audience moved and inspired.
At Crossroads, we are committed to equity, inclusion, and uplifting diverse voices. Events like Black Arts Explosion give our students the platform to share their creativity, honor their heritage, and engage with the broader St. Louis community.
A huge thank you to BSU, our student performers, faculty, families, and local partners who made this celebration possible. We look forward to next year’s Black Arts Explosion and continuing to amplify Black excellence and cultural expression at Crossroads!
