By Angel Percentie

Angel Percentie (she/her) is a fourth-year English honours student who loves getting involved on campus. She is a resident assistant, peer writing tutor, student content creator, and editor of Estuary, Acadia’s creative arts magazine.

Music and laughter echoed through the halls of Clark Commons on February 20th as students filtered in for the African Heritage Month Lock-In. This event transformed an ordinary evening into a night of dancing, pjs (a necessary requirement), food, and a safe space for black students to unwind and celebrate their roots.

The energy was unmistakable. Students moved between riveting card games, belting lyrics from the musical Hamilton, and bonding over black trivia, with games like Friendly Feud and Are You Smarter than a Fifth Grader. Each activity created a space for good-natured competition and connection.

The games were a big part of the fun. After successfully winning a game of spoons, Rosemary Etu-Efeotor, a fourth-year Computer Science major with Honours, shared her excitement: “I feel very happy. My heart is pumping.” Her enthusiasm mirrored the cheers that filled the room.

For many students, the Lock-In was more than just an entertaining evening. This night was about belonging.

“This event to me means community and family. The ability for all of us to just come together and have fun and just be in an environment where we’re comfortable enough to celebrate our history,” said T’Kya McNeil, second-year Economics major.

The Friendly Freud trivia especially sparked lively conversations, with students debating answers about Black history, hairstyles, artists, and more. As El-Austin reflected, the night offered “the opportunity to talk about ourselves.”

“I learned things I didn’t know,” he shared.

As the games came to an end and the music faded, students left renewed. Events like these are a time to rest in community and experience joy together. A special thank you goes out to the Black Student office for hosting a wonderful event.

As the games came to an end and the music faded, students left renewed. Events like these are a time to rest in community and experience joy together. A special thank you goes out to the Black Student office for hosting a wonderful event.