Members of the Mizzou Black Men’s Initiative coordinated a night of food and entertainment Sunday for a group they say they often forget to appreciate: women.
“We feel that it is important to take time out to show appreciation to the women that surround us on campus and in the Columbia community for all that they do and simply say ‘Thank you,’” MBMI Coordinator Marcus Mayes said. “With so much going on around the campus with classes, work, organizations and various events, we often get caught up and don’t vocalize or demonstrate our appreciation.”
In its third year, the “Salute to Our Sisters” dinner featured a meal prepared by MBMI and performances by live entertainers. Chicken alfredo and pound cake were among the foods served at the dinner.
“By hosting the event the way that we do, it provides an opportunity for the guys to get an inside glimpse at how a restaurant with live entertainment might operate,” Mayes said.
The event was held in the midst of Women’s History Month, but MBMI member Zachary McGowan said this isn’t the only time women should be appreciated.
“Besides it being an entire month, I just feel like it’s one of those subject matters that get played to the side a lot, especially with media being the way it is,” McGowan said. “A lot of young men don’t know how to appreciate any women besides their mothers. They are important, and they deserve it.”
In preparation, the men conducted preregistration, set up the room, greeted and sat the guests and prepared, served and cleaned up the food. They also organized the entertainment, which included poet Charles Parker, singer Kenyatta Woods and pianist Andre Walton.
“The preparation is only half the battle,” Mayes said. “The day of the event is an all-day affair. We have members finalizing any last minute items and in the kitchen preparing the food all afternoon.”
McGowan said he and the other MBMI men in attendance had a good time.
“It was an interesting event,” McGowan said. “I had fun catering to the ladies.”
About 75 women attended the event, which was held in the Gaines/Oldham Black Culture Center.
“It’s nice to take time out to really show our appreciation as young men on a large scale and make it known that they are appreciated every day of the year, even if they do not hear it everyday,” Mayes said. “Our hope is that those in attendance really enjoy themselves and feel appreciated.”