Southern Illinois University’s Black Affairs Council hosted the 2026 Ebony Ball on Feb. 28 at the Student Center Ballrooms, marking the conclusion of the university’s Black History Month events.
The event, themed “Beauty in Black,” began at 7 p.m. and attracted enough attendees to leave the ballrooms at capacity. The program included an opening performance by the Joyful Noise choir, a formal dinner, a second musical performance and an awards ceremony.
KaMahri Scott, a junior and coordinator of registered student organizations for the Black Affairs Council, said the Ebony Ball began in 2022 to replace high school proms canceled during the COVID-19 pandemic. It has since become an annual event recognizing Black students and alumni at SIU.
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“Traditionally, Ebony Ball was because people didn’t have prom during COVID,” Scott said. “But this year, we honor not only our Black students but the Black alumni that have poured into us as students.”
Scott said the event’s theme was selected to provide a positive space for students.
“The time that we’re in, we hear a lot of backlash of being Black people,” Scott said. “There’s real beauty and camaraderie in being Black. So that’s why we wanted to focus on that being the theme this year.”
The program recognized alumni who have supported current students, including 2016 SIU graduates Allen Shelton and Desmon Walker. The two alumni founded Narratent, a digital marketing company. Scott said she believes it’s important for Black students to see Black graduates doing big things.
“We also appreciate the fact that beyond just doing the work, we’re also here to show others what’s possible as well, and to lower that barrier for others to walk in alongside us,” Walker said. “And show that entrepreneurship, show that ownership, and overall just doing something incredible is possible within everyday people.”
Attendees wore formal attire, with some coordinating their clothing with campus organizations. Mr. BAC Senior Eris Golden, a public relations major, wore colors representing his fraternity, Kappa Alpha Psi.
“I decided the colors off of my fraternity,” Golden said. “I’d like to think that I dress up pretty well usually, but I wanted to try something different, so I got some new shoes. I wore a bowtie today.”
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Golden said attending the event was one of his final community activities before graduating.
The event concluded with an awards ceremony recognizing student involvement. Journey Short was named Miss BAC Senior. De’ayjannay Miller was named Miss BAC Freshman, and Antwan Thornton was named Mr. BAC Freshman.
Miller said she campaigned for the title to increase her participation on campus.
“I was just trying to find a way to get more involved on campus,” Miller said. “I wanted to be a part of a Black student union.”
Thornton said he plans to use his position to represent his peers.
“It feels pretty good,” Thornton said. “I tried to put out my best image to people. I want to get the students’ voice heard more, take their opinions, and go based off that.”
The event ended at 9:30 p.m. Scott said the primary objective of the night was to foster connections among attendees.
“I want people to leave with a sense of being proud that they’re Black,” Scott said. “Even though we’re on this predominantly white campus, it feels nice to know that we have a community.”
Staff reporter Trevor John can be reached @[email protected]
Editor’s Note: This story has been updated to correct the spelling of Desmon Walker’s name.
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