Columbia, Missouri, August 22, 2025
News Summary
The University of Missouri has canceled the Legion of Black Collegians’ Black 2 Class Block Party, citing concerns over the event’s name suggesting racial exclusivity. Despite attempts to rename the event, university officials reaffirmed the cancellation, prompting discussions about race, inclusion, and university policies on campus. LBC members labeled the decision as an act of erasure and expressed frustration over ongoing challenges in celebrating Black culture. This cancellation is part of a broader pattern of tension between LBC and the university administration regarding event naming conventions and campus safety for Black students.
Columbia, Missouri – The University of Missouri (MU) has canceled the Legion of Black Collegians’ (LBC) Black 2 Class Block Party, citing concerns over the event’s name which includes the word “Black.” The decision was communicated to LBC just days before the scheduled event, which was planned for Friday. This cancellation has sparked discussions on campus regarding inclusion, race, and university policies.
On Monday, university officials, including Vice Chancellor Angela King Taylor and UM System President Mun Choi, met with members of the LBC’s executive board to address the cancellation. The university’s reasoning was that the name suggested an exclusivity that could be interpreted as discriminatory based on race. Members of LBC expressed their disappointment, labeling the decision as a “deliberate act of erasure” and highlighting the ongoing challenges they face in naming events that celebrate Black culture and identity.
In an effort to resolve the issue, LBC proposed renaming the event to “Back 2 Class Block Party,” but MU declined this alternative, reaffirming the cancellation. In addition to the block party discussion, the meeting also covered broader concerns regarding campus safety and past experiences related to racial slurs and harassment reported by Black students during the previous school year.
The cancellation is not an isolated incident; it follows a pattern of tension between LBC and the university administration. Previously, MU required LBC to alter the name of a social event from “Welcome Black BBQ” to “Welcome Black and Gold BBQ,” which ultimately led LBC to withdraw from this year’s event. The organization has voiced frustration over the lack of alternative solutions offered by the university and the impact of such decisions on the Black community on campus.
Despite the university’s commitment to fostering a non-discriminatory campus environment, LBC claims that systemic issues persist, with multiple incidents of racial harassment experienced by Black students highlighted during the meeting. LBC urged the university administration to publicly condemn these racial incidents and to provide clearer messaging on MU’s nondiscrimination policies.
A spokesperson for MU indicated that complications surrounding the event’s permit contributed to the cancellation. LBC faced discrepancies between a confirmation email allowing the block party at the Black Culture Center and the university’s stance that a permit had not been secured. This situation has intensified feelings among student organizations regarding perceived barriers to hosting events that specifically cater to the Black community.
In a display of solidarity, Phi Beta Sigma, a historically Black fraternity at MU, voiced support for LBC, condemning the cancellation and emphasizing the need for university policies to actively support Black organizations on campus instead of presenting additional obstacles.
The ongoing dispute over this event raises broader questions about race, inclusion, and representation in university-sponsored activities and the university’s role in supporting marginalized communities.
FAQ
Why was the Black 2 Class Block Party canceled?
The University of Missouri canceled the event due to concerns that the name suggested exclusivity based on race.
What alternative name did LBC propose for the event?
LBC suggested renaming the event to “Back 2 Class Block Party,” but the university declined this alternative.
What past incidents have affected LBC’s events?
In a prior instance, MU required LBC to change the name of its “Welcome Black BBQ” to “Welcome Black and Gold BBQ,” causing LBC to withdraw from the event that year.
How has the university responded to issues of racial harassment on campus?
During the meeting, LBC called for the university to publicly condemn racial harassment and ensure clearer messaging about nondiscrimination policies.
Key Features of the Incident
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Event Name | Black 2 Class Block Party |
| Reason for Cancellation | Concerns of racial exclusivity |
| Alternative Name Offered | Back 2 Class Block Party |
| Past Event Name Change | Welcome Black BBQ to Welcome Black and Gold BBQ |
| Current Discussions | Racial harassment on campus and clearer nondiscrimination policies |
| Support from Other Organizations | Phi Beta Sigma fraternity |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
ASU Prepares for Promising Sun Devils Football Season
Shaquille O’Neal’s Professorship Rumors at ASU Debunked
Additional Resources
- KMIZ: Black Student Group Meets with MU Over Cancellation of Event
- KMIZ: MU Cancels Welcome Event for Black Student Group
- Columbia Tribune: Rapper Talib Kweli Coming to Columbia, MO
- WIS TV: Columbia Police Non-Profit Collaboration for Block Party
- Wikipedia: Cultural Inclusivity
Author: STAFF HERE PHOENIX WRITER
PHOENIX STAFF WRITER The PHOENIX STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREPhoenix.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Phoenix, Maricopa County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Waste Management Phoenix Open, Cactus League Spring Training, and Arizona State Fair. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Phoenix Chamber of Commerce and Visit Phoenix, plus leading businesses in technology and healthcare that power the local economy such as Intel and Banner Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERETucson.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Arizona's dynamic landscape.
