For select scholarships, students submit the best stories that they’ve crafted as part of the application process. From dozens of strong applications for this round of scholarships, three winners emerged – Olivia Capriotti, Lucy Postera and Shannon Moore. This is Capriotti’s winning submission for the UMass Journalism Community Storytelling Award, a piece about the Black Mass Communications Project.
Music is everywhere. From the release of Beyonce’s brand-new album “COWBOY CARTER,” to quintessential songs from the ‘90s that we still blast from the windows of our cars or the speakers in our rooms, music helps to shape our daily lives and experiences.
Modern country music shares roots with the blues, a genre created in the early 20th century. Hip-hop, R&B and electronic dance music all draw significant influence from Black musical traditions such as jazz, blues and funk.
The Black Mass Communications Project (BMCP) at the University of Massachusetts dedicates their mission to uplifting and enriching Black music and culture on campus. It’s impossible not to notice BMCP’s presence at UMass, from hosting their various ‘Berk Parties’ to the annual, highly anticipated SoulFest.
Juliannie Ayala,a junior journalism and legal studies student, is the co-vice president of BMCP. In Ayala’s role she maintains relationships with faculty, oversees other e-board member duties and organizes planning for SoulFest.
For Ayala, the connection she already had with the former president from high school drew her to join BMCP her freshman year. Her unique relationship with the organization inspired her to attend a few general body meetings, and in due time she established herself on the e-board.
Soulfest, BMCP’s week-long tradition, takes place during the spring semester, allocating each day to a specific RSO.
“It’s a way to get the community together,” Ayala said. “It’s fun, it’s interactive, it’s something that’s enjoyable and people actually look forward to it.”
Read the rest of Capriotti's winning story here