Chicago Black Student Union Hosted Talent Show
The Columbia College event showcased student performers and fostered community on Michigan Avenue.
Updated on Sept. 25, 2026 in African-American
The Black Student Union at Columbia College held its second annual talent show on September 23, 2026. Students gathered at 618 S. Michigan Ave. to display a variety of musical and artistic skills.
Why it matters
Organizers created the platform to provide students with a space to showcase their talents while building a supportive community within the group. The event highlights the growing role of student organizations in fostering campus engagement.
Over 50 people attended the second annual talent showcase at 618 S. Michigan Ave. The performance roster included four members of the band Next Week.
The players
Black Student Union
This is a Columbia College student organization dedicated to building a supportive community for Black students.
Next Week
This is a four-member musical band that formed through recruitment posters and advertisements.
Jas Baugh
This individual is a rapper who performed at the talent show.
Aspen Stenson
This individual is a clarinetist who participated in the talent showcase.
Naomi Hill-Caldwell
This individual is a singer who showcased her performance skills at the event.
The details
Students performed music, dance, and rapping on stage during the showcase. The band Next Week, which features four members, was formed after the group recruited participants through posters and advertisements.
Timeline
The talent show occurred on September 23, 2026.
Culture Shift
The talent show reflects a broader trend of students leveraging identity-based organizations to build campus networks. This shift signals a move toward intentional community building within urban higher education institutions.
Students at Columbia College may find new opportunities to join or recruit for future arts initiatives following this showcase. The event encourages attendees to support original campus performances as the student groups grow.
The takeaway
Students looking to find their own creative community can often start by attending or participating in campus-led talent events. Such showcases offer a practical venue for developing original material and networking with peers.
Further reading
Learn more about local events in our African-American section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Columbia Chronicle.
