A Night to Remember

Stewart Hall Auditorium was the place to be on Thursday, September 21, as the Mass Communication department hosted an unforgettable premiere night for the eagerly anticipated Hulu series, “The Other Black Girl.” As the crowd gathered in the dimly lit auditorium, the excitement in the air was palpable, and it was clear that this was an event like no other.
One of the evening’s highlights was the culinary experience provided by The Bayou Affect. Their expertise in crafting mouthwatering dishes left attendees craving more. The menu featured a delightful trio of offerings: succulent smoked lamb chops, velvety creamy macaroni, and an assortment of delectable egg rolls that delighted the taste buds. These culinary delights added an extra layer of indulgence to an already thrilling night.
The event was a resounding success, with the auditorium packed to capacity. The diverse audience mirrored the show’s themes of diversity and inclusion. “The Other Black Girl” tackles the challenges faced by a black woman who suddenly finds herself working alongside another black colleague in a predominantly white workplace. The series delves into the complexities of identity, workplace dynamics, and the unexpected twists that can unfold in such environments.
As the conversations flowed and the premiere episode unfolded on the big screen, the audience was captivated. Gasps, laughter, and applause rippled through the auditorium as the plot unraveled. The show’s thought-provoking narrative and impeccable performances resonated deeply with the audience, sparking conversations about representation, corporate culture, and the daily struggles faced by individuals of color in professional settings.
“Throughout the evening, there was a sense of unity and connection among attendees. Conversations flowed freely during the intermission and continued long after the final credits rolled. The Mass Communication Hulu Premiere not only brought a fantastic new series to the forefront but also created a space for meaningful dialogue and shared experiences. “It was a pleasure to work in conjunction with Hulu to screen a film like The Other Black Girl, a very culturally relevant series,” said Dr. Yolanda Campbell, a professor and interim chair for the Mass Communications Department. “It was amazing to see one of our very own Mass Communication students, Jade Jones, pull the event off in under 48 hours.”
The Digest caught up with Jones, a senior public relations major from Atlanta, Georgia, to discuss how this event came about. “Over the last two days, in partnership with Hulu, I curated two amazing events for ‘The Other Black Girl’ on campus.” Jones speaks bout the Annual SUBR Career Exploration Day where professional headshots for over 185 registered students and 75 alumni of the university were taken. They used this event as an opportunity to promote the Hulu premiere the following evening. “We hosted over 175 students for a viewing of Episode One and Episode Two. We provided curated bites and DIY Mocktails from a black-owned restaurant, The Bayou Affect, and distributed one-sheets along with popcorn upon entry.”
“These events are essential to not only expanding awareness for the Department of Mass Communication and field of Public Relations, but vital to showcasing potential for creative expansion and modern development in the areas of digital media, brand marketing, and grassroots within our curriculum,” Jones states.
Jones says students should expect many “timely moments” based on the outstanding reception received from these events. “Be sure to stay tuned because we have a special event coming VERY soon and follow @southernu_masscomm for updates!”
In a world where storytelling has the power to bridge gaps and foster understanding, events like this Mass Comm Hulu Premiere serve as a reminder of the transformative power of entertainment. It was a night filled with laughter, thought-provoking moments, and, of course, exceptional food. Stewart Hall Auditorium witnessed not just the premiere of a show but the beginning of important conversations, leaving everyone eagerly anticipating the next chapter.