By: Ellice Ellis ‘20

This past Saturday, the Black Student Assembly (BSA) hosted Gearfest on McCarthy Quad - showcasing black artists, black-owned businesses and other local artists. After a very stressful week of midterms, Gearfest was the perfect pick-me-up and a fun-filled break from studying. As I walked around the festival, I saw that there was something different was offered at every booth. The running group, BlackListLA, had a booth set up promoting their various fitness activities around Los Angeles. I visited Ugly Betty Boy Crush: a jewelry store that sells stackable bracelets. Ugly Betty Boy Crush even had Mardi Gras-themed jewelry just in time for the revelry next week. The vendors at the festival were a great way to promote black business and introduce students to black entrepreneurs in the LA area.

By: Samantha Romero ‘16

Having been to my fair share of music festivals- 8 festivals just last year, I have learned the hard way the do’s and dont’s of how to make the most of a festival. So with festival season right around the corner, here is a curated list of must-have items as you prep your bags to enjoy the music extravaganza.