In an Era of Racial Hostility, Black Students at Mizzou Carve Out Space of Joy w/ First Ever Black Tailgate

COLUMBIA, Mo — Amidst the rising tide of racial tensions at the University of Missouri—exacerbated by the recent policy changes that struck down Affirmative Action and a disconcerting number of hate crimes—two pioneering Black organizations took a radical step.

The Legion of Black Collegians (LBC), the country’s first and only Black student-run government, and G Class Events hosted tailgates aimed squarely at creating a joyous and safe community space for Black students.

The significance of the event, held on the Southwest side of campus near Faurot Field, was more than just a casual get-together. In a climate where racial hostility is palpable—recall the distasteful remarks by Meg Miller last year stating she wishes she could shoot Black people—the tailgate served as a sanctuary for Black students to relish moments of freedom and happiness.

DeAndre Taylor, an MU Alum and founder of G Class Events, and the LBC coordinated the activities, with further collaboration from MU’s Zeta Alpha Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. It’s inspiring to have the “firsts” in Black community building join forces, Daimontre Yancy, LBC’s Vice President, said in an interview.

Beginning at 8:30 a.m., despite the early morning chill, students gathered with palpable enthusiasm. They mingled, danced, and engaged in games of cornhole. By 10 a.m., Taylor’s segment of the event commenced, adding a giant Jenga game to the mix. There were five tables arranged for students to sit, chat, and partake in food catered by LBC, which included Cane’s chicken, chips, and cookies.

Egohsa Ogbevoen, LBC President, noted that the idea had been percolating for some time. “I heard it [and] I was like, ‘Oh my God. Why haven’t we done that yet? That makes so much sense.’”

Taylor, a St. Louis native who graduated with a degree in Engineering, discussed the importance of inclusivity. “I just felt like it was a gap that was missing in the Black community as far as like the social aspect of it.”

He crossed the Zeta Alpha Chapter during his time at the university and explained how he was used to planning events for the fraternity.

“Mainly, my events are for the people who can’t get into the older crowd,” Taylor said. He emphasized that he didn’t want anyone to feel left out and that everyone has somewhere to go and have fun.

Around 50 students were in attendance as the morning unfolded—a clear testament to the event’s success and the palpable need for such spaces. Though the crowd began to disperse 15 minutes before the 11:00 a.m. football game kick-off, the spirit of community and safety hung in the air.

While Ogbevoen and Yancy are undecided about hosting more tailgates this season, both seemed optimistic. “If the opportunity allows it, yes,” Ogbevoen concluded.

In a university environment that often feels unwelcoming to its Black student body, events like these are not just tailgates; they are crucial acts of community-building and resilience. And in a year that has challenged the rights and safety of Black students, they are more vital than ever.

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