LBC hosts speed dating event
MU's first speed dating event helps singles find Valentine's Day dates.
Published Feb. 5, 2010
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Women move a seat down as they meet a beau at the Speed Dating Extravaganza hosted by the Legion of Black Collegians on Thursday in Stotler Lounge. The LBC hosts multiple events that help promote a positive influence for black students.
With Valentine's Day just around the corner, the Legion of Black Collegians' Freshman Action Team, one of the sectors of LBC, hosted MU's first "Speed Dating Extravaganza," on Feb. 4 in Memorial Union's Stotler Lounge.
"I came here to support my friends in MBMI," freshman Cathy Jenkins said. "I thought it sounded interesting and fun. No one wants to be alone on holidays, especially for this one."
Mizzou Black Men's Initiative is trying to defeat the low retention stereotype that has been made involving young black men, freshman Marcus Ferguson said.
"Only 36 percent graduate," Ferguson said. "We're aiming for 100 percent in the near future. We attend numerous leadership meetings and are constantly trying to get involved in new movements. We want to be examples to younger black men by being active and positive members of society."
The singles in Stotler Lounge had two minutes to get to know the potential loves of their lives. Each single person had pieces of paper to write the numerous names and numbers they received throughout the night.
At 8:30 p.m. the dating ended, and the last 30 minutes consisted of mingling and a few more words with specific interests in the night.
"It exceeded my expectations," LBC spokeswoman Cidney King said. "We knew people would come, but not this many. So many times you see people you want to talk to around campus but never get the chance. This was a great way to get that opportunity."
Freshman Cameron Grant said he didn't get a date for Valentine's Day.
"I actually got a study date," Grant said.
Freshman Korian Harrington said he found the night successful.
"I wouldn't say I got just a date," Harrington said. "I got numerous numbers for potential dates."
Sophomore Ryden Bell said the event was different, and it was nice having a chill area to talk to women.
"I didn't get a number, but I met some great people," sophomore Fiona Odu said. "I got an offer to spend Valentine's Day with someone. We'll see how it turns out."
Speed Dating first began in 1998 due to Rabbi Yaacov Deyo in Los Angeles who wanted to try and find the quickest and most efficient way for young Jewish couples to meet.