The ballroom in the Armour J. Blackburn University Center was transformed into an elegant event space with lavender balloon arches and white drapes as Bison gathered to celebrate the seventh annual Lavender Reception on Wednesday.

“The event is to raise awareness for queer students,” said Laten Jordan, the president of CASCADE, Coalition of Activist Students Celebrating the Acceptance of Diversity and Equality, the official undergraduate LGBTQ+ student organization at Howard University.

CASCADE started the annual event during homecoming week to support lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and/or queer individuals within the Bison community through fundraising for scholarships and research. Community members are encouraged to donate online, but the reception is also an opportunity to fellowship with like-minded individuals.

“The main thing I hope that comes out of tonight is that students feel heard, seen, valued and represented,” Jordan said.

While the event raises awareness about the spaces for LGBTQ+ individuals, it honored seven individuals with $1,000 scholarships.

Among these recipients is Eshe Ukweli, a senior journalism major, who was recognized for her work on marginalized stories and with organizations such as GLAAD and the Human Rights Campaign.

“Honoring students at the event does promote inclusion and awareness,” Ukweli said. ”We become more than just statistics when we are seen, celebrated and honored.” However, she said this is not enough. For Ukweli, the support should continue with advocating for LGBTQ+ individuals and giving them a “seat at the table.”