Single or not, Stanford students and community members were welcome to Black Love 2007 for a Valentine’s Day evening of poetry and performance last night at the Arrillaga Alumni Center.

Historically hosted by the Committee on Black Performing Arts, the event was co-sponsored this year by the Black Student Union (BSU), “making it bigger and better” according to BSU co-chair Adia Gooden ‘07.

More than 250 people attended the standing-room only event, which featured multiple student performers and a guest appearance by R&B singer Teedra Moses, acclaimed for her radio hit single “Be Your Girl.”

According to Gooden, the event was a forum for the expression of love and feelings evoked by the holiday.

“Black Love gives the black community at Stanford a way to celebrate Valentine’s Day in an unconventional way,” she said.

Event organizers gave female guests red and white carnations.

Gwen Watson ‘09 started off the evening with an animated poetry reading. Her reading was followed by an acoustic guitar performance and a vocal solo by other student performers.

Kirsten Rogers ‘09 said she put a hold on studying for today’s human biology midterm to attend the event. “It’s a great way to spend Valentine’s Day,” she said, “especially when you’re unattached.”