Starting the first week of the fall semester, the city of Langston closed all parties and continued to do so until late on August 21. “Thirsty Thursday” used to be held on Thursdays at Langston University; it is now known as “Turn Up Thursday” instead.
Students at Langston University have been establishing “Thirsty Thursday” as a beloved tradition for more than five years. This weekly gathering, which unofficially kicks off the weekend, gives students an enjoyable way to wind down after demanding study sessions. Students get together on Thursdays to mingle, listen to music, and chill before the weekend rushes in. “Thirsty Thursday” has established itself as a student-driven event, providing something to do and an opportunity to socialize with friends.
“Turn up Thursday is a way to relieve stress from classes and being at school all day and doing work, also a way to connect with others,” said Nasjy’n Newhouse, a junior at Langston University.
The city of Langston suddenly canceled all Thursday events that are popular hangouts for students such as the Paw Walk, the Langston Center, and the Lions Mane on August 5, 2024. Students who had become used to using these places for recreation and socialization expressed their deep regret and dissatisfaction with this decision. Students feel their voices weren’t taken into consideration because of the shutdown, which was viewed as an unplanned interruption to a popular event.
“I felt like they took away some of our freedom. We came to college for an experience. We could have easily just went to college at home or online,” said Riley Pannell, a psychology major.
On social media, many people vented their rage and demanded that the city reevaluate its choice. The closure clouded the beginning of the semester and diminished the thrill of being back in school.
Late on August 21, the popular event, now known as “Turn Up Thursday,” was announced on the student-run social media platform “Langston Drip.” On August 22, the event was set to resume, but with additional regulations in place such as prohibitions on drinking, smoking, and fighting. The news swiftly made its way throughout campus, exciting students who were eager to bring back their Thursday night tradition. The goal of the rebranding was to create a more respectful and safe environment while preserving the essence of the event.
Langston students are thrilled that “Turn Up Thursday” is back, bringing their cherished Thursday night celebrations to life once again. The new rules, which emphasize safety and respect, have been widely accepted by students who are eager to keep the tradition going.
London Brookins, a senior from California, said that renaming the event removed the negative connotation of “thirsty” from the event saying, “We have to enforce that we are a dry campus, which means no alcohol, no smoking whatsoever on campus. We have to pretty much just publicize and let people know that case findings are prohibited and any source of violence will shut down any events on campus.”
Many feel that if everyone follows the guidelines, they can continue to enjoy their Thursdays without any further interruptions. The return of the event has brought a renewed sense of community and excitement to campus. Students are now more committed than ever to preserving this tradition.
Julian Austin
Staff Writer
Julian Austin is a senior broadcast journalism major.
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The Gazette serves as the student voice of Langston University. It is produced within the Department of Communication as a teaching tool and local news source for the campus community. The views and opinions expressed within are those of the writers whose names appear with the articles and do not necessarily represent the views of Langston University.
