By Emily Jenkins, Editor-in-Chief

The newly founded Black Student Association hosted their first interest meeting of the semester Aug. 12 in Brindley Auditorium to build community, use their voice, grow as a leader, celebrate their culture and make an impact. They had their ’90s and 2000s Culture Night, Sept. 3 in the same location.

The BSA mission statement says, “The Black Student Association is committed to promoting culture, unity and excellence by providing an inclusive community where all students feel valued, supported and empowered to succeed.”

Jessica Westra, co-president of external affairs, explained in the BSA interest meeting,  “We just want to celebrate our black culture, of course, and encourage academic achievement, personal growth, and just cultivating meaningful connections through education, leadership and Christian fellowship.”

The BSA has other leaders too. Kyla Johnson, senior pre-PA clinical psychology major, is the co-president of internal affairs; Arthur Smith IV, a graduate student pursuing his masters in business administration, is the chaplain; and Sanfrená Britt, director of Kingdom Diversity, is the sponsor.

At the BSA, students are able to foster connection. Jatera Jackson, sophomore graphic design major who attended the interest meeting, said she was excited to build community at the BSA. “[I chose to come to the BSA meeting] to see more people, I guess, trying to reach out to more people.” Jackson explained that in the art department there are “a few black people there, but… I want to start having a community with them… with us all together.”

The BSA has biweekly meetings on Thursdays in Brindley Auditorium, and they are planning events like a community service project for Hope for the Hungry and a Friendsgiving picnic this semester. In the spring, they plan to host a Black History Month Celebration, a field day, a  professional development event and an end-of-year celebration. 

To get involved with the BSA  join their GroupMe here, or follow them on Instagram @umhb.bsa