Unifying the students of The University of Memphis is only one of the goals of the Black Students Association at The University of Memphis.
With multiple events scheduled for the fall semester, the BSA is trying to bridge the racial and cultural gaps between students and garner support for future events.
With positive outreach and educational programs, the BSA plans to inform students of black history and the continuing progress of African Americans.
Bake sales, car washes, student workshops and community service projects are some of the ways the BSA hopes to get students involved.
Currently, the BSA is working on a inspirational play stressing the importance of family. The play will portray families as the backbone of society.
Crystal Johnson, secretary of the BSA, said encouraging students to get involved in BSA events will make the association stronger.
“The BSA is only as good as its supporters,” said Johnson.
President Misty Blaton, along with other members, is encouraging a new image of the BSA across the campus, according to Johnson.
“We are changing the face of BSA to build a better rapport with students and in the community,” Johnson said.
The BSA provides great opportunities for their members at The U of M, according to Creston Lynch, black history committee chair.
“The BSA is not only an excellent means toward making sure that minority needs are met on this campus, but it also provides its members with an exceptional amount of networking opportunities throughout the campus and community,” said Lynch.
The networking opportunities include working with the League of United Latin American Citizens on campus projects. The BSA is looking for chances to work with different organization on campus to help get their message out.
“We are happy to work with other groups to get out a positive message of unity,” said Johnson.
The message of unity needs to be spread quickly, because Memphis is second only to Detroit as one of the most segregated cities in the United States, according to the Census Bureau.
Johnson said that fact places a stronger emphasis on the work the BSA is doing for the city of Memphis.
“We have to start off small and let the work trickle down. The students on this campus can go into the community and leave a positive influence,” he said.
One of the themes of BSA is “Remember the Struggle.”
When the organization was founded at The U of M in 1968, the members endured a lack of support for bringing the Civil Rights Movement to the campus.
During that time, there was very little support coming from the all-white faculty, and when support finally came, finding an office was an even bigger struggle, according to Johnson.
The first BSA president, David L. Acey, is now the professor of African American Rhetoric at The U of M. Other well-known alumni include Fox 13 news anchor Claudia Barr and WDIA radio personality Janis Fullilove.
“It is great the first president is still here and involved,” said Johnson. “He can see us continue the legacy.”