Black Student Union Organization: A Sense Of Empowerment

Minority serving institutions have been an integral part of the education system in the United States since before the Civil War (LeMelle, 2002). Historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs) have, for much of their existence, been criticized for the level of academic rigor, political context, and their social agenda have created controversy for generations. With that being said, HBCUs hold a valuable place in the landscape of US higher education institutions. The culture, history, and perspective that is taught and shared are unparalleled and cannot be replicated at a predominately white institution (PWI).

Student Union Address at BSU’s 3rd annual Black Faculty, Staff, and Student Mixer. This years theme is “The Resurgence of College Activism: 1960 vs. 2016” With the current racial climate in the United States, we chose a theme that can incorporate not only student activism on campus, but in their general community as well. The distinguished student that is chosen will be tasked with conducting a ten to twenty minute address in front of the their peers and faculty/staff on campus regarding either A) Answering the questions “How can the black student community

Another major predicament that plays a large role in the amount of African Americans that do not receive a higher education is once they get to college, they do not have a typical or enjoyable experience once there. In today’s society, it is hard to imagine that there is still racism and segregation in schools and colleges today but the reality is, it still does very much exist. This is especially true when black students attend predominantly white universities. Even though most colleges promote themselves by talking about how diverse their

African American education systems and colleges faced many issues systematically and socially. The process of integrating colleges was a process faced with opposition because the idea that higher education was made for strictly for white upper-class men was still the underlying ideal. While equal opportunity was promoted in the light, behind the scenes, systematically money, policy, procedure hindered black education and equal opportunity. Realizing this injustice, black students sought to find their own solutions to social justice issues happening not only within higher education but their communities while leading by example.

Over the last couple of years, I have had many opportunities that dealt with me enriching diversity for my campus and community. Being a member of Phi Theta Kappa has many immeasurable benefits. One benefit that came with me being a chapter officer at North Hennepin Community College is that every year we get to choose a project that benefits or raises awareness to the community. This year me and my Phi Theta Kappa team chapter members wanted to see what our fellow student body members thought about equally underrepresented minorities in position of power. We were able to gather and interpret the results. From the results, I personally changed my attitude, I learned that everyone needs to be educated so that they could be more knowledgeable

Since entering SMU in the fall of 2013 I have had the honor and privilege of meeting some of the most outstanding indivuals. SMUs black population represents the crème of the crop. I say this because despite the numerous obstacles that society has placed in our way, we are all still here. We represent countless black people that continue to fight in the battle against oppression. When there isn’t a way we make a way. We make spaces for ourselves such as ABS, NPHC, SSS and BME. I have gone to numerous forums, meetings, film showings, service events, fish fry’s, barbeques, step shows, talent shows, church outings, teas, demonstrations, fundraisers and numerous other events with the goal of supporting my black brothers and sisters. The black community

Today, African American students are under-represented in college and universities, and the reason is the ongoing disenfranchisement of African American students. Our education system needs be more responsive and needs to pay more attention to the college preparation for these students. People of color historically have been misrepresented, exploited, silenced, and taken for granted in education research (Dillard, 2000; Stanfield, 1995), (H. Richard Milner IV, 2008).

Society has made it so hard for blacks to become successful, but for the great minds of the students at CAU; it’s so easy for them to succeed and not for them to fall into what society calls the “system”. This too, is a reason as why some African Americans feel like they just don’t have to try. The harder they try; they may still get nowhere being limited to so many great opportunities. Although there are no excuses to be made for the African American communities, this reasoning’s will leave some people to think they will never be good enough for society. “Eliminate what’s distracting you and keep it moving in order to succeed” are words that I will always remember Helen Smith Price saying before the closing of Founders Convocation 2017. In life not everyone will support you nor help you get to where you want to be and those are the people you leave behind in order to succeed. As a graduating senior of Clark Atlanta University I will always “Find a Way or Make

However, the struggle for success is particularly small for many Black students. There are many aspects that come along with attending an HBCU. Many are falsely portrayed throughout media, but students either current or graduated from an HBCU can attest through their different experiences. African American students have gained knowledge, awareness, self-identity and much more. Many graduates that attended HBCU’s continue to support HBCU’s because of the experiences that the university has taught them in everyday life and also in their career. HBCU’s tend to produce African American students that enter the adult world with an understanding of who they are. Being confident about their place in society and eager to influence their peers and the world

When I started this phenomenal journey of researching, African-American professionals in higher education, I never realized that indeed there was truth in the obstacles, restrictions and biases in their way that must be overcome. In this research paper we will highlight and discuss some of the reasons that African- American professionals faces in higher education and some of the resources, that can be used to dismantle the indifferences. The progress has been slow in the academic arena for African-Americans in higher education. It has being over two decades from 1980 to 2003 African Americans make up only 4.3% of full time faculty in Americans universities and since 2003 it as only gone up by 1.2%. Progression toward a goal to dismantle obstacles to academe life for African- American professionals is the only way to winning the battle in education (Schwarz et al 2010).

I think that your third one would be a huge draw for black students on campus. There is a group that I know of that is centered on social justice issues concerning black people in America. I think that if we were able to get the flier and word out ( we could use those screens that usually advertise events on campus), there should be some willingness to participate from the group. I think the BSU would also be interested in this as well as the black fraternity and sorority. I know we can reach the greek students through Deborah (from bible study) and we can reach the BSU through Kandra (on the choir). I know Che (on the choir) is in the group I wrote about earlier and I also have the group leader's contact info if you need it. Concerning the panelists, we could invite Pastor Eric Mason, Pastor Terry Davis or his wife Pastor Pamela Davis and Pastor Gregory Ross. I'm not sure if you would be interested in having a more diverse group of panelists or if you'd prefer to have just black panelists since the topic is geared towards black students.

Supporting the success for diverse students on campus is just the beginning to make their experience as equal to that of the white community. Without positive campus attitude and without the recognition of what diversity brings to a school and a classroom, the system would not thrive and those of a different ethnic background will not be inclined to attend. The conclusion to Espinosa’s, Gaertner, and Orfields article is that college and university leaders

Founded February 12, 1909, the NAACP is the nation’s oldest, largest and most widely recognized grassroots-based civil rights organization. It’s more than half-million members and supporters throughout the United States and the world are the premier advocates for civil rights in their communities, campaigning for equal opportunity and conducting voter mobilization.

I am a member of the Teacher PREP Club and the NSU Chapter of NAACP. I am an actively involved member of both organization, attending all scheduled meetings, offering my ideas and input, and giving of my time whenever I can. In Teacher Prep, I helped volunteer for the Children’s Theatre performance, helping to set up, clean up, and serve refreshments afterward. Additionally, I have helped organize the Black History presentation given to the preschool children. In the NAACP, I have helped organize presentations, support fundraising initiatives, and design the organization’s T-shirt design. I also take advantage of various community service opportunities on campus such as the Red Cross Blood Drive, Youth Day, and Color Run. In my free time, I

Through my leadership experiences at SCSU, I have grown into a strong, independent, and courage woman. This past spring semester, I took the opportunity to apply and be accepted to present at M.E.Ch.A.’s national conference about my independent studies course that I developed. I never imagined to share my cultural experiences on that level and have professors comment afterward about how they enjoy my presentation. There have been opportunities where I was able to discuss with administrators among other students and our concerns on campus issues facing students of color directly to them. I have met strong, academic leaders and students at conferences that have exposed me to love and embrace my cultural identity, indigenous roots, femininity, strength, and personal struggles. The education program gave me the opportunity to continue learning in another location for student teaching, which again has exposed me to new experiences, people, environments, and academic challenges. I no longer view challenges as obstacles, rather I view them as tests to help me remember how worth it, the path I am on and pursing, is to me. When I first started my freshman year in fall 2012, I could have never imagined that I would do and come as far as I have. I remember when I began this journey, I said to myself that I would graduate