*This story is part of Buc Achieves, a new series written from a student perspective that highlights students and organizations and provides food for thought on the experiences and impact of the CBU community.
What does it mean to be a part of the Black Student Association (BSA)? Whether you’re an active member or simply an observer, it’s worth thinking about. While the organization has always been a pillar of support, current President Essence Jenkins and Vice President Manning Davis have worked to elevate its primary goal – welcoming students who may feel alone and don’t feel like they belong.
When speaking with Essence, she stated, “When we arrived, BSA was already an established organization, but with the impact of COVID-19, it had lost some of its momentum. We’ve heard stories and seen social media posts about how big and active BSA used to be. One of our biggest challenges has been rebuilding our presence on campus and getting students involved again. Our goal is to make it even bigger and better than before.”
Davis said, “We’re still working on it, but our biggest impact has been creating a safe space.” “I believe we’ve successfully created an environment where anyone on campus feels comfortable attending our events. This is at the heart of what we do—we want everyone to feel welcome.”
Having attended many BSA events, I can say that their strength lies in their friendly atmosphere—from social gatherings to discussion forums. One particularly memorable experience was participating in an art event, where members made sure that everyone felt included, even in something as simple as taking group photos.
BSA remains committed to being of service to the Memphis community. Recent events include a week dedicated to giving back, featuring service projects such as volunteering at local elementary schools and a donation drive for those in need.
Under the leadership of Jenkins and Davis and support from CBU’s Division of Student Affairs, BSA is a home away from home for many students, building a sense of belonging and service.
Find the organization that best suits you. Click here for a list of student clubs and organizations.
