University of North Alabama - Diorama Yearbook (Florence, AL)

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Students find unity with the Black Student Alliance o nc gn)up on campus that lias grown in both numbers and recognition, is the Black Student Alliance, more commonly referred to as BSA. With more than 60 members, active and inactive, BSA is the largest and most prominent African-American organization on campus. Started in 1988, BSA ' s goals are to promote unir -, harmonv, and cultural awareness among students at the univcrsit) ' , without regard to race, creed, color, or national origin. Lcrav Smcdlev, a junior, said, I joined BSA as a treshman, because I found it to be an organization that promoted unity among minorities. I felt the campus needed this organization and that my voice would make a difference. BSA gave me the confi- dence I needed to join other organizations at UNA. BSA was only the beginning for Smcdley, who is now active in man ' other organizations on campus including LaGrange Society, Creative Writers ' club, and University Program Council. Besides encouraging students to excel and succeed in school, BSA actively sponsors many events and activities that are open to all students on campus. The organization kicked ott the year by sponsoring its annual Ebony Fest. This event was held at the beginning ot the tall semester to welcome new students to the university and to welcome back returning students. The two-hour attair featured, tood, flin, and entertainment for all. After dinner, members from other African-American organizations on campus shared information on those organizations. Then the students were able to let their hair ciown and dance as a Df from a local radio station jammed some times in the amphitheater. The next major event sponsored by the BSA was Black History Month. During February, the organization planned activi- ties for the entire month-long celebration. To begin the month, students were asked to dress in different attire throughout the first week. The week ' s attire included African Attire day. Black Organization day, Collegiate Gear day, and Dress Up day. The following week, BS. hosted a Black History Trivia Bowl, which tested the knowledge of students concerning African-American history. Also during the month, the organization sponsored various guest speakers and the university ' s own gospel choir, Ascending Voices, who entertained in the Guillot University Center. President Nikki Durr had plans for many activities such as a formal affair, and the Red, Black, and Green Ball. With the help ot the University Program Council, the organization also hoped to sponsor an annual region-wide Greek show, for students in Black Greek organizations from around the Southeast to participate. Durr planned for BSA to have a more prominent role on campus and in the community. ' With strong leadership and dreams, the Black Student Alliance has become one of the most prominent organizations on campus. by Davine Young DANCE DISPLAY. BSA members per- form an exhibition dance tor the students of the universit) ' . INSPIRATIONAL TALK. AJzeda Celeste King speaks to the students of the universirv durintr Black I liston ' Month. A T 1 k I ' ■ jL mm f i PL SK j Hl fn m M;s P nfl SIh ¥i S n H 5 . »HB wm .1 pp i n UNA photos by Shannon Wells

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Amanda Magnussen. Sara Owen. Amanda Van Schuyler, Brooke Potter

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IN IT TO WIN IT. Members ot the Black Student Alliance race to the finish tor their team ' s win during Spring Fling games.