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

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UNA photo by Adam Robison IN IT TO WIN IT. Members of the Black Student Alliance race to the finish for their team ' s win during Spring Fling games.

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Students find unity with the Black Student Alliance o nc group on campus that has 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, BSAs goals are to promote unity, harmony, and cultural awareness among students at the university, without regard to race, creed, color, or national origin. Leray Smedley, a junior, said, I joined BSA as a freshman, because I tound 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 tor Smedley, who is now active in many 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 off the year by sponsoring its annual Ebony Fest. This event was held at the beginning of the fall semester to welcome new students to the university and to welcome back returning students. The two-hour affair featured, food, 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 down and dance as a DJ from a local radio station jammed some tunes 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, BSA 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 of 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 ot the most prominent organizations on campus. by Davine Young DANCE DISPLAY. BSA members per- form an exhibition dance for the students of the university. INSPIRATIONAL TALK. Alzeda Celeste King speaks to the students of the universir - during Bhick History Month. UNA photos by Shannon Wells

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BATHTIME FUN. Members of Baptist Campus Ministries provide a clean performance of Sesame Street, taking first place in the co-ed division. PRESENTING PEACE. Members of the University Players spotlight Brian D. Peace in their routine. DISCO NIGHTS. Brothers of Kappa Sigma take UNA back to the 70s with a remake of Stayin ' Alive. 10 UNA photo by Chris Rohling