The Black Student Association (BSA) at UHD is back and thriving thanks to the efforts of senior Madeleine Diagne. After transferring to UHD in 2021 and discovering that BSA was inactive, Diagne took the initiative to revive the organization and provide a community for Black students on campus. “How could I be involved with my community if I didn’t know where my community was?” Diagne said.

Structure & Outreach

Under Diagne’s leadership as BSA president, the organization established a strong sense of structure and community for Black students, including holding various events such as student body meetings, a Juneteenth x Father’s Day BBQ, and a range of events during Black History Month. BSA also collaborated with other organizations on campus to ensure their events were well-funded and aligned with their vision.

Education Within an Education

Diagne’s focus on professional development was a key part of BSA’s activities, with the group inviting a CEO-founder of the nonprofit Student Career Studio to deliver a 45-minute presentation on the power of LinkedIn, including how to build a brand, how to network, and how to best utilize the platform. Other meetings covered topics such as breast cancer awareness and a partnership with Momentum Education, which connects students with mentors in their desired fields.

Community & Camaraderie

Two of BSA’s values are community and growth, according to Diagne. “Community reinforces the importance of how we interact with each other and our environment. Growth covers how I want us to grow as individuals and as a community,” she said. “Camaraderie is also important. I like to make sure people get to know one another. We do mental health check-ins and offer academic support for people who may be struggling.”

The New E-Board

Diagne’s term as BSA president ended, but the organization continues under new leader Richard Solomon. “It’s been a great year, and I am excited to see the new heights we will reach,” Diagne said. She continues on the executive board, serving as BSA’s treasurer.

BSA’s re-establishment has been a significant step for Black students on campus, providing a sense of community and an opportunity for personal growth. Diagne’s leadership has been crucial to the organization’s success, and her focus on professional development and collaboration with other organizations has been a key part of BSA’s activities.

The re-establishment of BSA also serves as a testament to the importance of providing a community for Black students on campus. As Diagne said, “The doors are open to all. We want to bridge the gap between Black students and the rest of the UHD community. We want our members to know they truly belong, without having to ask a second time.”

As Diagne looks forward to graduating in spring 2024, she hopes that BSA will continue to grow exponentially and make an impact on the community. With its revitalization and success, BSA is well on its way to achieving those goals and reaching even greater heights.

Check out BSA on Instagram (@uhd_bsa) and find a membership registration form in their Linktr.ee.

Group photo credit: UHD BSA Instagram