Texas State University’s Black Student Alliance

By Nadia Gonzales
Community Relations Staff Writer

About two weeks ago, I had the pleasure of speaking to BSA’s Promotions Coordinator, Eryka Thompson and BSA’s Parliamentarian, Johnna McClendon. Both of the ladies spoke to me about the purpose of BSA, what BSA typically does as an organization and some things they wanted the public and student body to know about the organization.

Black Student Alliance (aka BSA) is an organization with the purpose to establish connections between Texas State University and its’ black students. BSA also promotes cultural activities, takes part in various service projects, and participates in an annual sponsorship of Black History Week.

“We are an organization that creates a safe space for Black students on campus to come and discuss black issues and black culture,” McClendon said. “BSA also serves to engage in important conversations about different things going on in the black community in a fun and interactive way.”

BSA is also an organization that allows for Black students to meet others and share their opinions about what is going on in society, politics, and the entertainment industry.

“Only a very small percentage of Texas States students are Black and/or African American. It can be hard to find and connect with other students who look like you when you first arrive on campus as a freshman,” Thompson said.

Black Student Alliance also hosts events and creates volunteer opportunities within the community for members to be able to participate. BSA meets every Tuesday to hold general meetings and each meeting is focused on a specific topic.

“In addition, we host events throughout the school year to give students more fun, formal, or educational settings to meet more of Black Texas State students,” Thompson said.

Both Thomspon and McClendon wanted the public and student body to know that BSA is an organization for everyone and that BSA caters to students of all classifications. McClendon and Thomspon both stated that BSA is very welcoming of all students.

The BSA Executive Board encourages students to join this organization so that students can have the opportunity to allow their opinions, views, and voices to be heard.

BSA is an organization where students can have respectful conversations with students over different viewpoints while also becoming further educated. Black Student Alliance also focuses on having deep and engaging conversations.

“It’s a fun and interactive safe space where we exchange ideas and opinions respectfully while also educating ourselves and diving into more engaging topics,” McClendon stated.

Black Student Alliance at Texas State is an organization that allows students to feel welcomed and accepted. This organization is also a place for students to thrive and have positive long-lasting effects on other areas of a student’s college experience and possibly in their professional career.