Assistant dean Solomon succeeds in having new BSA chartered

By Pierce Spead, Contributing Writer

OBU sophomore family life track major Geneva Harper and the assistant dean of students Jonathon Solomon worked together to create a Black Student Association (BSA) this semester.

Several years ago a BSA chapter did exist here, but participation and involvement waned so much that the group simply stopped meeting.

That is no longer the case, and with fresh new leadership, this ideation of the org returns to campus with energy and enthusiasm.

The BSA was officially accepted by the Student Government Association February 22nd, and since that date, Harper and Solomon have worked to create a distinctive image and focus for the organization.

During first meeting, drew in more 100 students who wanted to be a part of an innovative and diverse group dedicated to culturing innovative and diverse members. 

In a general sense, the BSA was designed to recognize black culture to teach others about black heritage.

Specifically for Bison Hill, the organization is comprised of students that seek to expose the OBU community to diverse culture and to invite multi-cultural backgrounds.

Collectively, this group wants to build a engaging community at OBU where students can share their experiences in fun environment; an environment created by social events which offer leadership opportunities that help engage the broader OBU community.

One of their first social events included many activities during Black History Month, and they continue to meet regularly to map out the future calendar of events.

In fact, in February alone the BSA hosted more than 20 events that brought guest speakers to campus and informed people of black cultural significance.

Some of the events included social gatherings, such as Barbershop Talk, where free haircuts were given with open discussion among participants.

Other events involved professors of color who provided their insight on tissues and events prevalent within the black community.

The BSA is open to all ethnic groups in an effort to facilitate cultural diversity; its members do strive to offer new events, opportunities and past times that celebrate people of color as they also foster a spirit of inclusivity.

In that’ sense the organization promotes self-growth, leadership and the importance of multiculturalism as it provides a comfortable and welcoming environment

For long term goals, Solomon said he wants to work alongside the admissions team to bring more ethnicity to OBU by providing more recruitment opportunities and attractive social options to prospective students.