The University of Denver’s Black Student Alliance (BSA) is a place of community for the historically underrepresented students of the African diaspora, both African and African American. Fostering a safe space for members to be authentically themselves, BSA has become an oasis for students who seek tranquility and laughter.

As a predominantly white institution (PWI), there are many spaces that lack diversity at DU, and students of color often feel isolated. As one of the few affinity groups on campus, BSA hosts several events throughout the year to celebrate the diverse tapestry of African cultures. The organization also hosts workshops to equip students with professional development skills and bonding activities to strengthen community. BSA’s bi-weekly meetings are inclusive to everyone. No commitment is necessary and the e-board invites all who would like to laugh and have fun to join.

Current BSA president, Sophia Holt, a third year film major, has been active in the organization since her freshman year of college and has been on the executive board since sophomore year. Animated to revolutionize the way BSA hopes to achieve their goals, Holt felt empowered to take on the leadership position.

“The Black Student Alliance is a unique organization [that] represents a very small portion of the DU community… We want to foster a fun, chill space on campus where anyone and everyone can feel like themselves. There is such diversity and joy in being Black [which] should be recognized,” said Holt.

The organization recently hosted the Black Art Jubilee, an event in collaboration with African Students United (ASU), Black Community Initiatives (BCI) and the Cultural Center. The event recognized the joy that comes with identifying as part of African American culture and paid tribute to this year’s Black History Month theme, African Americans and the Arts. The event took months of planning and preparation, but that is not abnormal for BSA. The organization takes time in planning big spotlight events that emphasize different sectors of their culture. This May, BSA, the Latine Student Alliance (LSA) and the Queer Student Alliance (QSA) will host an event on the multicultural queer ball scene. The organizations will be hosting several educational workshops leading up to the Ball.

The past and upcoming collaborations are all part of BSA’s biggest goal this year: to connect with the larger DU community, including other affinity groups.

Vice President Camryn Gunter, a second-year physics major, was inspired by Holt to take on a leadership position. Determined to make change at DU, Gunter hopes to be an advocate for their community.

“I hope to bring a sense of belonging at DU and somewhere [students] can go if they are experiencing racism at DU and need support. It can be so isolating being a Black student at DU; personally, I am the only Black physics major [at the university]. For me, there is always a feeling of not being understood by peers because they don’t experience the same hardships … BSA is a place to just be you and laugh,” said Gunter. 

The racial disparities that exist not only in departments but across campus are something that not only Holt and Gunter experience but also their members. 

“You can maybe count, emphasis on maybe, the total amount of other Black people you know [on campus] on two hands. Of course, we don’t want to force community, but it is important to see your lived experience reflected in others and in the space around you,” said Holt. 

Community, friendships, joy and fun are the pillars of BSA in Holt and Gunter’s perspective. The relationships formed among the organization are lifetime friendships and make their experience at a PWI much easier. 

“The most important aspect of BSA is the bonds and friendships we form all along the way. It sounds cheesy, but it’s true. At a school where you can count the number of fellow Black folks in your department on one hand, things like the Black Student Alliance mean a lot,” said Holt.

Amid adversity, BSA embodies resilience and will continue to impact students and the DU community at large. The organization’s spirit of camaraderie and cultural pride ensures that DU’s campus is a place where every voice is heard and valued.

To keep up with BSA’s upcoming events, be sure to check out their Instagram and Crimson Connect.