by: Nia Nelson (’19), Staff Writer
Mr. BSM – Ryan Byrd, ‘16
Ryan is a senior from Williamston, North Carolina majoring in Sociology and Religious Studies. He is a member of UNC’s only Black a cappella group, Harmonyx, and also serves as an intern for the Office of Undergraduate Retention. After graduation, Ryan plans to join Teach For America as a member of the corps, and after two years, enter graduate school to attain a Ph. D. in Sociology with hopes of becoming a college professor.
Ryan’s Service Project – “Operation: Unified HEELing”
“Operation: Unified HEELing” is a service project that aims to bridge a gap between the mainstream community at UNC, marginalized communities in the surrounding areas, and local law enforcement. The goal is to ignite and champion real dialogue about issues of police brutality, over-policing, criminalization of people of color, and relieving tension between the overall community and law enforcement. This project will include a Q&A panel between faculty, staff, local law enforcement and students as well as smaller, intimate group workshops to foster personal connections and ignite more discussion.
Ms. BSM – Tamera McLeod, ‘16
Tamera is a senior from Rocky Point, North Carolina majoring in Child Development & Family Studies, and minoring in Entrepreneurship. As a dedicated and active member of BSM, Tamera chose to run for Ms. BSM to give back to the organization that allowed her to explore her passion for education, meet life-long friends and find a true family. After graduation, Tamera would like to volunteer in the Peace Corps teaching English in a foreign country, then pursue a career in education policy. She hopes to eventually own a child-care facility.
Tamera’s Service Project – Cultural Competency Training for UNC’s Faculty & Staff
This service project will include personal stories and experiences from UNC students about their interactions with faculty and staff, both positive and negative, and will follow with a presentation on tips and suggestions on how to best support students of color at UNC. Tamera would also like to continue the “We Gon’ Be Alright” Scholarship & Showcase started by last year’s Ms. BSM, Summer Holmes.
BSM Royal Court
Mr. Junior – Markee Weaver
Ms. Junior – Morgan Howard
Mr. Sophomore – Dominque Brodie
Ms. Sophomore – Abby Murray
Mr. Freshman – Jaylen Evans
Ms. Freshman – Nya Anthony
