By: Kennedy Byrd (’22), Staff Writer
The Black Student Movement was established on November 7th, 1967 starting its contribution to the cultural climate at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. The first president of the organization was Preston Dobbins. In 1975-76 school year, the first female president, Gloria Shealey, was elected into the position. The organization continued to expand with multiple committees and subgroups giving more space for students to hold leadership positions. This year, women dominate the Black Student Movement’s leadership. They fill seven of the ten executive positions, serve as committee co-chairs, and lead all of the subgroups. In this women’s issue, it only feels right to dedicate this article to highlight their efforts to transform and positively impact the Black Student Movement.
The executive board works tirelessly to maintain the mission of the organization and manage the many facets of BSM. Within this school year, BSM has been taken to new heights and given a foundation for success. The organization has been led fearlessly by Qieara “Q” Lesesne as the president of the organization and main spokesperson. As her right hand, Alex Robinson is the vice-president while fulfilling her role with grace. Jada Staten keeps everything in order from rooms to attendance as the executive assistant. Kelley Traynham and Gabbie Johnson are the outreach co-chairs. Together they maintain a relationship with faculty, staff, and other organizations. Lastly, the brand and social media presence of BSM has been transformed by Tamiya Troy and Erin Robinson. They oversee the creative team with the social media accounts and publicity flyers that are shared. BSM’s campus integration. BSM would not run as smoothly without the forward thinking and diligence of these amazing women. It doesn’t stop at the executive board either, committee chairs uphold the same standards.
All the events that are presented through BSM come from the vision of each committee of BSM. Each one works to facilitate conversation, teach new skills, and create fun social environments. Starting with the major events such as Culture on the Lawn and the BSM Ball is facilitated by the Membership and Retention Committee. One of the chairs of this committee is Chryshel Mundy, she is part of the work behind some of the most attended events of the year.
Hopefully, in the next year, we will see more joining these committees and carrying on the legacy that has been created. Mya Walker and Raquel Bullock are the co-chairs for the Elections Committee. Both orchestrated the BSM Royal Court events and will facilitate the executive officer elections as well. From trivia in the pit to the lip sync battle, and fresh Fridays the Black History Committee promoted culture and lead special programs all throughout February. Jasmine Marshall serves as co-chair of the committee. BSM doesn’t only serve the campus community but strives to impact the local community. This is all possible with the work of Jazmine Bunch and Kayla Smith as the Service and Education Committee co-chairs. Thought to bring women of color on campus together, Courtney Witherspoon and Korene Gbozah serve as the co-chairs of the Celebration of Black Womanhood Committee. In collaboration with Men of Color, the committee brought two events that sparked an essential relationship and societal norm conversations. Lastly, Alyssa Hopson is the advisor for the First-Year Class Council, where she has guided the first-years on their endeavors to build a strong community within their year. All these various committees give the community astounding events, but it wouldn’t be complete without performances.
There are six artistic subgroups, that bring students together to have an outlet for their creative talents. First, the UNC Gospel Choir puts on two shows a year, perform at various churches, and host Faith & Fitness sessions. The president of this group is Shelby Miles. Another singing group on campus is led by Tatiana Egbuna. Harmonyx is an acapella group that integrates R&B, hip-hop, and gospel. Opeyo! Dance Company performs at various events around campus and holds two of their own showcases, and they are guided by Italy Lindsey. Next, the Ebony Readers/Onyx Theater, is a powerful force on campus as a spoken word group. The president Mike Robinson works hard to have performances in the pit and at the Stone Center. Next, the newest subgroup Blue Lighting is the campuses first Stomp n’ Shake team guided by Erin Robinson. Lastly, the Black Ink Magazine joined campus in 1969 and has transformed into a monthly magazine dedicated to revolutionary media. The current editor in chief is Carla Beachem, and the rest of the executive board is female as well. Twenty-two stunning and hardworking women have given there all to help run one of the largest organizations on campus. It takes collaboration with other members to make this process possible as well.
