In April 1968, a group of African-American students at Saint Louis University decided that all African-American students needed formal representation. Together they birthed the Association of Black Collegiates (also known as ABC). Eventually this organization renamed itself and is now known as the BSA, formally, the Black Student Alliance.
Today, this organization is led by Christopher Walter Jr., a junior in the John Cook School of Business. Walter states that the organization’s mission is simple. The mission as stated in the Black Student Alliance’s constitution is as follows: “…to provide an open forum for dialogue and voice for opinions and affairs of the University and concerning African/African American students [and} to uphold the ideals and values of the Jesuit Catholic mission.” It is a mission of empowerment for black students. From here, Walter states his interpretation of the mission: “BSA gives voices to those who are voiceless. Gives opportunities to those who are and are not black to become educated on what being black is/means. We provide advocacy on behalf of the black community. We provide a family, community and unity.”
The Black Student Alliance is unlike any other multicultural group on Saint Louis University’s campus. For one, it has one of the largest constituent bases on campus out of all of the multicultural organization. The second reason, one that has been a controversial topic, is the fact that the BSA is the only multicultural group to hold two senate seats. “BSA was the only cultural organization on campus to fight for this … we realize as the one of the least retained, least resourced, one of the least privileged, and one of the most marginalized groups on campus that having our voice on the Student Government Association is essential when combatting those seats” states Walter, when asked why the Black Student Alliance is the one multicultural group to have two. Trevor Woolfolk, a senior in Parks College says, “ I feel that SGA doesn’t have enough multicultural voices. They have lots of student organizations and departments which are primarily white, which in turn may result in a Student Government Association that isn’t reflective of multicultural opinions and concerns.”
There are critics, and those who just don’t understand why a BSA is needed. There are also those who feel that a Black Student Alliance shouldn’t be allowed because a White Student Alliance wouldn’t be allowed. To this, Walter responds, “America is a White Student Association and has been from its foundation. You wake up everyday to a White Student Alliance. I work within a White Student Alliance, and go to school in a White Student Alliance. I don’t see the need of it in the entity of itself because it’s currently all around us.”
Woolfolk explains that he feels there is a lack of support for the Black Student Alliance even within the community it represents, saying, “I don’t think that some black students feel the connection between themselves and the rest of the black community. So they take themselves out of the equation. They don’t identify with black obstacles, experiences or victories.”
The Black Student Alliance is a multicultural organization with its own unique set of struggles and obstacles. The organization, just like any other, is not without flaws or critics. The BSA is one that has fought for its rights and proved its need continuously. The constituents and executive board are fiercely dedicated to its mission and plan to be around as long as Saint Louis University will be.
