Booker Embraces Solidarity, Heritage

Booker, president of the Black Student Movement, is aiming to establish Black Solidarity Day as an official University holiday.

But her mission extends beyond one day. Booker wants UNC to be a comfort zone for black students.

And November is BSM Month, a time when Booker says this can occur.

Attending high school in Charlotte with only six black students, Booker was not as active in the black community as she would have liked.

The sense of black student solidarity at UNC encouraged her to get involved.

As a freshman, Booker joined Ebony Readers/ONYX Theater, a BSM subgroup that explores black culture through performance literature.

"It was comforting to find an organization that gave black students an outlet to come together," she said.

Over the next three years, Booker increased her role at the BSM, including a stint as executive assistant.

Booker, a Spanish and communications major, took the final step by running for BSM president. "I want to set the foundation for future accomplishments for the BSM," she said.

As president, she coordinates 15 BSM committees and five subgroups, aiming to educate people about issues facing black students.

"I want to help empower students and show them that one person really can make a difference," she said.

Under Booker's leadership, the BSM has secured a pledge of $10,000 from the Office of the Provost for a plaque honoring the slaves buried in the cemetery behind Connor Residence Hall. "We want to ensure that black students feel more a part of the University," she said.

Booker said she wants to give the same support to the community her family and the BSM gave her. "My parents and family have always been involved; it has been instilled in me," she said. "Family extends beyond blood."

And BSM members are satisfied with Booker's leadership.

Senior business major Brad Picot, BSM vice president, praised Booker's efforts to increase awareness of the black community. "She has built upon the leadership of past leaders, incorporating her own style," he said. "She is responsible for making the movement move forward."

Though she will be leaving UNC and the BSM in May, Booker said she will take with her the lessons she has learned through her activism. "The BSM has given me a sense of empowerment."

The Features Editor can be reached at features@unc.edu.