BSM recognizes 40th anniversary

The Black Student Movement began celebrations for its 40th anniversary Sunday with a brief reception in the Upendo Room of the Student and Academic Services Buildings.

The reception starts a weeklong series of events commemorating the anniversary, history and legacy of the BSM.

"This is a momentous occasion for the Black Student Movement," said Racine Peters, BSM vice president. "We've been on campus for 40 years, and not many student organizations can say that."

After the audience of about 30 people sang "Lift Every Voice and Sing," a song sometimes known as the black national anthem, freshman Travis Melvin of Ebony Readers/Onyx Theatre gave a poetry presentation.

"As members, we are all ambassadors for Carolina's black nation," Melvin said in his poem.

BSM was founded in 1967 because black students were underrepresented on campus, and it became the voice for black students at UNC, a role members strive to continue today.

Senior Shanika Paylor presented the 40-year history of the organization and called BSM and the Upendo Room "a home away from home" for black students at UNC.

Margaret Jablonski, vice chancellor for student affairs, gave short remarks before heading to a UNC field hockey game.

"You're very influential, and I don't think that's going change," Jablonski said to the group.

She called BSM a "moral compass" for the entire University.

Archie Ervin, BSM's adviser and associate provost for diversity and multicultural affairs, spoke for the kick-off event.

"I watched the BSM from afar when I was a student at another university, and I was very envious," Ervin said of the group's strength and vitality when he was an undergraduate at Appalachian State University.

Ervin told BSM members that he hopes the group does not just celebrate its past accomplishments but continues to push for more advancements for the UNC black community.

After Ervin's speech, the executive board of the BSM presented him with a new award, called the Harambee Award. Peters said that Harambee, which means "let us pull together" in Swahili, is a good description of Ervin's role within the group.

At the end of the reception, BSM leaders unveiled the Upendo history wall, which is located between the two doors leading into the room and consists of enlarged old newspaper articles and correspondence with the University administration that trace the history of the Upendo Room itself.

"The Black Student Movement represents a tradition within the Carolina community," Peters said. "Our legacy is something that is going to stand the test of time."

Contact the University Editor at udesk@unc.edu.