Due to a desire to increase support for black students and split from the campus’ NAACP chapter, the Black Student Movement was created on Nov. 7, 1967.
Today, some argue that BSM is not relevant. They cite a lack of purpose and appeal as reasons. But our organization’s past, and current strides, prove otherwise.
Many milestones throughout the past 45 years have proven the worth of BSM’s model. One of the 23 demands BSM presented to Chancellor J. Carlyle Sitterson in 1968 was that a Department of African and Afro-American Studies be established and that a major should follow.
Fast forward to today and the department and major exist, but BSM is still fighting for the department in light of an academic scandal. We do this because we know why it was founded, and how it’s an asset to campus.
Another demand was to create an office to respond to the academic and social welfare of black students. This contributed to what is now the Office of Diversity and Multicultural Affairs.
A common critique of BSM is that our meetings are just targeted toward one particular audience. However, most BSM meetings are co-hosted with other campus organizations, and we strive to appeal to all UNC students.
Of course, no effort is perfect, nor will it please everyone. However, this should not deter one’s involvement in BSM or the movement itself.
Our leadership has always been devoted to making the organization the best it can be, and we continue to grow and strengthen year after year.
If there were no BSM, how would the University community be affected? BSM provides an inclusive environment for incoming students of any ethnicity as soon as they set foot on campus. Without BSM, a significant support network would be lost.
