Forty years ago a man named Preston Dobbins and a small group of black students at UNC laid the foundation for the Black Student Movement inspiring the growth of what is now the second-largest student organization on campus.
Boasting an annual membership of more than 400 students" BSM's array of committees allow the organization to hone in on specific issues pertaining to black students.
""As issues changed on Carolina's campus and the climate around Carolina changed" we developed other committees that answered the needs that we had" BSM Vice President Racine Peters said.
Getting a feel for home
After 40 years, BSM has strengthened its internal focus with several committees to emphasize all aspects of student life.
The Embrace and the Celebration of Black Womanhood committees focus on issues pertaining to black men and women.
In today's society there is a big misrepresentation and a negative image of black males" not only within the UNC community but within the nation as well" said Jon Scott, co-chairman for Embrace.
Scott pointed to tendency of the public to associate black males with crime as one of the misrepresentations Embrace tries to dispel.
The committee's biggest project, Men's Week, will include forums discussing black politics and the black male image at UNC, while the CBW committee is working on a similar women's event.
It offers a home for minority women" specifically since our campus is generally white" Co-Chairwoman Shannon Davis said of CBW.
Both groups help members discuss identity and personal issues, but others stress the nuts and bolts of the organization.
The Education Committee is what seeks to promote scholarships"" said Alysa Campbell, the committee's co-chairwoman. We are the driving force behind being students first.""
The Special Projects and Parent Alumni Relations Committee plans and implements the BSM's major annual programs and special events" such as the 40th anniversary celebration which begins at noon Saturday.
Connecting to campus
Beyond just the internal workings of the group BSM members also aim to connect with the rest of campus.
And by enhancing the relationship among students administrators and the Chapel Hill community" the Triple Alliance Committee gives back through service projects.
""We pull service to all the different communities that we are a part of"" said Shannon Morrison, Triple Alliance's co-chairwoman.
Triple Alliance Co-Chairwoman Anjail Ameen said the committee is involved in at least two programs a month, including Habitat for Humanity and PTA Thrift Shop.
Students on the Cultural Diversity Committee work with other groups on campus, such as the Carolina Hispanic Association and the Carolina Indian Circle.
The Cultural Diversity Committee is important to make sure that the minorities on campus get their opinions and voices heard and to show that we all support each other"" Co-Chairman Eric Smith said.
With so many committees under the BSM umbrella, the group as a whole seeks to grow both on campus and within the local community.
The BSM has historically been a haven for African-American students to discuss issues that are dear to us"" said Shanika Paylor, executive assistant for BSM. It serves as a source of cultural enrichment on campus.""
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