Every semester the Black Student Association has at least one discussion night where they talk about trending topics on campus. The most recent one took place on Nov. 20, collaborating with the Society for Human Resource Management and the Asian Pacific Islander Program, where they conversed about campus life
At some point in the beginning, I would love to see you talking more about what they talked about and if you have them, including direct quotes about what was said. I feel like this story is just a little bit broad. Maybe also include some of they why’s for the collaboration as well!
Lauren Smith, the president of BSA, shared how talking with other student groups broadened everyone’s perspectives.
“At the Black Programs Lounge we love to have a safe space for everyone to enjoy on campus and it means a lot to know that SHRM and API were able to spend time with us and discuss their experiences and perspectives of NMSU,” Smith said.
Angel Ennis, a general body member of BSA, spoke about how other students’ experiences are not far off from her own and how the collaborations between groups can garner growth.
“I think it is so important to the students at NMSU to feel seen and heard. I enjoy when there is a collaboration with other programs and departments. It helps bring attention to those other groups. This gives opportunity for growth within every group,” Ennis said. “The last discussion night, I found that there are so many experiences that are extremely similar, whether you are a freshman or a graduate student. There is a want to do more for this school and [to] make things better for everyone.”
Virginia Phillips, vice president of Black Student Association, expressed why she feels that the discussion nights are so important to her and what creating a safe space through Black Programs and BSA means for her.
“Discussion nights make me feel seen, wanted, and heard as a student of color while also hearing and embracing different outlooks through students’ perspectives. I think the best things to come from the discussions is being able to be a safe space for students to be open about their experiences as an individual,” Phillips said.
Phillips also talked about how she looks forward to working with more student organizations and her hopes of expanding BSA next semester.
“I would love to do more collaborations with different groups on campus for these discussion nights, so all representations are able to speak on their experiences,” Phillips said. “I’m extremely proud of our BSA and Black Programs facility. We work hard and care about the community and want to keep growing the community into a more diverse and safer environment.”
Ennis also shared optimism for the future of discussion nights and BSA as a whole.
“I hope to see more when it comes to unification of these students and staff. I can truly see something great in every single one of us,” Ennis said.
Smith elaborated on BSA’s plans for next semester and what topics may get discussed in their next discussion night.
“We are currently planning the spring semester, especially planning Black History Month. The theme is still in the air, but we have briefly touched on discussing the effects of the justice system. I think that would be a great conversation,” Smith said.
She gave her reasoning as to why she continues to have discussion nights as a big part of their organization.
“As a growing organization, we love having new experiences and collaborations. I think it’s beautiful when people from all walks of life come together to create events and share experiences,” Smith said.
