Black History Month started as a week-long celebration between Fredrick Douglass and Abraham Lincoln’s birthdays. This year, Black Programs will be hosting many events throughout the month. Black Student Association has expressed that they want to emphasize community this Black History Month and invite everyone to join in and build connections.
Black Programs focuses on academic events and recognition, while BSA emphasizes community events and information about Black student life. Both are crucial for building camaraderie and bringing the Black community together.
Lauren Smith, the president of BSA, explained what the organization does and what makes it so important to New Mexico State University.
“BSA is a safe space for everyone to be themselves, build community, and make memories. We highlight Black culture while also uplifting those around us. I would like to highlight that we are welcoming to everyone who walks through the door,” Smith said. “BSA is one of the student organizations under Black Programs and Black Programs is under one of the many Diversity and Inclusion programs.”
Smith shared that seeing people learn and grow when they come to BSA is the most important part of her role.
“We make lasting memories within the organization and it’s amazing to see everyone grow together, and it allows so many leadership experiences for all,” Smith said. “I hope we can help everyone feel supported during this difficult and challenging time. We want to remain a safe space for all.”
Aaliyah Walker, event planner for BSA, shared what the organization means to her and how her time within it has shaped her college experience.
“Coming to NMSU I didn’t really feel that sense of belonging. I went my whole freshman year just trying to navigate my way without my parents and family right next to me. I made a new family within BSA, and it’s been incredible growing closer to everyone,” Walker said. “A memory that really sticks with me is the parade we did. We made something out of nothing and showed up and showed out. It was amazing to see how creative we were and how much fun we had together.”
Gabrielle Grant, the historian for BSA, talked about her first year at NMSU and explained how BSA has helped her through it.
“The BSA has made my college life fun and easy. [The people] are just fun to be around, and I love being around them. Everyone should know that BSA is a comfort zone. We are fun people to be around and make it a great time. We share a lot about our life to each other and we get to know one another,” Grant said.
Walker described how inclusivity within BSA has grown their community to include all other groups across campus.
“Everyone should know how welcoming and inclusive BSA truly is. BSA is the association, but it is so much deeper than that. We are individuals that are in unity, we all have different backgrounds, experiences and other attributes that shape who we are. If we can give others the same opportunity to feel unity and have a sense of belonging, we will do so,” Walker said.
While Walker talked about being able to have this sense of unity among many groups, she brought up an essential piece of history that she felt was important for Black History Month and BSA.
“I think a very important fact to note, especially for Black History Month, is that Ruby Bridges, the first African American child at age of six to attend an all-white school is barley 70. I think it’s very important to note this because integration of schools is essential when discussing diverse communities, especially BSA,” Walker said. “It is the reason why we are all able to come together and share our cultures, experiences and beliefs.”
Eldridge Lomotey • Feb 20, 2025 at 4:28 PM
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