Where is the BSM headed in 2000?
INSPIRING AND MOTIVATING ^.OAIS Of iK-ufs MOST CONTROVERSIAL MfMORm OR
ORGANIZATION
By Janelle Royal
What does the first academic year of the
new millennium hold for the Black Student
Movement? According to BSM President, Tyra
Moore, there is reason for excitement. Moore
says the BSM will have a new focus — to reach
the “average black student” on campus. BSM
will implement plans to identify and combat apa
thy and lack of student involvement in the orga
nization. Moore wants to create a more inclu
sive organization by further developing three key
aspects; leadership, scholarship and activism.
Moore believes that nurturing
these characteristics in individ
ual students will empower the
BSM while cultivating leaders
for other significant campus
positions. “I really want the
BSM to be a catalyst for
minority leadership,” said
Moore.
As the largest minority
organization on UNC-CH’s
campus, the BSM’s 2000-01
agenda is full. Above all, the
BSM faces the challenge of
preparing its members for the upcoming presi
dential election. The organization is holding
daily drives that will continue the last day of reg
istration for Orange County. They plan to com
plete their registration drive with a “dorm storm,”
where members will visit dorm rooms to register
voters. Throughout the election season, the
BSM will hold forums to inform the campus of
each candidate’s platform. The BSM is primarily
concerned with educating its members and
inspiring political activism. Moore said, “Our
goal is not to get people to vote one way or
another but to get people to vote.”
In addition to the goals and new political
responsibilities of this year, the BSM has formed
a significant new alliance on campus. Cross
First, the identifying name of campus and com
munity members who live and promote Christian
principles, are major participants in the new
efforts of the BSM. The organization will also
maintain their alliance with the Progressive
Student Coalition, a partnership that was estab
lished last year.
The current academic year is expected
not only to be a year of innovation, but one of
transformation as well for the BSM. All 16 com
mittees and 5 sub-groups will continue to
fundraise. However, in past years, the BSM has
taken an active role in funds
acquisition for a freestanding
Black Cultural Center. In 1999
-2000 the final donations were
made to begin construction of
the Sonya Hanes Stone Black
Cultural Center. This will allow
the BSM to concentrate on
other fundraising efforts.
The BSM Off-Campus
Committee is also changing.
Committee chair, Malika
Graham-Bailey has redirected
the focus of this committee to
volunteer service and outreach. Big Buddy and
Youth United are two programs introduced this
year by Graham-Bailey. These service pro
grams aim to give BSM members the opportuni
ty to aid local communities.
A new year promises new focus and new
challenges for the Black Student Movement.
When asked what she thought would be most
memorable about the BSM this year, Tyra Moore
said, “...it won’t be any particular goal that I’ve
set forth.” Although they have planned to face
new challenges and meet new goals, it appears
that the greatest victories lie hidden, ahead.
Janelle Royal can be contacted at
jproyal@email.unc.edu
October 2000
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