Mid-Year Report
What has and hasn’t worked in the BSM thus far
Introduction
Somebody is going to kill me about the sexist analogy which follows.
But It makes my point.
And I’m willing to bet that it’ll attract the attention of some readers who normally
wouldn't give this article the time of day.
The BSM is like a woman with a big posterior. Her hind parts are big, attract attention
and make her proud to have so much to twist
They also strain the seams of her pants, slow her down and threaten to make her fat if
she doesn’t mlnJ her appetite.
What does a big-hipp^ woman have to do with anything?
Fir^, the BSM is a big organization, including under its aegis a Central Committee, a
Gospel Choir, a dance group, a drama group, a readers theatre group, five dorm action
committees, a weekly newspaper, a newsletter, a radio program and other various and
sundry components.
Second, if the organization isn’t well coordinated, it will fall flat on its big so and so.
We haven’t fallen yet this school year and with some luck and hard work, we might not.
We have stumbled, mind you, but I’ll talk about that later.
This Mid-Year Report is an attempt to let you, the General Body, know precisely where
the organization stands. It’s a report card of sorts, with the Central Committee grading
itself on its performance thus far. We’re striving for an honest, realistic appraisal and
have included some General Body views. We still, however, want you to correct or
clarify where you see fit.
As always, your input is very, very important.
Chairperson
I give myself a mediocre rating—and that’s being generous.
On the plus side, the BSM has done extraordinarily well in paying off the outstanding
debt incurred during last year’s Kod and the Gang concert. Thus far, the organization
has repaid over $2,000 of the $3,000 debt. Moreover, it has met each monthly payment on
or ahead of time.
Partially due to the debt and in some cases in spite of it, the BSM has programmed
more consistently and effectively than in the recent past. “Vintage 78,” "Soul Train”
and “The Dating Game” were the most successful BSM socials in six years, both
financially and aesthetically.
Other positive accomfriishments:
-Jeneral body meetings have been held regularly, though attendance fell off as the
year progressed. Freshmen were the biggest attenders.
—Membership dues were actively collected for the first time in the BSM’s history.
—TTie BSM was actively in the summer, during which it raised close to $500, provided
social programming, printed a weekly Summer Ink newsletter and held weekly Central
Committee meetings.
—The BSM’s “Ebaiy Spotlight” radio show was launched on campus radio station
WXYC.
—The Black Campus Cabinet was formed in an attempt to foster dialogue and
cooperation among black campus organizations.
—Involvement among graduate and professional students rose sharply. Four gradualte
students worked on the Central Committee, the first Craige Action Committee was
formed and a black graduate orientation was co-sponsored with Student Affairs.
—A slide show set to recorded narration and music was created in conjunction with
Student Affairs as well. The show deals with black campus life and will be shown to black
high school students.
—The “Gripe Line” telephone service was begun.
On the negative side;
PoUtical activism was pitifully absent. Little BSM interest or involvement was
shown in the cases of the Charlotte Three, Wilmington Ten or high school minimum
competency test.
—"nie BSM could have done more research and information gathering concerning the
admissions controversy.
—North Campus blacks were treated like orphans and few programs and services
were provided from them
—No regular dialogue between the chairperson and Chancellor Ferebee Taylor was
established, although it easily could have been.
—Too many people resigned from the Central Committee. During the first half of the
current administration, 11 Central Committee members submitted resignations. Most
resigned because of time conflicts but that alarmingly high rate of turnover represents
roughly half of the committee.
—Alternative programming besides dances was scarce.
—Relatively few admissions-free activities were provided.
Interest in the BSM seems to have heightened, but constituents made it dear during
the fall semester that they do not like half-stepping. I hope this semester to be a more
visible chairperson. I also plan to remind BSM members that the Central Committee
does not intend to make all the decisions nor does it intend to do all the work.
I once again challenge black students to let their ideas and reactions be known. We
don’t mind criticism and we certainly don’t mind praise.
And I want to emphasize one thing: you can talk about me and the Central Committee
all you want to, but if you don’t let US know what you think, you’re wasting your breath
and might as well shut up.
1978: A satisfying year
and a frustrating year
Culttiral Coordinator
ISo far, this year has been both satisfying
and frustrating. The frustration seems
inevitable, stenuning from the fact that
there is never enough time, energy and
resources to follow through on all the ideas
that are generated.
The best of these ideas, however, do not
become obsolete over time, so what ever is
left on my agenda at the year’s end will be
passed on to next year’s cultural Coor
dinator.
I worked on three major projects last
semester: the Coronation BaU, Soul Train
Disco and Accent! talent show.
If I could do the Ball over, I would
certainly look for some magic to bring a
couple hundred more people to the
program. We waited all night for a crowd
that never showed. We had impressive
candidates and crowned a very qualified
queen.
Still the crowd did not come to the
program or to the party, and the question
that must t>e answered may t>e'related to
puW Ic ity’^HWNgrtwwreBtr—*—*—
Parliamentarian
I have completed the BSM constitution
and Dr. Lee Greene will review the rough
draft for mistakes. The Constitutional
Cwnmittee has jotted down sections which
need detailed explanations. Finally, the
committee will finish the by-laws which
were created during the 77-78 ad
ministration to complement the Con
stitution.
I don’t ♦‘’ink the process will take very
long since we have a basic tramework to
work with.
RoiFuse
Upendo
Since its official opening for the
academic year 1978-79, Upendo Lounge
has operat^ under its potential. Though it
was stunted mainly because it does not
have a yearly budget, several activities
have managed to come of it, and with good
participation.
A full policy worksheet of security and
maintenance was drafted and passed by
the Upendo Board before October 1.
It serves to hatchet out some old but
crucial problems and even explains
reservation procedures. The policy sheet
is complete within itself. For the
remainder of the year, much of the success
of coming events in Upendo Lounge
depends on whether or not a proposal for a
Upendo budget is accepted.
tfje copiinft of spring wA endeavor