Newspapers / Black Ink (Black Student … / Sept. 9, 1982, edition 1 / Page 5
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September 9,1982 BLACK INK Page 5 An Alternatiye BISA Enters Its Second Year Wende Watson, t co^ounder of BSA, uys she expects stu dent partkipition in BSA to grow. lARRY MANNING Staff Reporter Campus life at The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill can be best described as a community within itself. One of the main priorities of campus life is the assurance that the various individual needs of every student be met. Those needs, whether they be physical, mental, social or most importantly spiritual are met by the organizations and affiliations that exist on this campus — the Baptist Stu dent Union, Campus Y and the Black In terdenominational Student Association. In previous years the black students at Carolina have turned to the United Christian Fellowship to meet their religious needs but as of the spring semester of 1982, BISA, a new religious organization was established. The Black Interdenominational Student Associa tion, as noted, is a relatively young organiza tion but, as James Exum and Wendy Watson, two students heavily involved in the running of BISA said, BISA is a student organization whose main objective is to encourage student involvement and participation. BISA was designed as an alternative to the religious organizations that already exist at Carolina. Exum points out that a major goal of BISA is “to provide a Christian service that would ex ist without any denominational restrictions. "BISA is a student organization which opens its doors to any student who cares enough to get involved and participate," Ex um said. For a young organization BISA was very well-established within the first few months of operation. Its growth may be best described as extraordinary with as many as 100 to 150 people attending each worship service, Exum said. Worship services are structured on a bi monthly basis which as allows BISA the op portunity to provide transportation to local and community church services on the third and first Sundays. Positive growth for BISA is highly expected as more students become aware of the organization's existence according to Watson, a co-founder. To increase student participa tion, BISA will provide a concert by the choir. Magic, in its first program of the year. The organization hopes to be very diverse by en couraging such subculture groups of the Black Student Movrment as the choir, Opeyo Dancers, and Ebony Readers Watson said. "BISA welcomes the black fraternaties and sororities who have helped in the past in such areas as ushering and providing music — both instrumental and vocal ". Not only those organizations that were noted but any student organization that would like to help in any form or fashion to give praises to Cod may take part in BISA. Exum said, "BISA is designed so that any in dividual should feel free to respond to the ser vice and feel free to express himself in the manner he feels fit." Watson added, "The various subculture groups help to reveal the fact that there are other forms of praise to God, for example, dancing which is often thought to be sinful and poetry which can be very inspiring to the understanding of the biblical context of scrip tural writings. "The use of other instruments like the piano helps to inhance the service of the Lord. BISA has been very well pleased with the support of the Black Creek Council, faculty, staff and student government, not to mention the BSM, Watson said. The faculty input for this organi- in organizational mettings, Bible study semi nars will be offered every Wednesday to pro mote Christian growth and Bible understand ing. Bi-monthly services will be held in the new Union Auditorium. Both Exum and Wat son said they felt the capacity of the auditorium will offer hindrance of the effec tiveness of the service. Exum said, "It's not so much the place but the purpose that makes the service successful. It only matters if the people are limited in their worship. I believe BISA would be suc cessful in a dorm or a tent. It makes no difference." Watson commented — "The auditorium is very appropriate for BISA. The atmosphere is nice and comfortable with air conditioning, soft chairs and carpeting. The size is quite adequate. BISA needs at least a seating capa city of 100 to 150 and room for growth." BISA is a student-oriented organization that encourages and thrives off student participa tion Exum said. This was but a brief overview of BISA and if you have any interest at all I advise you to see for yourself what BISA can do for you, he said. From the Statement of Purpose: "BISA will address the spiritual needs of students in general and black students in particular." p V James Exum, a sophomore from Chartotte, hoks forward to his first year with BBA. Black Ink! Dr. Sonja Stone has provided much input into the organiza tion of BISA. zation has been provided by the Rev. Yvonne Beasley, Vice Chancellor of Student Affairs, Harold Wallace and Dr. Sonja Stone of the Afro-American studies curriculum. The growth or BiiA win largely depend on student awareness and eagerness to become active participants, Watson said. BISA plans to have a membership drive this year. All members will be required to agree to a state ment of purpose and pay dues. BISA will also take a new format this year. In the past the guest speakers came from the faculty and area community ministers. However, this year BISA plans to establish a ministerial staff with the help of the Black Seminary Association of the Duke Divinity School, All speakers and worship services will be planned and selected by the executive council, experienced members of a year ago. The Brothers of the Xi Gommo Chapter of Phi Deta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. Invite All Interested Young Men To Its 1982 Foil Smoker Septembef 16,8 p.m. Union Keynote Speaker: Corrboro Mayor Kobert Drokeford Ladies Are Invited
Black Ink (Black Student Movement, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill)
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Sept. 9, 1982, edition 1
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