Decorative lights fill the room, the air buzzes with anticipation as students eagerly file into the classroom for Bowie’s Black Student Alliance’s weekly meeting.
The Black Student Alliance, or BSA, is making a significant impact this year by fostering cultural awareness. Their diverse events and social activities are transforming Bowie into a more inclusive and enlightened campus.
“I believe that having representation is important, and with the Black community being only two percent here at Bowie, it’s a way for students of color to have community,” BSA sponsor Justine Lashley said. “At Bailey Middle School, I was able to establish a partnership with the University of Texas BSA, and from there, our partnership was formed. I’m very grateful for them and their guidance with our board members.”
This is Lashley’s third year being involved with BSA. Although Bowie has not always had a partnership with UT, this fairly new collaboration provides many new opportunities for the club. BSA has expanded at Bowie by creating a safe and healing environment for its members. However, the club has a large group of individuals who are eager to join.
“I joined as soon as I heard about it,” sophomore Katelyn Mathabela said. “I had a family friend who’s a senior who was running it so that helped me decide to join.”
According to Lashley, there is such a high demand for entry to the club, but every student is welcome. BSA fosters a supportive community in which members are encouraged to be themselves.
“We aim to create a more inclusive environment by fostering cultural awareness, promoting open communication, and advocating for equality within Bowie ,” Lashley said. “We host events that celebrate black culture and history as well as provide a safe space for students to share their own experiences.”
There is a right fit for everyone at BSA, and even underclassmen are able to serve leadership positions.
“I enjoyed my experience in BSA especially because I am in a leadership role and it has been really fun helping plan the upcoming events,” sophomore Jayden Pratt said.
Pratt is historian of BSA, but every member of BSA comes together to organize events for the entire school to participate in.
“We’re very excited to organize a game night where anyone can come and enjoy playing games and have fun,” Lashley said. “We are also hosting our first annual pickleball tournament.”
However, social activities aren’t the only thing BSA organizes, as they also focus on other activities and programs.
“We actually have a partnership with George Washington Carver Museum where we will be planting gardens for the surrounding community,” Lashley said. “It’s nice knowing that black students can have an impact on their community and their voices matter and can be heard.”
BSA according to Lashley hopes helping out with both the Austin and Bowie community will broaden their impact. They host meetings every week to talk, brainstorm, and plan new projects.
“All meetings are a team effort by our leadership,” Lashley said. “We usually have some sort of ice breaker, talk about our topics, allow club input, and have refreshments.”
Meetings at BSA are planned to be relaxed so everyone feels comfortable. Senior Kayson Mathabela has continued to participate in weekly meetings ever since joining.
“We meet every Friday either after school or during FIT but honestly it’s a great club to be a part of and I am glad to be in the group,” Mathabela said. “We learn about African American history and we get a community together to talk about our experiences as a group.”
According to Lashley, BSA created an oath that all members pledged to when they first joined. This helps ensure a successful year for the club by providing clear guidelines that everyone can agree on. BSA will continue to implement this practice for years to come.
“We host events that the entire student body can participate in,” Lashley said. “The mission of Bowie Black Student Alliance is dedicated to fostering a supportive and empowering space for all students by celebrating culture, advocating for equity and promoting unity.”
