A Response from BSCF’s Executive Team:
Executive VP: Jameeka Williams (senior, history, political science)
Executive Team: Ben Lee (senior, political science) and Jenna Donaldson (junior, political science)
“There's an array of reasons why BSCF is important to AU’s campus. The original intent of this club was to be made as a safe haven for the Black students on campus who often experienced discrimination on this campus. This over-40 year old club that exemplifies and showcases Black history, Black culture, Black talent, and Black worship has always wanted to make sure that not only is it beneficial to Black people by being that safety created for and by Black people, but by being able to embed all these aspects of Blackness into AU’s culture as well. “
One of the best things about AU is all the different cultures that the students have to offer the school, and this being important to BSCF that we are able to celebrate ourselves, we are also able to allow others to celebrate with us. BSCF also provides a voice for the Black students.
As important as a safe haven is for Black people as we deal with historic, systemic, and on going racism and discrimination it is also just as important that actions and words are put to these feelings. With something like the “It Is Time AU” movement that was created and run by the leadership of BSCF, we show Black students, and even students of other cultures and ethnicities, that you are, in fact, able to have a voice. That there is support not just behind, but with you as well. And BSCF sees that as a major priority for the club.
Théard Pierre
President
(senior, theology)
BSCF is, has and will always be important to Andrews University. Like the many who have paved the way outside of Andrews, in my 4 years here, BSCF has stepped up to the plate to provide safe spaces for black students, to fight against unjust systems, to provide a praise that leaves you with an array of emotions, and when it’s all said and done it becomes home. Everyone deserves to feel at home, and I believe that it is this principle that each club strives to bring here at AU.
Rayno Victor
Photographer
(junior, photography)
I think it’s important to have BSCF because our club helps minority and black students feel more welcomed and appreciated on a campus
Jachin Holness
Religious Vice President
(seminary)
“I think BSCF is vital for Andrews University to have representation, acknowledgement, and empowerment for and of a group that is constantly marginalized, ostracized, and oppressed in the real world and the microcosm of it here at Andrews University.”
Khaylee Sands
Social Media Director
(sophomore, pre-physical therapy)
I think BSCF is an important club to have at Andrews for the sense of a safe black community for students. BSCF is not simply a club, but a family. Being a part gives us the opportunity to portray what being black is really about, despite what the negative side of society says.
What aspect of BSCF are you most excited about this coming year?
Thandi Dewa
Social Team
(sophomore, biology)
“I’m most excited to see the creativeness that will come from the BSCF team this year as we execute a super successful year given our current circumstances”
Janick Brun
Social Team
(junior, french)
“I’m excited for the fact that despite a pandemic, BSCF will be bringing fun and cool events”
Reba Perkins
Social Team
(senior, nursing)
“I’m excited about the events we have planned for black history month!”
The Student Movement is the official student newspaper of Andrews University. Opinions expressed in the Student Movement are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the editors, Andrews University or the Seventh-day Adventist church.