TJ’s Black Student Alliance stands tall.
Jim "Dr. Daddio" Walker speaks to BSA. Photo by Rebecca Holt
The standards of a successful high school career, an opportunity for a greater future, and a method of expanding social connections among students are highly prized within TJ. These principles, along with the work of many dedicated students, have inspired the up and coming Black Student Alliance, which meets every first and third Friday in room 108 during lunch.
The Black Student Alliance (BSA) is an assembly primarily of African American students collaborating towards a stronger school and community. This is accomplished through the formation of committees to tackle various tasks, such as participating in the Martin Luther King Jr. parade in January. The alliance also has guest speakers during meetings. A recent speaker was TJ School Psychologist Gayle Hamlett, who discussed her life journey and the necessity of post-secondary school to succeed. “I talked about my experiences as an African American,” said Hamlett. “We discussed what it was like to be black in the 50’s and 60’s, and what things I used in my life to deal with racism and discrimination. I was also able to share my past affiliations, such as my work with the NAACP [National Association for the Advancement of Colored People].”
While the BSA’s first meeting was only a few weeks ago, the wheels for the organization have been turning for months. The alliance was primarily founded by Seniors Andrew Craig and Shanora Ali. Last year, after running the concept of the organization by Principal Sandra Just, Craig and Ali held a meeting with the alliance’s “founding fathers,” or other students who took part in the creation of the organization. “We discussed where we wanted to take the club,” said Ali. “We also started discussing what activities we may want to do.”
The first meeting of the BSA, which was open to the whole school, was also used to discuss the outlook of the organization. “We discussed the making of a newsletter for TJ alumni. That way we can still see how the club is doing after we graduate,” said Ali. “We also talked a lot about scholarships and financial aid.”
Future success in college and the attainment of scholarships is proving to be a major focal point of the alliance. “We want to provide opportunity and support for those who want to go to college,” said Ali. “[Counselor Tabitha Rocha] provides a lot of information.”
The organization’s first meeting was attended by about a dozen students, but Ali’s hopes remain high for bigger turnouts in the future. “Hopefully it will increase,” said Ali. “We’ve been having a lot of interest this week. People have been coming up to me and asking about it, so I think we’re gaining student interest.”
The BSA also has high hopes for upcoming opportunities for the organization. The alliance plans to increase awareness during Black History Month in February, along with gathering student participation in January’s Martin Luther King Jr. Parade. “We’re providing opportunity for people to know about African American culture,” said Ali.
Along with providing activities and opportunities to TJ students, the BSA also works towards strengthening TJ’s community. “We get to be a social network, and a family,” proclaimed Ali. “We’re very inclusive. This isn’t just for black students.”
As president of the BSA, Ali has various responsibilities to keep the organization up and running. “I run and organize the meetings,” said Ali. “I make sure everyone does their job, send reminders, things like that. I’m there so we can have this club, so it’s structured.”
CCE Director Daniel Showers, a faculty sponsor of the alliance, agrees that Ali runs the show in the alliance. “She’s the boss,” laughed Showers. “She’s what keeps everything going. It’s her thing.”
While TJ’s first BSA in over a decade emerges, Ali displays high expectations for the organization. “We want everyone who wants to be part of it to be part of it,” Ali affirms. “We’re making history.”
