In honor of Black History Month, we took a look at the Hub to highlight a few organizations that celebrate black art, culture, tradition, and history. We also recommend checking out the Black History Month list of events on the Diversity Affairs website.
Miami University Gospel Singers
According to the Hub, the Miami University Gospel Singers (M.U.G.S.) was formed in 1972 and officially recognized as a student organization in 1979. The Christian organization seeks to “uplift the name of Jesus and spread His good news through the vehicle of song”. They do an annual Family Weekend Concert and you can also catch them at their 47th Annual Gospel Fest in April!
African Students’ Union
The description on the Hub explains that the African Students’ Union (ASU) seeks to represent the continent of Africa on Miami’s campus through “raising awareness and promoting the diverse cultures within the African continent, while at the same time challenging the stereotypical images attached to the continent and raising a platform where critical and intellectual discussions can take place.”
ASU is open to ALL students and friends of Miami University and encourages involvement from community members and faculty/staff as well. They host a number of impressive events over the academic year, including an annual Taste of Africa event (in November) and the African Students’ Union Gala, held each April.
Zeta Phi Beta Sorority (Xi Rho Chapter)
The Miami Chapter (The Illustrious Xi Rho Chapter) of the Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. was chartered in 2001, and the group aims to empower people from all walks of life. They host several events throughout the year and maintain an active social media presence (check out their Instagram feed). Their most recent event, held this past weekend, was a non-superbowl watching party.
Black Student Action Association
According to the Hub, the Black Student Action Associationa was the first multicultural organization on campus, formed orginially by African American students to increase Black representation on campus and improve conditions for Black students.
BSAA hosts social, professional development, and advocacy events throughout the whole year (including an annual) Homecoming Dance. BSAA also partners with other multicultural organizations on campus to raise funds for youth. As an organization, giving back to the community is a major goal every year.
BSAA members are diverse, and all are welcome! (Adapted from the Hub)
National Society of Black Engineers
According to a representative from NSBE, Miami University’s chapter of The National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE) is an organization that aims to help black S.T.E.M. majors succeed in school and the professional world. Their mission is “to increase the number of culturally responsible black engineers who excel academically, succeed professionally, and positively impact the community” and they have several events on and off campus each year to help them achieve that goal. One event is A Walk for Education, where they disseminate college information to inner-city neighborhoods in Cincinnati. They also host a basketball tournament and bake sales in order to raise funds for Cincinnati schools.
For the professional development aspect, they often have recruiters attend their meetings, resume reviews, scholarship opportunities and career fair prep to help members improve their professional skills and prepare for their national convention in the spring. NSBE is a place for students in S.T.E.M. to build community and connect with other like minded minorities in their major.
Diversity Affairs Council
The Diversity Affairs Council (DAC) is one of 9 councils under the Associated Student Government (ASG), according to the Hub. DAC is committed to enhancing the climate of respect for diversity at Miami University. They dedicate themselves to learning more about diversity in its complexities and exposing themselves to new experiences. They encourage collaborative programming efforts and promote diversity-related activities. Every spring, they hold a march to celebrate Unity Day!
Phi Beta Sigma
The Hub explains that Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity Incorporated was founded January 9, 1914 on the campus of Howard University. Founded on the principles of brotherhood, scholarship, and service, Phi Beta Sigma was chartered in 1999 on Miami’s campus. With their return in 2012, the group has dedicated themselves to excellence in academics, service, programming and continue to be a beacon of brotherhood and inclusion in the community. They live by the motto “Culture for Service, Service for Humanity” and uphold the chapter motto ‘”Excellence is our standard, not our goal.”
Graduate Students of Color
As seen on the Hub, the Graduate Students of Color Association enhances campus life for graduate students of color and allies by providing academic, political, social and cultural support. They facilitate academic excellence, safe, supportive and enriching spaces, and political awareness toward issues that affect graduate students of color and that support equality and equity in education for all students.
Miami University National Black Law Students Association
The National Black Law Association‘s description on the Hub states that though “Black” is in the name of the organization, NBLSA does not discriminate on the basis of race, or creed, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, or physical disability. This means anyone interested in the study of law can join. They hope to open doors and open minds to all possibilities for those interested in law school and the professions that follow.
Final Thoughts
According to the Code of Love and Honor, we, as Miamians, “welcome a diversity of people, ideas, and experiences.” We demonstrate this love and honor “by supporting and caring for [our] fellow Miamians.” This Black History Month, we recognize and celebrate our black student organizations for their contribution to this code!
