BAS announces ’08-’09 theme at Indaba event

The Black Action Society’s Indaba inspired Cousin Jeff Johnson, Black Entertainment Television… The Black Action Society’s Indaba inspired Cousin Jeff Johnson, Black Entertainment Television regular and Pitt alumnus, to take Africana studies courses and become more involved in the black community. ‘That event alone influenced my path for the rest of my Pitt career,’ said Pitt junior Jahmaiah Lewis. Johnson was the guest speaker at the Indaba, which means ‘meeting’ in Zulu, last Saturday in the William Pitt Union Assembly Room. Former CNN news anchor and keynote speaker Jacque Reid also spoke at the event regarding issues affecting black people with respect to the media. ‘Indaba is just a gathering of people to promote awareness about the BAS on campus. A lot of freshmen come to the event and are introduced to the BAS members at Pitt,’ said Lewis. Kicking off its 2008-09 term, BAS welcomed students and faculty to a new executive board and a new year of promising leadership. The new BAS president, Lesley Adewunmi, revealed this year’s BAS theme: A United People is the Catalyst for Change. In her inaugural address, Adewunmi challenged students to be active members of the Pitt community.’ Director of the Office of Cross-Cultural and Leadership Development, Linda Williams-Moore, came out to show her support after helping the society’s leaders to coordinate the event.’ ‘It’s a good opportunity for the campus to get together,’ she said. ‘The event isn’t just about BAS, it’s about bringing together the entire Pitt campus.’ Also in attendance was Dean of Students Kathy Humphrey, who said she appreciates the opportunities that Indaba offers. ‘BAS hosts Indaba each year to pull its community together and allow students to listen to words of motivation and wisdom,’ said Humphrey. Eager freshmen and older students waited to see what the new BAS board would bring. Opening this year’s ceremony, BAS Academic Affairs Vice-Chair Arielle Spivey led the crowd in singing a rendition of ‘The Black National Anthem.’ Then, former BAS leaders Larry Miller and Sheila Isong delivered speeches.’ Isong, last year’s BAS president, told the history of the BAS’s formation in 1968. The main goal of the BAS back then was to achieve black freedom, both physically and mentally. ‘The Indaba observance began as an informal rap session that allowed members and those interested in the organization to express themselves in a communal environment,’ said Isong in her speech. Pitt senior Marcus Simpson came to Indaba for that very reason. ‘I always like to go to events where there are a lot of individuals that I can relate to and talk about issues that are affecting us,’ said Simpson. Equality and freedom are still crucial elements of our society, the tone of the event would later reflect. The Assembly Room shook not only with symbolism as campus organizations Anointed Steps of Faith, Some of Gods Children Gospel Choir and the Black Dance Workshop gave rousing performances. A presentation of the various BAS steering committees was one of the main highlights of Indaba. Every chairperson spoke and gave details about meeting times and what positions entail. One of the pillars of this term’s BAS executive board is promoting positive change both on campus and in the world. Adewunmi encouraged all students to get the most out of their education and to strive for greatness in all aspects of life. ‘These four years will become the most defining time of your life,’ said Adewunmi.