BAS serves Pitt’s black community

Since the winter of 1969, Black Action Society has represented the black community and… Since the winter of 1969, Black Action Society has represented the black community and student body at Pitt.

BAS’ constitution states that its mission is to serve the needs and interests of black students by creating a positive learning environment, establishing a sense of community, and “providing educational, political and social programming relative to the black experience,” President DeShaun Sewell said.

“We’re recognized by the administration as the black voice,” he said. “We’re here to provide events for black students in whatever capacity they need it.”

The organization currently has 450 members and hosts many events yearly, according to Sewell. In this month alone, BAS will have presented a lecture by well-known rap artist Chuck D, a black consciousness bowl, a leadership and career week, and a lecture by Hype Williams, a prominent commercial and music video director. BAS is also planning its yearly pageant, Mr. and Mrs. Black University, and a cultural bazaar, which will occur in upcoming months.

“The purpose of these events is for fellowship and gathering together in order to create a network that is close to our experience, and to our culture, as black college students or just as young black people,” Sewell said. “On a larger scale, these programs allow us to introduce the University and the community to our resources and our culture.”

In addition to providing students with events and a sense of community, BAS is accredited with contributing to the creation of the University Community Educational Program; the black studies department; the Africana studies department; the Afro-American collection at the Hillman Library; Student Volunteer Outreach; the Organization of Black Administrators, Faculty, Staff and Students, known as Equipoise; and Blackline, BAS’ publication.

The constitution states that all undergraduate students at Pitt can become members so long as they “adhere to the mission of the organization.” Membership is free and comes with the right to vote at BAS elections, run for office, serve on committees, and benefit from services provided by BAS.

“To be a regular member is just as simple as coming up to the office, showing a genuine interest, and filling out an application,” Sewell said. “People think that if you’re black it’s like, ‘Oh, you’re in BAS,’ but it’s not quite as simple as that.”

BAS has served Pitt and the black community for nearly 35 years and hopes to continue for many more.

“The most important thing is keeping people here, and keeping people interested,” Sewell said. “Getting people to stay involved and aware is our main goal.”