Here you will find the history of the Black Affairs Council, our mission statement, information on resources, upcoming events, and how to join our RSO.
“A people without the knowledge of their past history, origin, and culture is like a tree without roots.”
Marcus Garvey, Political Leader and Journalist
PREAMBLE, FROM THE FIRST VERSION OF THE B.A.C. CONSTITUTION:
WE THE AFRICAN AMERICAN STUDENT POPULATION OF SOUTHERN ILLINOIS UNIVERSITY AT CARBONDALE, ESTABLISH THE BLACK AFFAIRS COUNCIL AND ENACT THIS CONSTITUTION IN ORDER TO COORDINATE THE CULTURAL, EDUCATIONAL, AND SOCIAL NEEDS OF OUR COMMUNITY.
In 1968, there was an organization called the Black Student Union, also known as B.S.U. The Black Student Union gained awareness by bringing attention to issues that affected minority students, specifically African-Americans. It became the official organization that represented the interests and needs of the black students on Southern Illinois University’s Carbondale campus.
As more African-Americans birthed more organizations, B.S.U. shifted their mission to address the cultural, social, educational, and political concerns of black students here at S.I.U.C. and within the local community. When their mission changed so did their title.
In 1972, the Black Affairs Council, otherwise known as B.A.C., was established. BAC has as a priority to serve as the coordinating force for all Black Registered Student Organization. Bringing together the Black RSO leadership, the officers and staff of the BAC provide oversight, unified agendas and can speak on behalf of its constituencies.
Today, B.A.C. continues on a mission to provide influence and input into all aspects of the university’s system on behalf of the African-American student entity at S.I.U.C.
Black Affairs Council’s Mission Statement
We, the African American student population of Southern Illinois University at Carbondale, establish the Black Affairs Council and enact this constitution in order to coordinate the cultural, educational, and social needs of our community.
BAC has a priority to serve as the coordinating force for all Black Registered Student Organizations. Bringing together the Black RSO leadership, the officers and staff of the BAC provide oversight, unified agendas, and can speak on behalf of its constituencies.
Interested in joining? Here’s how!
The Black Affairs Council hosts bi-weekly general body meetings on Wednesdays at 4:30 pm.
We introduce our board members and inform you of our roles and any open positions that we have. Following that, is an ice breaker, that allows us to get to know one another. We will follow that with a discussion topic that will allow you to freely express your opinion and allow you the opportunity for your voice to be heard. Next is the inside scoop! Any events that are taking place you will be the first to know! We will then open up the floor for anyone to express any concerns they have about what is happening on campus, that our executive board can discuss with Chancellor Lane.
If you would like to take on a bigger role in Black Affairs Council, click here to fill out an application, and send it to blackaffairscouncil.siu@gmail.com to be considered for an interview.