STAFF REPORTER

The Minority Student Assistance Program (MSAP) held a black history awareness program on Wednesday, November 17 at the Center for Black Studies.

Keith Ellis, a MASP counselor, said, “The purpose of this awareness program is so that we can become aware of the different organizations that are on campus so that we can understand and be suited for all that lies ahead of us.”

The Organization of Black Business Students (OBBS) was just one of the many organizations that was represented at the program Wednesday evening.

Catherine Reeves, president of OBBS, said, “OBBS is not just for business majors. It is open to all majors. Right now there are in the organization students with majors that range from communications people to engineering people.

“The reason why it’s open is because in my opinion you work with a lot of people on the business level, so regardless of your major, you will interact in the business world. And that’s what OBBS is about. We are about the business,” she said.

Reeves also mentioned that OBBS has done better this semester than in previous years. There have been new programs implemented, such as the Ice Breaker mentorship program. And according to Reeves, membership for OBBS is nearly eight times more than in the past semester. Internship opportunities are also available though the organization.

Ahmati Bradley, president of Black Student Union (BSU), said the purpose of his organization was to “enhance the political activity of black students and to provide programming and activity for the students.”

This weekend, BSU is hosting a trip to the DuSable Museum of African-American History and plans are already being made for next semester to visit the Field Museum in Chicago to see the new African exhibit.

Bradley said the biggest month for the organization is February, Black History Month. Activities the BSU will sponsor include events such as an Afro-centric fashion show, a debate, a talent showcase, a formal dance, a performance by the Muntu dancers, along with a host of other activities.

Bradley urged students to get involved in the various committees and support BSU in order to make the planned activities run a lot better.

The NAACP (National Association for the Advancement of Colored People) was represented by Marcus Lee, president of the DeKalb chapter.

The Organization of Latin American Students (OLAS) and Black Interhall Council also were recognized at the program.