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50th Anniversary for BSA/BSU

Lecture, Conference and Gala Round Out Celebration.

On March 22 and 23, The Black Student Union (BSU) at Millersville University will hold a conference celebrating their 50th anniversary.

“What motivated me to put on the conference was that you don’t get too many 50-year celebrations in your life,” says Dr. Melvin Allen, the first president of the organization, and retired associate professor at Millersville University.

Melvin Allen
Dr. Melvin Allen

The Black Student Union, previously known as The Black Student Association (BSA), was created in 1967. Since its creation the organization has advocated for equality, inclusivity and creating community for students of color.

“I met with several alums and thought about a constructive way to get our message across in the times we live. We could have held a protest, but even though we have more work to do, we have reason to celebrate,” says Allen.

The events begin with Dr. Ibram Kendi giving the keynote address at the annual Carter G. Woodson Lecture.  The lecture will take place on March 22 in the Student Memorial Center’s Reighard Multipurpose Room at 7:30 p.m.

The conference will take place the following day, March 23 from 9 a.m. – 3:45 p.m. in the Student Memorial Center.

The first conference session will include a panel on “Boosting Educational Achievement,” chaired by Dr. Irvin Scott, Senior Lecturer, Graduate School of Education at Harvard University. That will be followed by a “Politics and Social Justice” session, chaired by Curtis Jones, Jr., from the Philadelphia City Center. The afternoon session is “Economic Advancement” and will feature a panel including William Cunningham, the founder of Creative Investment Research and managing partner of National Crowdfunding Services. The last session, “The Work That Remains” will include a panel led by Representative Jordan Harris.

The day will conclude with a 50th Anniversary Gala in Lehr Room, Gordinier Hall. The reception begins at 6:15, with the banquet at 7.

Register online.

 

 

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