Black Student Union (BSU) President: Latrice Jones PZ ‘09 Latrice_Jones@pitzer.edu Meeting Times: Wednesdays at 5pm, Fishbowl at McConnell Dining Hall, Pitzer College Mission Statement: The Black Student Union, founded in 1993, is a leadership organization that is committed to establishing and maintaining a productive and safe educational and social environment for the students of African descent at Pitzer College. We are a source for unity and social activism whose objective is to ensure the retention and emotional well-being of all students of African descent. This mission is accomplished through the implementation of various student-run programs and events, such as the “Annual High School Over-Nighter,” the “Alumni Dinner,” the “Black History Month Celebration,” and other social events to celebrate and educate the Pitzer community of Black History. Goals:  To attract larger male attendance. Plan to have more academic events/workshops. Have a connection with other 5c Black Organizations. Reach out to all first years. To have FUN overall.
	Pan African Student Association (PASA) President: Jasmine Heim PO ‘08 Jasmine.heim@pomona.edu Meeting Times: Tuesdays at 7:30pm, OBSA Mission Statement: PASA is a five-college organization that practices activism, leadership, community service and social events to celebrate and promote diversity and acceptance. In conjunction with the Office of Black Student Affairs, PASA seeks to educate students of African decent and the general college community about issues related to Pan-Africanism. Goals: We have talked a lot this semester about changing the image of PASA from an organization that "throws great parties" to one that strives to better our community through social AND community service activities.  For the month of November we would like to initiate contact with a local high school that would hopefully be long-standing and offer students a connection to these colleges and the ability to ask questions about the application process, financial aid, and the college experience in general. Friday November 16th is our 3rd annual Ebony and Ivory Party! The tentative theme this year is a masquerade and all attendees must wear Black and/or White and a masquerade style mask... More info to come! In addition, with the success of our first event (roller skating) we would like to expand our members and hear from more voices in the community. Everyone's opinion is greatly appreciated and valued and we are all open and eager to hear of any events students may have to bring us closer together or help a greater issue.
President: (Fall) Korilynn Chapman SC ’09 President: (Spring) Shelby Cooley SC ‘09	Wanawake Weusi Mission Statement: Wanawake Weusi seeks to support women of African descent at Scripps College in endeavors of educational, cultural, personal, or spiritual growth through outreach to each other and the Claremont community. Wanawake Weusi believes that all women are equal in worth, yet unique in what they bring to the world. As such, we shall strive to champion the rights of disenfranchised women regardless of race, creed, or color. We shall seek to foster the empowerment of women by encouraging women of color to pursue leadership positions at Scripps College while maintaining academic excellence.  It is our desire to serve the Scripps community as well as the women of the five colleges.  The membership of Wanawake Weusi consists of students of Scripps College that identify as being of African descent.
	NSBE (National Society of Black Engineers) President: Diana Hawkings HMC ‘08 NSBE(National Society of Black Engineers) is part of a national student-run organization whose mission is “to increase the number of culturally responsible Black Engineers who excel academically, succeed professionally and positively impact the community.” Our chapter, which I am president of, plays a role in converting this dream into reality by helping increase diversity and awareness at HMC. In addition to hosting cultural activities, we participate in the decision and policy-making process on campus through committees and dinner meetings with the Dean of Students and our President. In the upcoming years we plan to continue our activities and continue working closely with the HMC administration and admissions staff to help create a stronger support system for minorities and to help increase recruitment of minority students.

	The First Year Experience
	Zaquis Coleman Pomona College East Palo Alto, CA Upon coming to Pomona College I was overwhelmed by the amount of support that is offered. There are sponsor groups, resident hall advisors, and the Office of Black Student Affairs, each of which has impressed me. Being disorganized person that I am, I was surprised that the academic coordinator, Hasan, was able to introduce a study schedule that I was able to commit to. I am also pleased with the fact that I am to meet with him occasionally to make sure that I am not slacking in school. Overall I am very satisfied with the amount of support that is offered through OBSA, both in and out of the academic realm.
	Angellyca Moore Scripps Oakland, California Upon entering Scripps College I found myself excluded. Coming from a predominantly African-American community, I found it hard adjusting to a new environment. OBSA has become a place I can call home. Everyone is very supportive and encouraging.  Individuals such as Hasan Johnson and Hughes Suffren, just to name a couple, have given me support by helping me feel welcome.
	Milan Reed Claremont McKenna College Los Angeles,CA I have highly enjoyed my time here as a Claremont McKenna student. Everyone I have met, regardless of which campus they belong to, has been kind and helpful and this is especially true of the members of the OBSA. I distinctly recall an event we had called “Song Circle" where we all came together and shared our favorite songs. This activity was significant because we each received insight into what other students had a passion for, and that brought us closer together and helped me to become a part of the OBSA community. Another activity that I enjoyed involved the brown bag mailboxes where each OBSA student had a brown paper bag with their name on it, and for a week long time span, everyone was able to drop something inside. This was very significant for me because even though they were only slips of paper, the kind words I received showed that we truly care about each other, and that the people in the OBSA will be there when I need them.
	Coleen Holliday Pomona College Freshman Tucson, AZ As with every first year college student, I had many adjustments to make. I had new people to meet and a new routine to fall into. In the midst of missing my family and friends and getting the gist of my classes, I found the OBSA. I was walking by the office one day and Hughes met me on the sidewalk, and immediately ushered me inside for a tour with a smile. Ever since then, I have felt comfortable walking in whenever I have a question or if I want to talk to someone. Even if I don’t have a reason to visit, I find myself walking by with a smile on my face, knowing they got my back.
	Bre'anca Sanders Scripps College St.Louis, MO From the day I arrived on campus, I accumulated a number of memories that are indescribable in words alone. The Claremont Colleges create a sense of community in a way that most colleges fail to achieve. One of the most memorable moments that I have had took place at the OBSA house. Even though I have spent limited amounts of time there, some of the other memories that I cherish are linked to the people who work there. I remember attending the OBSA Retreat with a few worries of whether or not I would be able to be as social with strangers as I would be with my friends. Those fears were quickly dismissed before our departure to the mountains. Sitting on the steps of that house, I had conversations with other students who had the same assumptions that I had acquired. The sponsors of the organization welcomed us all with open arms. The entire trip became reassuring and promising when the sponsors declared to make our time here at Claremont more fulfilling and pleasant through their support. From that moment on, I knew that Claremont was the community for me.
	Arielle Brown Pomona College Conley, GA On October 8, 2007, I was one of the winners of the playwriting contest held by Bottom Line Theatre. As I was overwhelmed with excitement for having won with a play focused on community between black women, I was faced with the difficult task of casting actors, and most importantly a director with experience in choreography. This made me quite nervous because I was not familiar with black students who were particularly interested in the theatre department. However, with a simple e-mail to Kim, the Coordinator of Student Leadership Programs at OBSA, I was put in immediate contact with a few students who were more than willing to assist me with my play.
	Uloma Ajuono Scripps College Inglewood,CA Coming to the Claremont Colleges seemed only like a huge dream for a minority living in inner city Los Angeles. But this dream was all over when I received my admission letter. Being here at Scripps College has been an amazing experience. People talk about the advantages of being in a small school, but never really mention the kind of close knit family you form at those small schools, and that is what I have found here. Smiling faces everywhere, people who actually care about you as a person, what you have to say, and what you have to bring to the table as an individual. Also as a “Scrippsie,” I’m also part of the OBSA, which at the beginning I thought would be a waste of my time--but they have proven me wrong. OBSA ensures that you are working hard and they will do whatever it takes to make sure you never feel uncomfortable in your environment. OBSA assigned me a mentor who has been there for me since I arrived at Scripps. My mentor has my best interest at heart which is so amazing. Need someone to proofread your paper, or need a tutor? OBSA is there to help you out. The transition of being in a new environment hit me recently and OBSA was there to pick me up and put me right back on track.
	Yoshan Kennedy-Churnac Claremont McKenna College Freshman Manhattan, New York Coming from an inner-city public school in New York where the student body is all minorities, to the Claremont Colleges where the student make-up is the polar opposite, I had a huge adjustment to make. Luckily the Office of Black Student Affairs was there to offer me a social environment that I was more familiar with. I used such events as the Retreat and the Social Luncheon as chances to receive support from other students who were having similar problems of adjusting as me, which made me feel like I was not alone. I also jumped on more active activities sponsored by Ujima such as “Lasertag” and roller skating to get off the campus and have a little fun.
	Rachael Ballard Scripps College ‘11 Bardstown, Kentucky           Coming from the rural south, I have always been accustomed to being within the ethnic minority. Little changed upon my transition from Kentucky to Claremont—I was once again immersed into an environment which had a drastically under-represented minority population. Upon being introduced to OBSA, though, I discovered an atmosphere of community, heritage, and pride. Never before had I experienced an open forum in which I felt completely comfortable discussing issues which affect me as an African-American woman, and never before had I found a haven where my well-being as both a student and an individual was always genuine concern. I truly value the OBSA as a resource because, without it, my college experience would be lacking the enrichment of close personal ties with those who share in a common experience.
	Lauren James Pitzer College San Leandro, CA A major factor when deciding to come to Pitzer was the percentage of African American students. But I realized that at a lot of colleges, there are 8% African American students, and unless you go to a HBCU (a historically Black institution), that's the highest percentage there is for private schools. But at Pitzer, race really isn't a factor anymore. I've met a lot of people from different cultures and developed great friendships. Also, I'm glad OBSA exists. It is a good opportunity for Black students to stay connected and get support academically and personally. I've learned a lot about staying connected with the Black community because we can help each other do well. I've gotten help with my test taking skills and finding internships/dance intensives during the summer. OBSA is really convenient, and it makes me feel really comfortable and supported.

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