TYLER, Texas — UT Tyler’s Black Student Association has returned this year bringing diversity and inclusion to the campus. It brings a space to support one another.
Courtney Pickett, organizer of the BSA, said the group suffered from a lack of support when it started in 2017. Now, she hopes it will serve an important role for students.
"BSA has opened the doors. We've had a meeting with the president who's backed us. That's never happened before," Pickett said.
Students who are part of BSA tell me that because Black students only make up 8% of the student population, they needed a place they could feel comfortable.
"It's been a big impact in my life, because I'm around a lot of Caucasian people, but sometimes being around Black people, it feels more releasing," said BSA student officer Alford Anderson III.
BSA Vice President Precious Henry said BSA isn’t only for the Black community, it’s a fellowship that’s welcome to all.
"I hope it attracts Black students and also people that are not a color to come to our university just to see how diverse we are and how inclusive we are," Henry said.
Henry said she is not only looking forward to the BSA events this year but also providing a safe place for students on campus.