BFSA recently presented at the Alabama Association of Higher Education Diversity Officers annual conference which was held on November 9-10 at the University of Alabama at Birmingham. We were represented by Marcus Cotton, Assistant Director of Admissions at the University of Alabama School of Law and coordinator of the BFSA Scholars Program, along with Fred Horn and Thometta Cozart who are the BFSA graduate assistants for the 2017-18 school year.  The poster presentation was focused on the lessons we have learned the past few years running the BFSA Scholars Program. 

On February 3, 2017 BFSA along with other departments and organizations at The University of Alabama hosted the first Students of Color Leadership Summit in The Ferguson Student Center. The theme of the summit was, "Harnessing the Power of History & Finding Your Voice." The purpose of the Summit was to assemble and engage in meaningful, personal, and professional development while addressing the problems and concerns that affect students of color. Students were provided with leadership and identity development through concurrent sessions throughout the day. Dialogue was facilitated around knowledge and understanding of past events, social justice issues impacting the community today, and preparation for success in the future. An inclusive environment for shared values and learning moments was created during the panel and the three keynote speakers, Dr. Vincent Willis, Montre Carodine, and Dr. Rick Kittles. 

Avery Johnson, Head Coach of the Men's Basketball team at the University of Alabama took time out of his busy in-season schedule to host a lunch in the C. M. Newton room at Coleman Coliseum for members of the Black Scholars Program and BFSA Student Ambassadors. Coach Johnson talked to the students, faculty and staff present about the importance of having character, being competent in whatever career field you choose, surrounding yourself with the right people, and being confident in your calling. 

BFSA was proud to sponsor the first Kente robing ceremony in the history of the University of Alabama on August 5th, 2016. The catalyst for this ceremony came from a group of African-American students and BFSA is committed to continuing this event as a means of honoring African-American graduates. 
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