LLA Welcomes BSA Club

LLA Welcomes Black Student Association Club Danelle Taylor Johnston

The time is right for the new Loma Linda Academy Black Student Association club, Dr. Sandiford, club sponsor, said. “This club happened at this moment because there was a pause in the country. After the murder of George Floyd was widely seen on TV and social media, Americans seemed to fully realize the low level of respect for the lives of black people in this country. This is the context in which students came forward asking to form this club. It was the right time to listen to those who have been unheard for a long time.”

Lizzy Mtango (12), president, said “BSA is a club where black students can feel comfortable, but not only black students the whole school—whoever wants to come and join us and learn more about the black community.”

Jordyn Wright (11), the club’s director of media, said her goal for the club is to help people “to learn and embrace black culture [...] and listen to our stories.”

The BSA bylaws state, the mission is to “provide opportunities for leadership, develop opportunities for service, foster equality among members of the LLA community through sharing experiences in a supportive environment; encourage the pursuit of excellence in scholarship, respect in friendship, and commitment in spirituality by building a strong community of faith among members.”

BSA is well supported by the faculty and the school board. Baron Sovory, pastor at Valley Fellowship SDA church and a constituent pastor, is the club’s advisor.

The club’s inaugural event was a vespers on Nov. 6, at LLA. Mtango said the event went well and students had fun. “It was a good time to praise God and come together,” she said.

BSA is open to any current high school student, faculty or staff of LLA. An upcoming virtual event is a Kwanzaa celebration in the early part of Dec.

The club is currently operating by an appointed leadership committee of nine students, lead by Mtango and Faith Ncube (10), vice president. Officers will be elected in December to lead the club, beginning second semester. Students interested in becoming officers should contact Dr. Sandiford.

Mtango said, “Right now we’re going to hold meetings for our club members two times a month. [Students] can join by going to the LLA Student instagram bio by clicking the link. The Instagram handle is @llastudentbsa.” Students can also join by talking to Dr. Sandiford.

Wright said, “the club welcomes all students and staff.”

BSA Inaugural Vespers on Nov. 6

Photos by Soobin Jeon & Danelle Taylor Johnston Reporting assistance by Leilani Calixto