Black United Independent Collegiate (BUIC) breaking barriers at Drury by Unite Staff Writer Springfield, MO— Serenity Sosa a junior at Drury University majoring in Criminology, with a minor in Political Science serves as the president of The Black United Independent Collegiate (BUIC). According to Sosa, the organization was created around 1973 by students seeking civil rights. Sosa, plans to work in the field of Higher Education working as a Diversity Equity & Inclusion director. Our mission is to: • Promote an atmosphere of mutual respect, cooperation, and unity among our fellow students of color • Provide a safe space for support and encouragement for students of color • Maintain a clear commitment to promoting academic excellence, individual success and achievement among students of color • Raise awareness of issues involving students of color and actively work to dismantle racial barriers while expanding our understanding of intersectionality • Empower students of color to confidently establish themselves within Drury University’s campus environment and beyond Meetings are held weekly at 6:30 PM on Thursdays in the Diversity Lounge in the Findley Student Center. “We want to show students that there is a safe space for them here at Drury and that they are valued,” said Sosa. Our biggest project to date was getting Ethnic Haircare Products in the Bookstore. After talking to
the diverse student on campus, “That was kind of our brain child in thinking of ways to increase retention of student of African America decent on campus and a nice addition to the bookstore. Whether its through having a little Auntie Jackies Cream Conditioner for your hair or having our new Diversity Lounge that we are working on, these are great steps DE&I at Drury that line up with our new mission statement that came out last year. “I will be giving a Diversity Training presentation to the residential staff, peer like me. Our housing director, and residential directors will also be there. I am hoping that my presentation will help build cultural competency into Drury’s culture. I feel that we can bridge some misunderstandings and cross cultural barriers that I feel a lot of students have a hard time breaking through. The BUIC motto is breaking barriers. And that’s what we try to do, break those barriers, like lack of opportunity, inadequate assess to the same opportunities that other Drury students get.” Future events sponsored by BUIC include a Fashion Show. The Fashion Show will be their third annual show and their largest event of the year. The theme is “Element,” Through elements, we will be highlighting police brutality, and racial discrimination as well as showcasing cultural expression like music, art and food. “While we have an original cause and mission, we like to also have fun, “ said Sosa. Rosalyn Thomas, Associate
Serenity Sosa, junior and president of “BUIC” at Drury University
Dean of Diversity & Inclusion at Drury University and serves as Campus Advisor to BUIC sayes, “BUIC has proven to be a vital source on campus that offers support to students. Using the acronym, BUIC, which stands for Black United Independent Collegiate, it is present for all students. BUIC was revived in 2018 and
has been noted as Organization of the year in 2022. The activities that the organization has chosen to bring to campus have been exciting, thought provoking and entertaining. I see the organization attaining more and more each year as students step up to lead.”
Every 2nd & 4th Tuesday Contact Justyn Pippins for more information: juspip8@gmail.com
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