Black Student Association records

The Black Student Association first began as an off-campus organization under the name Black Student Union (BSU) in 1968. On May 22, 1969, the group became a recognized student organization on campus. In November 1969, the BSU changed its name to the Afro-American Student Union (AASU) in an attempt to better represent the changing values of the group. The AASU established an office within the Special Programs House, later known as the Multicultural Center, when it opened in December 1970. During the fall of 1974, the group revised its constitution and changed its name to the Black Student Association (BSA). In 2000, the Multicultural Center was reorganized, and the BSA and other student groups were relocated to the Office of Student Life, the clearing house for all recognized student organizations.

The mission of BSA is to aid in the growth and development of Ball State collegiate students through a series of culturally, socially, and academically focused discussions and programs from a unique African-American perspective. BSA's mission is fulfilled through community service, campus involvement, and professional development. BSA also aims to develop and promote unity within the minority community and intensify the Black voice at Ball State. BSA membership is open to all students, regardless of racial or ethnic backgrounds. Programs and activities sponsored by BSA include: Black History Month, Unity Pageant, Soul Food Fest, Black Student Association Scholarship, and much more.