Originally
founded in 1973 as the Human Relations Council, the organization has played
a major role for black students at Virginia Tech. During the formative years,
the purpose of the Human Relations Council was to provide a social outlet
for those few black students at Virginia Tech. Over the years, the purpose
of the Human Relations Council has steadily evolved, thus bringing about the
name change to the Black Student Alliance in the late 1970's.
Since that time, BSA has been a social, political and even a programming organization.
However, It has always been an important part of the black life at Virginia
Tech. More recently, BSA has found its niche and evolved into a programming
organization. The specific purpose of the Black Student Alliance of Virginia
Tech is:
To increase the awareness, understanding, and appreciation of the black culture
by the university and surrounding communities through the development and
implementation of educational, social, recreational, and cultural programming.
To assist the university in the retention of black students by promoting a
culturally sensitive environment for black students at Virginia Tech through
programming.
To facilitate the growth and development of students through leadership opportunities
provided by the organization.