3rd Annual Ubuntu: Celebration of Us – BFSA End of Year Celebration & Awards Ceremony
Sunday, April 21, 2024 – 5:30 pm – 7:30 pm BSU Student Center Ballroom, 2nd Floor
The Black Faculty and Staff Association (BFSA), ardently invites you to the
3rd Annual Ubuntu: Celebration of Us Reception and Awards Ceremony
Theme: We Belong Here: Honoring Black Identity, Contribution, and Voice
Sunday, April 21, 2024, 5:30-7:30 pm
Ball State Student Center Ballroom
This is a free campus and community-wide celebration of the accomplishments of faculty, administrators, staff, service professionals, and graduate students, who are Black or identify with the Black diaspora.
For the first time, the celebration will include both an in-person and virtual option for attendees. Some of the highlights of this year’s Ubuntu Celebration include the second awarding of the BFSA Dr. Charles R. Payne Student Scholarship by members of the Payne family, recognition of the 2018 founding members of BFSA, presentation of BFSA 2023-24 member accomplishments and awards, as well as, the presentation of individual special awards. The Keynote Speaker will be Mr. Stephon Jones, President of the Ball State Black Alumni Council (BAC). Greetings and remarks will be delivered by President Geoffrey Mearns and Provost Anand Marri. Mistress of Ceremonies will be Chief Strategy Officer Charlene Alexander.
Your presence will help make this a truly auspicious occasion. Please RSVP at this link. Deadline for registration is Monday, April 15.
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National Day of Prayer
Thursday, May 2, 2024 @ 11:30 AM until 1 PM (Drop In Event)
The MLK Dream Team hosts an informal gathering each year on the National Day of Prayer. The event features an open microphone for anyone to share their thoughts, intentions, and prayers for our community. Please check the MLK Dream Team Facebook page each year for additional details.
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AY 2023 -24 Past Events
One Ball State Day
Funds raised on April 3, 2024 will be applied toward the BFSA Student Scholarship Fund. The student scholarship is for eligible students to receive mini scholarships and emergency funds.
Wednesday, April 3, 2024 – All day!
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As a Black Alumni Council tradition, 2023-24 Scholarship Reception to showcase the scholarship recipients for the 2023-2024 school year to our Scholarship Reception that will be held at the Multicultural Center on campus and livestream on Saturday, February 17, 1-3 pm. The reception is FREE and includes lunch in addition to the formal award ceremony. BFSA members are invited to attend and celebrate with BAC. Please RSVP to Sean Sheptoski at spsheptoski@bsu.edu.
Black Alumni Council (BAC) and BFSA are working on future collaboration for Black student mentorship, support, and advocacy. More details to follow.
Saturday, February 17, 1:00 pm- 3:00 pm BSU, Multicultural Center
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BFSA Celebration of Black Arts, Culture, and History
Thursday, February 15, 2024 – 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm BSU Student Center, Yuhas Room
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MLKDT (Martin Luther King Dream Team) presents the Annual Black History Month Event: “Ambassadors for Peace”
Saturday, February 3, 2024. Free Refreshments @ 9:30am. Program @10:00 am • Minnetrista Museum & Gardens, 1200 N Minnetrista Pkwy, Muncie, IN.
Be a part of this annual event featuring, a free continental breakfast, speakers, artistic expressions from the students of Representation Matters, MLK Essay contest winners, Carey Community Service Awards, and a silent auction to benefit the projects of the MLK Dream Team. Event is held the first Saturday of February each year. Thanks to Minnetrista for hosting this annual event! Thanks to Northwest Bank for sponsoring the cash prizes to essay winners! Thanks to many more volunteers and organizations!
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February 2024
The Black History Month Food Drive takes place each February at all Muncie Community Schools and other participating organizations. Community members generously donate food items to help those who are less fortunate. All items are given to Christian Ministries and other deserving organizations to help those in need. Thanks to the Muncie Sanitary District for providing toters and for helping to deliver the donated food items.
BFSA Beginning of the Academic Year New Faculty Lunch
Friday, August 25, 2023 – 1:00 pm – 2:30 pm Roots Burger Bar 1700 W. University Avenue (in The Village)
BFSA Meet & Greet
Thursday, September 14, 2023 – 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm BSU Student Center, Room 310, 3rd Floor
BFSA Holiday Party
Thursday, December 7, 2023 – 5:30 pm – 8:00 pm BSU Honor House