Black UT students discussed ways to encourage participation and consolidate organizations to allow more voices to be heard at the State of Black UT event on Wednesday.

The student and faculty-run event provided Black students an opportunity to share their experiences at UT, reflect on the past year and consider ways to strengthen their community. Kam Mcqueen, an African and African diaspora studies and psychology senior, said they felt like they’ve missed out on the love and community of Black UT, calling for more inclusivity.

“I’m gay, non-binary and I’m also autistic,” Mcqueen said, “So I felt like every time I tried to attend anything involving Black UT there was sort of an impenetrable force between me and everyone else. I also noticed that in leadership there was a lack of people who shared my similar experiences, and that saddens me a lot.” 

Afrikan American Affairs, or Triple A, formerly oversaw Black UT student organizations. When Senate Bill 17 became law, Triple A was dissolved, causing these organizations to be without a general body, said Jordyn Butler, the United Black Collegiate Association’s executive secretary. The association, founded by Christianna McAfee, a government, communication and leadership and African and African Diaspora studies senior, provides funding for Black student organizations.

“After the law, we lost funding and support,” said Butler, an African and African diaspora studies junior. “Then Christianna saw Triple A’s potential to keep this legacy going. So she wanted to … rebrand Triple A (into a) new Black Student Government.” 

The Black Student Alliance is a similar organization, which McAfee also heads. Some students at the meeting felt too many Black UT organizations exist, bringing up the idea of reconsolidating under a larger unit. 

“It’s very frustrating because we can’t mobilize because we all have these 70 different hats on when really 20 of them are the exact same thing,” government sophomore Kennedi Mumphrey said. “We have 50 different orgs that are integral to certain spaces in Black UT when in reality, they should … become one and consolidate. If not, a lot of people’s voices aren’t going to be heard.” 

Some students also voiced grievances that many of the same people hold leadership positions throughout the organizations. Government sophomore Kelsey Green said Black UT’s main issue is actually the lack of student participation in their events.

“Last week, we had a whole discussion with Yolanda Jones, the state representative, and only three people in this room showed up,” Green said. “You’re seeing the same people in the same boards because those are the people that are showing up. And instead of incorporating participation, we’ve been just dividing, having the same conversations.” 

Organizers and attendees said the event was a productive conversation that was to be shared with leaders at last night’s Black Inauguration, at which the new presidents of Black student organizations were inducted. 

Samaria Taylor, an event organizer and a government and African and African diaspora studies junior, said “it was very beautiful” to see a community come together for Black UT students.

“Whether people are here or not … they’re a part of the community, and it’s beautiful,” Taylor said. “We love everybody and want everyone to be heard and involved.”