If You Really Knew Me......... Moments of Truth

"Say I'm a college student, but I go home one day an get shot dead int the streets of Louisville, KY. Is this an unfortunate tragedy or was that the plan for my life all along?" Perception -Lawrence Tone Norfleet 



Tone

This young man is a dear friend of mine there are so many things to say about him.  Lawrence is a sophomore and News Editorial Journalism Major. He is very comical, outspoken, and motivated he is a member of BSA (Black Student Alliance) at Western Kentucky University.  A few nights ago the organization had forum inspired by the MTV show "If You Really Knew Me" which focuses on the lives of ordinary people and the challenges they face; although their peers may not be aware of it because they have already passed judgements and made unfair perceptions.



I admit that I was a little nervous to open up about my personal life with random strangers but it was well worth my time. I realized that I am not the only person facing financial struggles in college right now, I am not the only person that has had to watch their parents struggle to keep food and shelter, I am not the only young woman that seen many forms of abuse in her life, etc.

So far this school year the Black Student Alliance had some changes and they have been for the better. For example they forum with AFAM(African-American Studies) Professor Dr. Foster who discussed "The Myths of Black People" when it comes to success. This forum If You Really Knew Me allowed more students particularly African-Americans to get to know their peers and gain more common ground. Also this year the organization is doing a community service project with the Boys & Girls Club, Humane Society, and The Salvation Army. I feel as though much has progress has been made and that makes me have an enthusiastic attitude towards the organization. It is refreshing to know that my people are able to reach their full potential we don't always have to discuss sex, music, and the typical party life in college ultimately we are all here to achieve one goal and that is to become college graduates and receive a higher education.

What is BSA?
Founded in 1972 at Western Kentucky University. 
Black Student Alliance operates as a uniting tool  to increase black student involvement both inside and outside of campus life as well  as encourage discussion on college and life issues.




Mission Statement:
To unite the Black Student Community, by representing the Black student population to the university administration in regards to policy, direction, programs and concerns relative to the Black population, to identify and access needs of Black students, to gather and disseminate information as it may relate to Black student, to aid and encourage Black students in achieving academic excellence, to provide cultural and ethnic programs that will increase awareness of our African American heritage, to create a more conducive educational atmosphere for Black students, to assist in recruiting and retaining Black faculty, staff, and students at Western Kentucky University, and to seek the election of Black students to offices of the Student Government Association and other student organizations.