Along with millions of Americans across the country, Multicultural Student Services Advisor Sylvia Bullock was glued to her television last summer when protests erupted across the nation following the death of George Floyd.

The commitment statement calls for the continuation of one of the association’s signature programs: the Leadership Speakers Series. BFSA Past President and Associate Professor of English Aaron Oforlea created the series several years ago as a way for faculty, staff, and students to meet and learn from Black leaders working at other universities.

“Many predominantly white campuses have African Americans in leadership positions, and by getting to meet them, it helps us see the potential we have as a university to have more Black leaders,” Oforlea said. “We also want to inspire students to consider a career in academia and encourage people to work toward leadership roles.”

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Shock, horror, shame, disgust, sadness, inspiration, appreciation…

Thabiti Lewis’ essay on the 1921 Tulsa Massacre elicits a gamut of emotions throughout its 3,500 gripping words. The WSU Vancouver professor of English and associate vice chancellor for academic affairs co-authored the piece on an overlooked series of historic tragedies that he hopes can help spur change 100 years later.

“The story is sad, but I was also very much inspired by the resilience and fearlessness of the people (in Greenwood),” said Lewis. “Hopefully we’re all embarrassed and outraged. We also see that people let this happen. It’s important that we produce things like (this article) to let people know this history; to turn toward truth.”

Lewis said he felt it was important to shed light on Tulsa’s history, to start conversations and dialogue that can lead to real change in Oklahoma and throughout the country.

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