By: Kalyn Jackson
FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — There is a new registered student organization on campus dedicated to promoting diversity on campus and in the classroom.
The Black Journalist Association was founded by sophomore, Lauryn Durby. Durby said she had the idea to start the RSO after seeing a lack of scholarship options available for black students. “There were a lot of journalism scholarships available, however I could not apply for the journalism scholarships directed towards black students.
Durby said she hopes students will gain experience and growth from the RSO that will help them thrive in the workplace.
“Black Journalist Association is here to provide students with a plethora of resources that are necessary to thrive in college.”
BJA co-founder, sophomore Adama Barnett said starting this club was important to her because she wanted to create a space for black journalists to freely express themselves while meeting other black journalists.
“I remember being a freshman and not knowing many people who looked like me in my major, so hopefully people who join this club realize that they are not alone and there are others out there who are willing to help.” Barnett said.
Durby said she thinks this club will resonate with other students on campus.
“It is a club that was created to give black students a voice on campus” Durby said, “I know my freshman year, I felt that I didn’t have a voice and that I couldn’t participate in certain RSOs.”
Students do not have to be a journalism major to be a member of the RSO. However, if students are looking to become an officer for BJA they are required to major or minor in journalism.
Durby said, “In our meetings we will be covering various topics that will benefit all students regardless of their major.”
Due to COVID-19, all BJA events and meetings will be held virtually for the remainder of the semester. “Our first meeting will be on Oct.5 at 6:30 p.m.” Durby said.
Students that are interested in joining the Black Journalist Association can visit Hogsync.
https://hogsync.uark.edu/organization/blackjournalistsassociation