The University of Minnesota’s foundation is built on the core values of dignity, inclusion and meaningful connection.
The Black Faculty & Staff Association (BFSA) fulfills this through its mission to build and maintain a well-connected community of Black employees to increase their sense of belonging within the University of Minnesota Twin Cities.
Spurred by the 1969 Morrill Hall takeover that resulted in the establishment of the Department of Afro-American Studies, the organization provides resources and opportunities for development and serves as a voice for Black faculty and staff members at the University.
Cultivating connections
The association is free to join and members can participate in gatherings, including an annual meet-and-greet breakfast and happy hours.
Its vice president, Gayle Smaller Jr., associate director of diversity, equity and inclusion in the School of Public Health, says, “BFSA is important because Black people need a space to come together in community and discuss the various things we experience; oppression we might face within structural systems; share joy and pride; find collaboration; and build genuine relationships within our work settings. We want to feel safe at work.”
BFSA’s president, Tony Scott, who is the associate director of faculty development and support for undergraduate education in the College of Continuing & Professional Studies, underlines that the association matters because it seeks to ensure its members’ contributions to the University are recognized. It does this through its newsletter highlighting faculty and staff, along with its Asante Awards, which are given out at an end-of-the-year recognition celebration.
He also emphasizes the association’s pioneering nature.
“BFSA set up the foundation for other associations like us such as the Asian American, Latino and LGBT associations,” he says. “We’re separate but recognize it’s of value for us to work together effectively because it affects all people of color on campus. We’re planning on getting together with them regularly.”
Supporting employees new to Minnesota
BFSA is a particularly helpful organization for Black faculty and staff who come to the University from outside Minnesota who are trying to find not only connections on campus, but also in the Twin Cities.
Scott explains that these folks can speak to fellow members who can point them to resources, churches, and hair salons or barber shops outside of campus.
Evangela Q. Oates, associate University librarian for student success, came to Minnesota from North Carolina in 2022 and joined BFSA shortly after.
“I joined because I knew that it was important to have community and as a Black American woman, I would probably need that in the very white state of Minnesota,” says Oates. “I thought it would be a good way to connect with other scholars who do similar research to what I do and to learn things about the Twin Cities from their perspectives.”
She says it also gives her a chance to learn more about University employees beyond their work.
Smaller says BFSA can always use support.
“We continue to go through transition every year with board changes and sometimes because of that, momentum will shift up or down,” he says. “Support from outside sources through publicizing our existence and events to college and departmental faculty and staff, as well as sponsoring or partnering on programs, spaces and events, can help us feel more sustained.”
Learn more about the Black Faculty & Staff Association and additional University faculty and staff associations.
All events and programs are open to all staff and faculty members, regardless of sex, gender, disabilities, religion, race, ethnicity, national origin or other identities.
