UCSB Black Student Union Newsletter

Week 5

October 31, 2023

Happy Week Five BSU Family, and Happy Halloween! We hope these next few weeks aren't too stressful, and that you do well on all the midterms that you have! Please read below for Week Five updates and more.

Black Student Union News

GBM: Swap & Trade

Join us for our fifth weekly GBM of the quarter today, October 31st at 5 PM in the Santa Rosa Lounge. Today’s GBM is centered on practicing sustainability as we swap and trade items that we no longer want or need. Each swap and trade you make earns you a ticket. So the more you bring, the more tickets you can get - it’s also first-come, first-serve. We’ll be doing karaoke as well, so bring your best singing voices!

ABC Volunteers Needed

Attention all BSU students! As we are preparing to host the next Afrikan Black Coalition Conference, we are in need of volunteers who are interested in making the conference the best it has ever been! If you are interested, scan the QR code below!

Campus News

ADCRC

Sister Circle

Join us every Tuesday from 1 - 2 PM in the AdCRC located in the SRB to take part in Sister Circle, a support group for black-identifying womxn students led by Dr. Tara Jones and Dominique A Broussard. Swing by and grab a slice of pizza all while receiving holistic support in all things emotional, academic, and financial-based discussion topics.

OBSD

Black Student Leadership Retreat | Friday, November 17th - Saturday, November 18th:

Join us for a 2-day retreat centering academic, social, and political education. The retreat will focus on building key leadership skills, engaging in reflective dialogue, and cultivating community with UCSB faculty, staff, and students as we take in the beautiful sights of Camp Whittier. 

Black Beauty Expo | Sunday, November 19th | 5- 8 PM 

Join us this night of celebrating Black beauty and hair. Learn about key research from Dr. Ingrid Banks + Dr. Sabrina Strings, participate in hair braiding workshops, and giveaways, and more! Registration is required, so to secure a spot, register by Friday, November 10th!

Black 'n Booked | Monday, November 6th | 2-3PM

Starting Monday, November 6th, join OBSD Advocacy Counselor, Mekhi Mitchell at the OBSD office from 2:00p - 3:00p every 2nd and 4th Monday of the month for Black 'n Booked. We'll explore a diverse range of books covering different topics surrounding Black Liberation. Copies of reading material will be provided! For more information contact [email protected].

Triple P's | Tuesday, October 31st | 12:00-1:00PM

Get in touch with your artistic side and explore the Triple P's. Join Marina Habib and take a break from your academic commitments to nurture your creative side. Participants can engage in a range of activities, such as creating their own playlist, or creating a painting — all while indulging in some pizza. Space is limited. For more information contact [email protected].

Super Smash Bros Ultimate Tournament | Thursday, November 2nd | 4-5PM

Do you like games and good times? Then join Zoe McCullough in the OBSD office for this Super Smash Bros Ultimate Tournament. First place winner will receive a $25 gift card! For more information contact [email protected].

DisabiliTEA | Thursday, November 2nd | 12:30-1:30PM

Join OBSD for a conversation with award-winning global humanitarian and disability advocate, Eddie Ndopu. Stop by the OBSD office to pick up a FREE copy of Ndopu's book Sipping Dom Perignon Through a Straw: Reimaging Success as a Disabled Achiever! Questions? Contact Julianna Swilley at [email protected].

OBSD Vision Fellowship

Are you an OBSD student with a research or creative project that showcases your vision? Apply to be an OBSD Vision Fellow! Categories include Independent Research - Humanities & Social Sciences or STEM, Media & Arts, Community Wellness, and Athletics. This fellowship was created with student innovation as a priority. Categories are open to a wide breadth of topics. Applicants are encouraged to bring their varied experiences, perspectives, and creativity to this project. Fellows will receive a $750 stipend, connection to a faculty/staff mentor, publication/distribution of your project, and a dedicated workspace for the length of the fellowship. The Vision Fellowship requires a Winter & Spring 2024 commitment. Application deadline is Friday, December 8, 2023 at 11:59 pm.

The Weekly Wind Down | Tuesday, October 31st | 3:30-4:30PM

Join OBSD Intern, Taelen Cobb, for the Weekly Wind Down, to collectively explore what "radical healing" means. Taelen will introduce different kinds of self-healing including homemade face masks, manicures, body butters, and more! Start your own journey of self-healing and learn to implement these self-care aesthetics into your daily life. Space is limited. For more information contact [email protected].

Black 'n Crafty | Wednesday, November 1st | 2-3PM

Unwind and spark creativity with OBSD Intern for this art hour while indulging in conversations and creating crafts. Space is limited. For more information contact [email protected].

Upcoming Events

Tuesday, October 31st
Sister Circle
Time: 12 PM - 1 PM
Place: ADCRC

Tuesday, October 31st
BSU: GBM
Time: 5 PM- 7 PM
Place: Santa Rosa lounge

Tuesday, October 31st
OBSD: Triple P’s
Time: 12 PM- 1 PM
Place: OBSD

Tuesday, October 31st
OBSD: The Weekly Wind Down
Time: 3:30 PM - 4:30 PM
Place: OBSD

Wednesday, November 1st
OBSD Black n’ Crafty
Time: 2 PM - 3 PM
Place: OBSD

Thursday, November 2nd
OBSD : Super Smash Bros Ultimate Tournament
Time: 4 PM - 5 PM
Place: ADCRC

Thursday, November 2nd
OBSD : DisabiliTEA
Time: 12:30 PM - 1:30 PM
Place: MCC

Monday, November 6th
OBSD : Black n‘ Booked
Time: 2PM - 3 PM
Place: OBSD

Friday, November 17th - Saturday November 18th
OBSD : Black Leadership Retreat
Time: 2 Day Retreat
Place: Camp Whittier

Sunday, November 19th
OBSD: Black Beauty Expo
Time: 5 PM - 8 PM
Place: TBA

Stay Connected with UCSB Black Orgs

Quote of the Week

❝

The most common way people give up their power is by thinking they don't have any.

Alice Walker

And as always, if you have any questions or concerns, please don't hesitate to reach out <3.

Best Regards, Mikaila Ainsworth

Black Student Union Co-Communications Director, 2023-2024,

University of California, Santa Barbara