Understanding BSAI

The Black Student Alliance embraces the diverse opinions within the Duke community. However, it is essential that when assertions arise that may compromise the integrity of BSA, they are made with accurate facts and an informed perspective. Unfortunately, Brandon Locke missed this mark in his letter to the editor. We, BSA, take issue with the misrepresentation of several aspects of the Black Student Alliance Invitational.

As Carrie Mills clarified in yesterday’s letter, Locke’s assertion that Black p-frosh are exclusively paired with black hosts is incorrect. Locke also goes on to say that Black p-frosh “are exposed to culturally black events like step shows, Caribbean dinners and Gospel choir performances.” Again, this statement clearly reflects Locke’s lack of basic knowledge of BSAI, given that we did not have gospel choir performances. To imply that BSA should apologize for embracing the dynamic, heterogeneous nature of the Black culture is problematic. It is also disconcerting to propose that the celebration of our diversity is a form of self-segregation.

We graciously challenge Locke to not only educate himself about BSAI, but actively participate next year in order to gain a more sound, enriching perspective of the weekend. It is a monumental and successful effort to strengthen the Duke community, boasting a 50 percent yield, the highest of any recruitment weekend. It is a weekend in which p-frosh were exposed to the words of John Legend, the wisdom of well-renowned poet Sonia Sanchez, the pride of our football team and the vast array of resources available at Duke that transcend race. If Locke were involved in the weekend, he would be well-informed and know that BSAI is anything but a weekend of segregation, but rather a highly coveted weekend of genuine pride in who we are. More importantly, it is a unique invitation for prospective freshmen to become a part of this Duke community. And for that, we do not apologize.

Nana Asante

Trinity ’12

President, Black Student Alliance