The Black Action Society

Black Action Society 

The University of Pittsburgh’s Black Action Society (BAS) serves as the hub for all Black students on campus to get connected with each other and the greater Pittsburgh community. Ever since the first members of the Black Action Society took control of the Cathedral of Learning’s computer lab 53 years ago, BAS has been an action-oriented organization dedicated to serving its members. However, our impact on the University does not stop with just Black students. We strive to include people of all ethnic backgrounds by hosting collaborative events with organizations that serve different populations. The true essence of BAS is an enlightening experience that aims to increase perspective, raise awareness, and break down barriers. 

Our Project 

Black Action Society takes great pride in providing some of the most impactful events on Pitt’s campus. Before the start of every school year, BAS plans its annual events and initiatives. Then the Student Government Board allocates funds based on the budget. With this said, there are many more community-serving initiatives and projects that BAS members want to pursue but cannot because they aren’t explicitly listed in the budget. Thus, any extra events have to be paid for via fundraising money. 

COVID-19 has forced us all to adapt. Last year, during this time, all of our events were virtual. This year, as we approach what seems to be a new normal, we aim to keep our momentum with in-person events. As we all spend more time together than the previous year has allowed, we see the importance of exploring and understanding the people around us. Our different cultures and experience are what make the diverse organization that is BAS as strong as it is. This year we are coming into the fundraiser with our theme of “BAS on Tour”. Come along this voyage with us as we explore our roots by exploring the cities we stem from and journey through the giving levels as they lead you down the path of being a major city. All of our events will be focused on this theme and will help encourage donations! With these events, we hope that you can see what we are doing to carry out our mission here at Pitt! If you would like to attend any of our virtual events please check out our socials (Instagram, Facebook, Twitter)! 

With your help, we will have the ability to continue funding events like the Black Prestige Gala (a formal, festive celebration of the successes of Black and minority students), bring in highly-requested speakers, and afford general operating costs because of the overall financial flexibility. Furthermore, your assistance will enable us to continue aiding our Black peers by awarding annual academic-based scholarships and fund events that bring the Black community together; whether that be speakers, cookouts, or our inaugural Black Graduation Ceremony.

How You Can Help 

It sounds cliché, but any amount really does help! Please consider making a donation to BAS, and help us continue to serve the Black and minority communities at Pitt. Your donation is tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law and will help us enrich the Black experience at Pitt and help us celebrate a culture of inclusion. 

If you can’t make a donation at this time, you can still help us out by sharing our link via email, word of mouth, Twitter, Instagram, Snapchat, or any other form of media to help us reach our goal! If you have any questions about the fundraiser or BAS in general, please feel free to contact our Financial Secretary, Afi Koffi, at basbmgr@pitt.edu or our President, Destiny Mann, at baspres@pitt.edu. Words can’t express how thankful we are for your support!

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Contributions received for this project shall be used in accordance with the purpose described herein, the terms in the FAQs and applicable law. For questions that cannot be answered in the FAQs, please call 412-648-4658 or email engage@pitt.edu.