Black Student Union Office | Photo by Grace Ramsdell | The Wright State Guardian
Wright State University (WSU) has multiple organizations that promote the success of black students on campus.
Black Women Striving Forward, Association of Black Business Students and Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. are some groups on campus that promote the success of black students. These organizations are important for providing resources, knowledge and a support system to a historically marginalized group.
Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc.
Organizational leadership major Jeff Shehee has been a part of many organizations on campus. Shehee has served on the Student Government Association, Fraternity and Sorority Counsil, along with being a member of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc.
One of Shehee’s constant pursuits is helping people. Since joining Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc, Shehee feels that he is in an environment of people who want the same goals he has.
“I would say my personal reason [for joining] is because I knew I had a higher calling. I do love helping people, but one thing I had always wanted was to work with a group of like-minded individuals who wanted to serve the same purpose I was,” Shehee said.
These like-minded individuals and support systems have allowed Shehee’s ambitions to be fulfilled.
“In case there’s ever something that I want to accomplish on campus, I know I don’t have to accomplish it by myself,” Shehee said.
Association of Black Business Students
Corielle Williams is a Senior Marketing student at Wright State University. She is a member of the Association of Black Business Students.
“The Association of Black Business Students (ABBS) is a Wright State University organization that supports African Americans/ black students. What we try to do is provide workshops and social events and professional events for students,” Williams said.
ABBS focuses on empowering minority students and prepares them for leadership roles. The work they do provides crucial knowledge to those who join. They hope to give members an understanding of how to excel in academia and to provide real-life experiences in a business professional setting.
Williams found that she wanted to get more involved in Black organizations on campus. She hopes to get more students involved as she feels there are not enough Black students that want to take leadership roles.
Black Women Striving Forward
Janelle Maleah is a Senior Middle Childhood Education major. As a member of Black Women Striving Forward, Janelle Maleah found a network of friends that helped establish herself at Wright State University.
According to Maleah, Black Women Striving Forward helps women focus on self-care and motivation while also establishing friendships and connections. The organization also helps members with professional development and cultural awareness.
Maleah first found out about the group during Fall Fest. They liked that the group was in support of women, so she joined when there was an opening.
The Importance
Black organizations help give minority students on campus a place to seek knowledge, professional development and cultural awareness. These organizations help a historically marginalized group have support as they get through college.
