Special Interests
The Black Affairs Association The Black Affairs Association is an organization that is accessible to all students. It serves as a source of encouragement for students to become involved in various campus-wide activities. The primary purpose of the organization is to provide a wholesome and supportive environment where students of color are able to interact and participate in activities together.
The Black Affairs Association also sponsors and co-sponsors major events and activities throughout the year. This group has many outstanding achievements, including awards in multicultural programming for its sponsorship in the culturally informative play, Tennessee Roots: A Musical Celebration, and in social programming for the annual Unity Picnic that is a major campus-wide event. The Black Affairs Association was the recipient of the 2001-2002 Homecoming King award and first runner-up in the Queen division.
Also during Homecoming, the Black Affairs Association co-sponsors a Comedy Show with Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. Some of the comedians who have come to campus include Joe Clair, Lav Luv, Big Sean, Small Frie, Roland, Double D, Gary Owen, and Ms. Sylvia.
Among the notable African-American artists and activists who have been introduced to the ETSU community by the organization are Gina Thompson, Case, Nikki Giovanni, and in co-sponsorship with the Eastman Chemical Company, Ossie Davis. Other special events sponsored by the Black Affairs Association include social activities to welcome new students, a celebration of the birthday of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., programs and various functions during Black History Month.
The Gospel Choir The ETSU Gospel Choir is an organization that offers students an opportunity to sing songs of praise. They display their talents on campus as well as at area colleges, universities and local schools. They perform at community events, civic organizations, and churches throughout the southeast region. The Gospel Choir is open to all students who desire to “Lift Every Voice and Sing.”
The choir sponsors two annual programs, The Gospel Extravaganza and The Gospel Festival. These events are open to the community. The choir received the “Outstanding Student-Presented Program” award for their role in the Gospel Festival. The group attended the National Baptist Student Union (BSU) Retreat where they placed first in the large division category. The choir also received awards for outstanding achievement in the areas of presentation, appearance, and stage presence at the retreat. In the last three years, the Gospel Choir has won the large group division in the “All Sing” Choir Competition sponsored by Lambda Chi Alpha Fraternity. ETSU has recognized the choir as “Volunteer Group of the Year” and “Most Improved Student Organization”. The Gospel Choir offers a Public Performance Scholarship were out-of-state fees are waived for students who participate in the choir.
Send mail to mcstaff@etsu.edu with questions or comments about this web site, or for more information about listed programs and events.
Last modified: June 2, 2004