support.
solidarity.
success.
The Black Student Association (BSA) was established in 2016 in response to the lack of representation for Black students, faculty, and staff at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa (UHM). We are a registered independent organization (RIO) at UH Mānoa under RP 7.203.
The goals of the student-led organization are to: increase awareness and understanding of African American issues, history and culture, promote unity among African American students, engage and connect with topics surrounding Blackness in Hawaiʻi, and promote and preserve Black studies at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa.
Who We Are
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In the Black Student Association, we focus on visible cultural and educational programming and advocate for representation across campus, and function as a tight-knit community in a campus environment where Black students are a very small minority.
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Enhance and facilitate the academic success of all African diaspora students at UHM, and help them achieve their goals
Increase awareness and understanding of African diaspora issues, history, and culture
Promote and protect the unity and civil rights among African diaspora students
Promote and protect Black studies at the University of Hawaiʻi
Encourage the involvement of African diaspora students in campus and community activities along with community service
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Annual and Mid-Year Alice Augusta Ball Black Graduation
Annual Alice Ball Remembrance Walk
Black History Month Programs
Hawaiʻi Kuʻu Home Aloha Ceremony for Queen Liliʻuokalani & Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Promotion of the Black Studies UH Foundation Account & More!
“Today, the Black Student Association (BSA) and the Sister Circle at Mānoa, like their predecessors, are continuing to foster unity, resilience and empowerment for the voices and experiences of the Black community at UH Mānoa. There are currently 343 students or 1.8% of the student body who identify as African American or Black.”
2026-2027 executive board
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Ariel Hall
President
She/Her4th Yr. Undergraduate
Political Science & Ethnic Studies Major w/ Minor in Chinese Language
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Olatubosun Fisayo Ojo
Vice President
He/Him1st Yr. PhD
PEPS (Tropical Plant Pathology)
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Adiatu Rieth
Secretary
She/Her3rd Yr. Undergraduate
Political Science & Communications Major w/ Minor in French
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Raven Kelley
Outreach Chair
She/Her3rd Yr. Undergraduate
Marine Biology Major
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Yusef Williams
Program Chair
He/They2nd Yr. PhD
Music and Composition
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Niya Denise McAdoo
Graduate Advisor
She/They2nd Yr. PhD
Educational Administration
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Dr. LaJoya Shelly
Faculty Advisor
She/HerAssistant Professor
Educational Administration
