New Group Fills Gap for Black Students in Comm.

The Black Communication Society (BCS) was founded in March of this year to fulfill the needs of students in the communication department, where African-Americans are underrepresented in the form of faculty and advisors.

The society was the brainchild of Amber J. Simmons, senior communication major and former Black Student Union president.

"[Our] aim is to provide social, academic and professional networking opportunities for black students in the department," said Simmons.

The idea to start BCS came to Simmons after a conversation with a friend who graduated from the University of Miami in Florida.

"He began a similar group during his undergraduate career and I felt it would be beneficial here in College Park," said Simmons.

With encouragement of her friend from Miami and the support of several students at the University of Maryland, Simmons took the steps necessary to have the group officially recognized by the university.

"The executive board was selected from students with whom I previously worked," said Simmons, " [They] come from a variety of academic backgrounds and expressed a dedication to helping black students at Maryland."

One of the perks of attending the University of Maryland is the right of each student to create a club to fit any need they feel has not been met by the large number of already established groups on campus, but without the right leadership, some groups begin to disintegrate.

"I certainly believe the organization will continue to grow after I graduate because part of creating the [organization] was choosing an executive team that shared my vision," said Simmons, who will graduate next spring.

The board members Simmons will leave the welfare of BCS to include: Vice President Chase Bradford McMullen, Treasurer Ade Adepegba, Secretary Maret Davis, Historian Ricky Scott, and chairs of the organization's subcommittees.

Since the society's inception, the board has used social networking sites like Facebook and Twitter to advertise to potential general body members and promote their fundraising efforts such as the bake sale it sponsored earlier in the semester.

The group has big plans for the spring semester. They have invited speakers from communication-based occupations to help members network and are working with local high schools to develop programs for students who need advice about college. For now, the society is still expanding its membership.