POUGHKEEPSIE, New York – Marist's Black Student-Athlete Alliance (BSAA) hosted its first town hall meeting open to fellow Marist student-athletes, coaches, and staff on Monday evening at the James J. McCann Center.
 
The program began with ice breakers that allowed attendees to share background information about themselves. In addition, the BSAA posed questions for the audience that sparked discussions about experiences with racism, representation in one's environment, and the presence of police brutality in the United States. The goal of the format was to encourage attendees to share firsthand experiences and express opinions to their peers in a welcoming environment.
 
The event was held in the recreation gym of the McCann Center. Participants wore masks and practiced social distancing in compliance with school and local/state COVID-19 guidelines.
 
For more on the event, including an interview with BSAA Vice President/Director of Marketing and volleyball senior Chidera Udeh for the Red Fox Network, check out the video located at the top of the page.
 
The town hall is another of the action items the BSAA has brought forth since its inception in the summer of 2020. Earlier in the semester, the BSAA, in conjunction with Marist's Black Student Union, hosted the March Against Racial Injustice on campus, which drew approximately 700 participants. In an August meeting, the group featured a talk with Marist's Assistant Director of Accomodations Deborah Reeves-Duncan.
 
Udeh, along with Co-Presidents Trinasia Kennedy (sophomore, women's basketball) and Arthur Pinckney (redshirt sophomore, football), Director of Engagement Jordan Jones (redshirt senior, men's basketball), and Secretary Chris Watkins (freshman, football), serve on the BSAA Leadership Board. Recruiting Coordinator/Defensive Line Coach James Groce (football) and Director of Men's Basketball Operations Dorian Long serve as advisors to the BSAA.
 
For more on the Black Student-Athlete Alliance, visit the Diversity & Inclusion page on Marist's website, and follow the organization on Twitter and Instagram @MaristBSAA.