UPDATED: Feb. 27, 2024 at 4:03 p.m. This article has been updated to clarify some facts in the story. 

The Black Student Association (BSA), along with former assistant director of student diversity inclusion programs, Chatashia ‘Shay’ Brown, put together an open presentation that discussed colorism in the Martin Center on Feb. 13.  

The topic of colorism raised different stories and opinions from the people who attended.  

“[Colorism] is so persistent, especially in the black community,” Brown said. “I hope that people will come in and have an open mind.” 

By sharing personal stories and opinions on the matter it helped those, like event attendee Charles Banks, to engage in the conversation and allow him to speak his mind.  

“It starts with somebody’s story,” Banks said. “Some people don’t get to have their story be told.” 

The president of BSA, Nuriyah Hall, was intrigued by the engagement the attendees had to the discussion. 

“They were not only open to listening to the dialogue but interacting with the dialogue,” Hall said.  

For more information on Black Student Association events, check out their Instagram page @bsatxwes or on Ramspace.com. 

Correction: Chatashia ‘Shay’ Brown is the former assistant director of student diversity inclusion programs.