What we now appreciate as the Black Faculty & Staff Association (BFSA) was first envisioned over lunch in early 1995 as five Black senior staff discussed what they saw as the University's inadequate response to a white staff's physical assault of a black colleague.
Having formed in response to the needs of a staff member, the BFSA now continues to serve the JHU community by helping to provide an environment where all may feel valued and respected. BFSA acts in the role of an advocate, information resource, provider of networking and professional development opportunities, and community outreach provider for JHU faculty and staff. The Hopkins administration and the BFSA enjoy a formal relationship by which communication between employees and administration is facilitated. In addition to regular written and verbal communication, for several years, the BFSA has invited the University President to address the full BFSA membership in an annual combined caucus meeting.
In 2007, the BFSA hosted a national conference, Fixing the Academy: Tapping Black Excellence on White Campuses, featuring participants from Princeton University, Rice University, Kansas State University, Renssellaer Polytechnic Institute, and many others. In addition to noted speakers such as Wilberforce University President Floyd Flake and Kansas State University Associate Provost Myra Gordon, the BFSA organized working sessions for participants to share experiences and ideas to help address issues that we found were common across our various institutions.
The BFSA is also active in partnering with other organizations with similar goals of creating a welcoming work environment for all. For example, the BFSA has collaborated with the American Association of Blacks in Higher Education (AABHE) and presented at its2008 National Conference in Houston, Texas.
In addition to high-level approaches, the BFSA is committed to enhancing the day-to-day work environment for all JHU employees. Highlights of BFSA activity include the work of its Access & Equity, Professional Development, and Outreach committees. We offer avenues for members to express concerns, professional development seminars, cultural events that offer education and fellowship benefits, and outreach opportunities to contribute to the surrounding Baltimore community. The BFSA also serves as a resource to the university administration on a variety of topics and issues.
The BFSA is committed to being a part of helping all JHU faculty and staff reach their full potential, and, in doing so, strengthening the collective ability of the Johns Hopkins community. The Black Faculty and Staff Association is open to all employees of the Johns Hopkins Institutions and welcomes the collective energy and ideas that contribute to our shared goals.