August 12, 2024
Dear Esteemed Colleagues,
The Black Faculty & Staff Association (BFSA) at Johns Hopkins University, Johns Hopkins Medicine, and Johns Hopkins Health System has been a beacon of advocacy, community, and empowerment since its founding in 1995. As we continue our mission to foster an inclusive and equitable environment for all, we are reaching out to you to join our remarkable journey by becoming a part of the BFSA Executive Board.
Our organization plays a pivotal role in ensuring the fair treatment of BIPOC faculty and staff at Johns Hopkins and serves as a critical resource for promoting diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging across the university. The work we do is impactful, but we cannot do it alone. We need passionate, committed, and visionary leaders to help guide our initiatives and ensure that the voices of our community are heard and respected.
Serving on the BFSA Executive Board is an opportunity to make a tangible difference in the lives of our colleagues and in the broader Johns Hopkins community. As a board member, you will be at the forefront of driving change, advocating for policies that promote fairness and equality, and fostering a culture of unity and support. To serve on the BFSA Executive Board, you must be a current member of the BFSA and currently/presently employed within the Johns Hopkins enterprise.
This is more than just a role; it is a chance to leave a lasting legacy and to be part of a movement that values the contributions and presence of Black faculty and staff. We invite you to bring your unique perspective, skills, and passion to our board, helping us to continue the important work of the BFSA.
The BFSA is one of the longest standing employee-led volunteer organization across the Hopkins enterprise that serves black and BIPOC faculty, staff, and students and includes and is not limited to all. The BFSA is also one of the longest standing and operating Employee Resource Groups among institutions of higher learning across this country, which dates back to the civil right movements.
ALL members - faculty, staff, students, leaders, and affiliates of Johns Hopkins have been both a voluntary and involuntary beneficiary & benefactor of the BFSA's will, work, history, legacy, initiatives, and mission to this very day! I’d like to clarify a common misconception: the BFSA is open to everyone, not just to Black members.
If you are interested in making a meaningful impact and contributing to the success of the BFSA and Johns Hopkins University, we encourage you to consider joining our executive team. Together, we can continue to build a community where everyone feels valued, supported, and empowered.
Again, thank you for your interest in serving on the BFSA Executive Board! We will review your interest form and reach out to you with next steps. Together, we can continue to make a difference.
Warm regards,
Jerrell Bratcher
President | Black Faculty and Staff Association at Johns Hopkins University, Johns Hopkins Medicine, Johns Hopkins Health System
https://jhu.campusgroups.com/BFSA/[email protected]
https://www.linkedin.com/in/jerrelldb
https://www.facebook.com/jhu.bfsa
February 21, 2025 "Standing Together in this Moment"
Dear Johns Hopkins Faculty and Staff,
I write to you today in a moment that demands both our attention and our action. Across this country, we are witnessing policies and decisions from the highest levels of government that threaten the dignity, rights, and stability of communities—our communities. The consequences of these actions are not abstract; they are deeply personal. They touch our families, our students, our colleagues, and the very principles upon which this institution was built. And yet, in times of uncertainty, history has shown us that solidarity, resilience, and unwavering commitment to justice have always been our greatest strengths.
At Johns Hopkins, we are more than an institution of learning and research—we are a community bound by the pursuit of truth, equity, and the power of knowledge to uplift and transform. This moment requires us to reaffirm those values, not just in words but in action. We must continue to support one another, to advocate for policies that protect and empower, and to ensure that every member of our Hopkins family feels seen, valued, and safe.
The Black Faculty and Staff Association stands resolute in its mission to uplift, advocate, and foster belonging in the face of adversity. We will not be deterred. We will continue to push forward, ensuring that no decision, no policy, no force will silence our voices or diminish our purpose. We remain committed to meeting, challenging, and advocating for tangible and intangible investments in the people who labor across this institution.
We welcome everyone to join, participate in, and to become part of the BFSA. Membership is open to everyone (lottie, dottie, and everybody). Why? – Hopkins ain’t broke, it is not broke on our people, research, intellect, excellence, influence, life-saving approaches, investments, federal notes, advancements & technologies, accomplished staff, distinguished faculty, brilliant students, trailblazing & pioneering alums, and a community and city from which those roots break through its ground. We will weather this storm together, but we must be committed to doing it together.
The BFSA is the longest standing employee-led volunteer organization across the Hopkins enterprise that serves black and BIPOC faculty, staff, and students and includes and is not limited to all faculty & staff as well. The BFSA is also one of the longest standing and operating Employee Resource Groups among institutions of higher learning across this country, which dates way back to the civil right movements. ALL members, all faculty, all staff, all students, all leaders, and all affiliates of Johns Hopkins (was, is, and forever will be) both a voluntary and involuntary beneficiaries & benefactors of the BFSA's will, work, history, legacy, initiatives, and mission to this very day!
Let us reflect on the power and purpose of our unity and our diversity. We stand on the shoulders of those who fought for our place, and it is our duty to continue that legacy of progress and inclusion. Our work as the Black Faculty and Staff Association is not just about representation—it’s about ensuring that equity, diversity, justice, inclusion, belonging, and opportunity are woven into the fabric of Johns Hopkins.
We must also lift up those people, places, things, and organizations that are striving to make this nation more just. Everyone, everyone should be a member of the BFSA, not just in this moment, or for a year, but for a Lifetime! We are everyone’s voice, lifeline, bridge, partner, pillar, and pipeline. We are the systolic and diastolic heartbeat of the culture we embrace and seek, and we are the moral defibrillator to resuscitate it.
The BFSA stands in solidarity with and as a resource and ally with all of our JH affinity groups, ERGs, staff & faculty councils, association, assemblies, and groups. We encourage everyone to do and continue to do the same with the BFSA. We must continue to collaborate, meet, align, and partner not just in this moment but in perpetuity.
To my colleagues across this institution: You are not alone. We will walk this path together. We will use our collective power to defend what is right, to support one another, and to move forward—not just for ourselves, but for the generations that follow. Please join the BFSA, please reach out and email the BFSA at [email protected], and feel free to cc: [email protected].
Please use this survey form: https://forms.office.com/r/CPBgsfpAWJ
To submit questions, comments, asks/recommendations anonymously, in the coming days and weeks. We will compile all of these and share with Johns Hopkins leadership and with the faculty and staff body as well. We will update and share out to faculty and staff any answers we receive when we receive them. https://forms.office.com/r/CPBgsfpAWJ In short, we will continue to share updates and keep you informed, have more meetings pertaining to the 'state of affairs here at Hopkins. And we will let you know of any action that is required and/or needed.
The BFSA ain’t going anywhere, we will continue to:
We plan to still have and host:
To subscribe to our listserv and to stay up to date on resources, information, opportunities, events, and programs, please email [email protected]
Membership of the BFSA is open to ALL! The BFSA has 19 foundational priorities, and you are part of everyone one of them.
Let this be our charge: To remain steadfast. To build community. To lead with purpose. And above all, to stand together.
In humble & resolute solidarity,
The Black Faculty and Staff Association at Johns Hopkins University & Medicine
Jerrell Bratcher
President, Black Faculty and Staff Association at Johns Hopkins University & Medicine
Member & Committee Chair, Johns Hopkins Police Accountability Board
Executive Member, Johns Hopkins Center for Staff Life Design
2020 JHU Roadmap Task Force Working Group
2023, 2019 Recipient, Johns Hopkins Diversity Leadership Council (DLC) Diversity Leadership Award
2019 Recipient, Johns Hopkins MLK Jr. Award for Community Service
Founder & Inaugural Committee Member, DRIVE Diversity Advisory Council in Development and Alumni Relations (DAR) at Johns Hopkins University & Medicine
https://jhu.campusgroups.com/BFSA/
February 17, 2025 "A Medley in the Melee"
I am Jerrell Bratcher, the President of the Black Faculty Staff Association at Johns Hopkins. The BFSA was founded in 1995 by seven pioneers who worked, led, toiled, tarried, and labored within the Johns Hopkins enterprise.
Our website is bfsa.jhu.edu, and Hopkins folks can also find us on Hopkins CampusGroups by typing or querying “hopkins groups bfsa”.
The mission of the Black Faculty and Staff Association is to help foster a culture of oneness for all by serving as an advocate dedicated to promoting and enhancing identity and professional welfare and growth through collaborations, community service, education, research, outreach, and cultural activities among faculty, staff, and students; and to be a critical resource for the continued success of Johns Hopkins in pursuit of its objectives towards an inclusive community by developing and cultivating working relationships with key administrators and operating units.
We remain committed to meeting, challenging, and advocating for tangible and intangible investments in the people who labor across this institution.
We welcome everyone to join, participate in, and to become part of the BFSA. Membership is open to everyone (lottie, dottie, and everybody). Why? – Hopkins ain’t broke, it is not broke on our people, research, intellect, excellence, influence, life-saving approaches, investments, federal notes, advancements & technologies, accomplished staff, distinguished faculty, brilliant students, trailblazing & pioneering alums, and a community and city from which those roots break through its ground.
The Black Faculty and Staff Association’s role is to help ensure the fair and equitable treatment of Blacks at Johns Hopkins University (JHU) and to be a critical resource for growing inclusivity in pursuit of its objectives towards an inclusive community. We continue to develop and cultivate working relationships with our senior administration and operating units here at Johns Hopkins. We serve as a trusted resource for JHU faculty and staff by providing a forum for meaningful exchanges that identify and address issues of value to us and our community, in and around Johns Hopkins. We also partner with the community to conduct outreach activities and cultural events. We are dedicated to serving you and the community.
The BFSA is the longest standing employee-led volunteer organization across the Hopkins enterprise that serves black and BIPOC faculty, staff, and students and includes and is not limited to all faculty & staff as well. The BFSA is also one of the longest standing and operating Employee Resource Groups among institutions of higher learning across this country, which dates way back to the civil right movements. ALL members, all faculty, all staff, all students, all leaders, and all affiliates of Johns Hopkins (was, is, and forever will be) both a voluntary and involuntary beneficiaries & benefactors of the BFSA's will, work, history, legacy, initiatives, and mission to this very day!
Let us reflect on the power and purpose of our unity and our diversity. We stand on the shoulders of those who fought for our place, and it is our duty to continue that legacy of progress and inclusion. Our work as the Black Faculty and Staff Association is not just about representation—it’s about ensuring that equity, diversity, justice, inclusion, belonging, and opportunity are woven into the fabric of Johns Hopkins.
We must also lift up those people, places, things, and organizations that are striving to make this nation more just. Everyone, everyone should be a member of the BFSA, not just in this moment, or for a year, but for a Lifetime! We are everyone’s voice, lifeline, bridge, partner, pillar, and pipeline. We are the systolic and diastolic heartbeat of the culture we embrace and seek, and we are the moral defibrillator to resuscitate it.
The commitment to justice, diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging reflects the ongoing struggle for equality but let us not place the burden of change on any one individual. This struggle, this fight, this pursuit belongs to all of us - together.
As we look to the future, let us all lead with conviction, grounded in unity, solidarity, advocacy, and service. Together, we have the power to shape policies, create spaces of belonging, and inspire the next generations. There are times when we must stand firmly on our principles, morals, and values, even when the winds of opposition blow against us. Now is such a time.
Let us go forward with purpose, together, united in our vision, unwavering in our pursuit of justice, grounded in the eternal truths of love, justice, and equality. For in the end, it is not the power of the sword, but the power of the spirit and people united and coming together for a good cause that will prevail.
So, if you are counting the BFSA turns 30 this year in 2025. We will plan and prepare for a tremendous and triumphant week-long celebration later this Fall 2025, and we expect each and every one of you to be there. But for now, we face the tasks at hand!
Thank you.
Jerrell
Jerrell Bratcher
President | Black Faculty and Staff Association at Johns Hopkins University & Medicine
https://jhu.campusgroups.com/BFSA/
[email protected]
In case you missed it #ICYMI, attached is the recording from the 2024 BFSA Fall Leadership Welcome Reception.
Passcode: He4N++2y
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Contact list owner: mailto:[email protected]
October 18, 2024 "BFSA Update and Information"
Dear BFSA Members,
As we approach the 30th anniversary of the Black Faculty and Staff Association (BFSA) in 2025, we are reminded of the rich legacy, history, and impact our organization has had on advancing the professional welfare, sense of community, and advocacy for Black faculty, staff, and students at Johns Hopkins University. To ensure that our work continues to thrive for the next 30 years and beyond, the Executive Board has identified the need to amend our Bylaws to strengthen the order, operation, and continuity of the BFSA.
Very soon we plan to share proposed amendments to the BFSA Constitution & Bylaws for ALL BFSA members to review, consider, and ultimately vote on prior to the next election. Since stepping up into this role of President from being elected as President-Elect, following the previous president’s departure, I’ve since maintained and held based on my assessment of our profound association that these amendments when put forth and introduced are vital, critical, and paramount for several reasons (including but not limited to):
Your support is essential as we move forward with these necessary updates. We have taken great time and care with drafting the proposed amendments which will be shared very soon, and we will hold a vote in accordance with our current Bylaws. Together, we can ensure that the BFSA continues to be a beacon of support, advocacy, and empowerment for our community.
Thank you for your commitment and partnership in strengthening our collective future.
In solidarity,
Jerrell Bratcher
President | Black Faculty and Staff Association at Johns Hopkins
https://jhu.campusgroups.com/BFSA/
January 17, 2024 "Alarm at the Gate: Upholding the Values”
Dear members, allies, and friends of the BFSA,
There is an alarm at the gate and given recent events and the current climate both internally at Hopkins and throughout society, it is imperative that we continue to understand and challenge our institution in its mission to uphold its stated values. We invite you to join us for a “Upholding the Values” All Caucuses & General Meeting on Thursday, January 18, 2024, at noon to 1:00pm.
What we are seeing happening at institutions across the country could and may be a signal that the heart of DEI may need some resuscitation – and collectively we have the moral defibrillator!
Join the BFSA “Upholding the Values” All Caucus & General Meeting
The mission of the Black Faculty and Staff Association (BFSA) is to help foster a culture of oneness for all by serving as an advocate that is dedicated to promoting and enhancing identity and professional welfare and growth through collaborations, community service, education, research, outreach and cultural activities among faculty, staff and students; and to be a critical resource for the continued success of Johns Hopkins in pursuit of its objectives towards an inclusive community by developing and cultivating working relationships with key administrators and operating units.
Since it’s the founding in 1995, the BFSA pre-eminently stands as an active organization across this institution with a strong mission, indispensable history, and deep legacy. Our events, programs, and initiatives embody values that embrace members, people, culture, personal enrichment, professional development, advancement, institutional knowledge, resources, and a strong network for advocacy and change across the Johns Hopkins enterprise and ecosystem.
We invite you to join and become a member of the BFSA, membership is open to everyone.
The BFSA is dedicated to serving members, faculty, staff, and the Johns Hopkins community. It is in this spirit and vein that we design but are not limited to the following priorities:
o personal growth, professional development
o career advancement, professional fulfillment
o retaining the excellence of BIPOC members, faculty, and staff
o identifying leaders internally
o supporting engagement and networking opportunities
o ensuring that our efforts help to shape a more inclusive culture that supports, celebrates, and values diversity and belonging.
o collaborate with similar ERG’s, University groups and committees, affinity groups such as the Black Student Union (BSU), Latino Alliance, DRIVE, DAR Black Employee Resource Group, iDARE, and the Society of Black Alumni (SOBA).
Sincerely,
The Executive Board of the Black Faculty & Staff Association of Johns Hopkins
Jerrell Bratcher, BFSA President
November 22, 2023 "Embracing Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion: A Thankful Thanksgiving Celebration Together 🌍🦃"
Dear members and friends of the BFSA,
On behalf of the Black Faculty and Staff Association of Johns Hopkins I and we are wishing you, your family, friends, colleagues, neighbors, card game partners, and loved ones a wonderful Thanksgiving filled with gratitude, joy, courageous conversations, cooperation, curiosity, inquiry, fond & fun banter, and unity. May diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging be at the heart of your celebrations and blessings, fostering a spirit of togetherness and understanding.
Here are some additional thoughts for dinner table conversations, as your feedback would be greatly appreciated:
This same site and could house the history and legacy of the BFSA and its prolific founders, be the main home for monumental Indispensable Roles of Blacks exhibit, in addition to the space on the East Baltimore campus where exhibition panels are currently featured.
o Special note: The IRB grew from a conversation back in 2012 between President Daniels and the BFSA, during which members of the BFSA expressed a desire to raise the visibility of blacks and point to the many contributions the group has made to Johns Hopkins and our community.
In 2025, the BFSA will celebrate 30 years and we need an investment to celebrate, honor, and mark this milestone achievement.
More to come on these details. Would include a trip to Harriet Tubman Museum, and/or the National Museum of African American History and Culture (NMAAHC). Also, an oratorical competition for elementary, middle, high school, and college students. A group of colleagues are planning to meet to discuss ideas.
Please share your ideas doesn’t matter how big or small, on ways to expand and improve upon celebrations in previous years.
o Aspirational: Share your thoughts about - a celebration that starts with a parade, includes a day-of-service project (one in February or March and then another in June or October), and then concludes with the IRB induction and then the Juneteenth Celebration dinner.
Note: Johns Hopkins Takes Time for Baltimore is one of several initiatives dedicated to supporting our neighboring communities in Baltimore City. University departments are encouraged to take time to pitch in. Hopkins employees who volunteer can use up to two days of paid time off through our Johns Hopkins Takes Time for Baltimore service leave policy.
Sincerely,
The Black Faculty & Staff Association of Johns Hopkins University
October 17, 2023 "Indigenous Peoples Day vs. Columbus Day and other events"
Dear members and friends of the BFSA,
Last week we celebrated and recognized Oct. 10, in observance of Indigenous Peoples Day to acknowledge the pain and celebrate the rich culture of Indigenous people in North America. We also recognize the importance of Columbus Day to the Italian American and Catholic communities. I know that there are talks and debate on Capitol Hill about Columbus Day vs. Indigenous Peoples’ Day. But as we learn more about the hard histories and truths from our past, we must understand that it’s important to always honor those who first settled on this land and the very ground that we tread upon. Indigenous Peoples’ Day as a holiday, pays rightful tribute to the contributions of Indigenous people.
Indigenous Peoples Day arose as an alternative to Columbus Day, which Native Americans protested for honoring a man who enabled their colonization and forced assimilation. Columbus Day began as a celebration of Italian immigrants who faced persecution in the U.S. But for many it’s now a symbol of the colonization and oppression of Indigenous people. Across the continent, North America’s Native nations reassert their sovereignty. Acknowledging the contributions of a person cannot overshadow the painful history of wrongs and atrocities that resulted from European exploration.
I believe that all of us have a duty, responsibility, and obligation to deal with what’s in front us, and to speak honestly about the challenges we face, those that shape our history and, more importantly, our future.
Last year, on Indigenous Peoples’ Day, Dr. Donald Warne, the new co-director of the Johns Hopkins Center for Indigenous Health and a member of the Oglala Lakota tribe, talked with Dr. Josh Sharfstein about the challenges and opportunities for the health of the world’s indigenous populations. They also discussed the expansive work of the Center, and the hope that greater understanding of indigenous health would bring a broad range of benefits to the world.
On, Oct. 11, we recognized National Coming Out Day in support of individuals within the LGBTQ+ community for their bravery and fight for equality. We celebrate members of the LGBTQ+ community who challenged all forms of homophobia and discrimination and displayed courage to be out to their families, friends and the world. Download a virtual background to show your support.
Safe Zone trainings for the Johns Hopkins community
The Safe Zone mission is to promote an environment where the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer community and their allies flourish intellectually, socially, and emotionally. Towards this end, we envision the program as a visible network of allies who support each other and support individual LGBTQ people. We hope to build a climate where everyone feels safe and accepted.
Johns Hopkins affirms our commitment to a diverse and inclusive community in many ways, including having sexual orientation and gender identity/expression in our non-discrimination policy.
The Safe Zone program invites everyone to create a safer and more supportive campus climate for sexual and gender minorities and their allies. The Safe Zone program is housed within Gender & Sexuality Resources (formerly housed within LGBTQ Life). It was established in 2012 as a collaborative training effort engaging students, staff, and faculty across all departments and offices at Hopkins. Click here to sign up for upcoming Safe Zone workshops!
Sincerely,
The Black Faculty & Staff Association of Johns Hopkins University
Jerrell Bratcher, BFSA President