The Black Student Organization

The Black Student Organization was founded under direction of Warren Buck, a graduate student in theoretical physics in 1969. Though the BSO began as a social organization, where black students of color could congregate without judgement, the group soon began reaching out to the community. In conjunction with the Office of Minority Affairs (now the Center for Student Diversity), the BSO published several brochures which focused on exposing African American high schoolers to William & Mary. They worked diligently to ensure that William & Mary was a place where African Americans could thrive, academically and socially.

Photograph of Black Student Organization, circa 1990s. University Archives Photograph Collection, UA 8

Over the years, the BSO has sponsored hundreds campus events from fundraisers and marches to lectures and concerts. Thanks to the Black Student Organization, Maya Angelou, Ossie Davis, A Tribe Called Quest, and so many other incredible individuals have visited William & Mary. The Black Student Organization is still up and running today, holding cookouts, fundraisers, and an Annual Black Student Organization Honor Awards every year.

Photograph of former and current BSO Presidents, 1994. University Archives Photograph Collection UA 8

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"Graves Meets BSO Face to Face", 1976. Flat Hat Newspaper

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"The BSO", 1971. Colonial Echo

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"speaking of black..." BSO newsletter, 1978. Student Organizations Collection, UA 7.047

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"Involved: Black Student Organization", circa 1970s. Student Organizations Collection, UA 7.047

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"Impressions of William & Mary", circa 1970s. Student Organizations Collection, UA 7.047

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"One: Marching for Solidarity of Progress" program, 1999. Student Organizations Collection, UA 7.047

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"Our Black Men are Dying and Nobody Seems to Care" event flier, 1992. Student Organizations Collection, UA 7.047

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"Ms. Angela Davis: 'Women and the Struggle Against Apartheid'" event flier, 1985. Student Organizations Collection, UA 7.047