To truly understand the growth of the Washington University Association of Black Students (ABS), one must delve into its rich history—a story woven with threads of hard work, determination, and self-sacrifice, deeply intertwined with the university’s own narrative. Having had the incredible opportunity to lead ABS this past year, we felt a profound responsibility to build upon the legacy of the many remarkable individuals who came before us. Since our organization’s founding in 1967, ABS has embraced values that empower and uplift the Black community at WashU.
ABS has a long-lasting legacy of visionary leadership and student sacrifice which has continued to build upon itself. When founded, the goals of The Association of Black Collegiates were to: organize Black students on campus, have talks with administration, address campus police harassment of Black students, and change the portrayal of Blacks in the academic curriculum. This group of over 30 students became the nucleus of Black mobilization, responding to the unjust assault and arrest of Black student Elbert Walton during the 1968 Brookings Occupation. Six days later, they issued a groundbreaking 26-page Black Manifesto, outlining 10 commands that have since provided lasting benefits to students.
Commands we see today:
- Command #1. Implement a Black studies program.
- Command #2. Provide Awareness around Black student issues.
- Command #7. Give Black students a fully equipped meeting area.
All students reap the benefits of having an African and African American Studies Department, a Center for Diversity and Inclusion, and the ABS Lounge, all of which were ideas that first originated in the Black Manifesto.
The leadership of ABS this year joined the organization at a time when critical examination of the organization’s challenges, internal structure, and engagement was paramount in our ability to continue to uphold the legacy of ABS. The power of ABS comes from our member engagement and community relationships, both of which were significantly affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. ABS, as a community-based organization, faced a strong impact on the cohesion of our once tight-knit Black community. Our organization thrives with a strong internal structure, clear documentation and consistent events, all aspects that were extremely challenging to maintain during the pandemic. Despite these challenges, ABS continued to be a beacon for change. Our commitment to advocacy was evident in our response to the deeply disturbing incident of hate-fueled vandalism that occurred in December of 2021. When white supremacists defaced murals of Black leaders, it was Black students who took the initiative to report the damage, to begin cleaning it up, and to demand accountability from the university. ABS joined forces with other student organizations to draft and circulate a powerful letter to the administration, demanding action and outlining concrete steps to address the very real concerns about safety and the lackluster response from campus authorities. This letter, signed by a growing coalition of student groups, highlighted the ongoing need for ABS to advocate for the well-being and protection of Black students on campus, even in the face of unprecedented challenges.
Climbing out of the grips of the pandemic and its effects on ABS, the organization began to recover. ABS worked to strengthen its identity and structure. When students violated the peace and respect of our dining workers, ABS was faced with the responsibility of responding to this act of disrespect, a task made even more difficult by the fact that such an incident should never have happened in the first place. Despite our deep-rooted history of advocacy, ABS faltered in its response. As members at the time, we shared in the widespread disappointment, acutely aware that an organization with such a legacy of powerful action needed to reclaim its voice and uphold the values upon which it was founded.
As a Black student, statements made by ABS are going to be perceived as a reflection of your experience as a Black student at WashU.
Members were clear in the need for greater transparency from ABS and were eager to be involved in how ABS communicates and advocate for change in the community. As a Black student, statements made by ABS are going to be perceived as a reflection of your experience as a Black student at WashU. Our journey as leaders began as general members of ABS, where we experienced firsthand the power of community events like Black Convocation and the Welcome Black BBQ. These experiences ignited within us a desire for something more. We wanted not only to rebuild and strengthen existing bonds within the Black community at WashU, but also to create new and innovative opportunities for connection and growth.
It is clear that our organization has a dual responsibility: not only to serve and enrich the academic experience for all Black students but also to advocate for strategic, intentional change at WashU. Recognizing this responsibility and the urgency for progress, ABS’ executive board collectively embraced the vision to drive meaningful change. This shared commitment inspired this year’s ambitious theme: Educate, Elevate. Inspired by Nelson Mandela’s powerful words, “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world,” we empowered our members through initiatives like our Voter Engagement Seminar, held in partnership with WashU Votes and The Alpha Eta Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc, and active participation in voter registration drives, particularly in light of the crucial 2024 election. We recognized the crucial need for informed leadership by committing ourselves to diving deeper into the issues facing our community, ensuring every decision and action was grounded in knowledge and aimed at creating powerful change.
Inspired by Nelson Mandela’s powerful words, “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world,” we empowered our members through initiatives like our Voter Engagement Seminar.
Recognizing ABS has a rich legacy of achievement, advocacy and trailblazing, and with a solid foundation in place, we knew there were countless opportunities to continue building and growing. We recognized that, while ABS has made great strides in the past, it was time to elevate every aspect of the organization – from our programming and activities to community engagement – to reach new heights. The “Educate Elevate” spirit ignited a fire within our executive board and members, driving us to action. To foster a vibrant community, We hosted over forty events this semester, collaborating with diverse groups such as the Equestrian Club, the Asian Multicultural Council, the Association of Latin American Students, and other incredible Black organizations. We revitalized the ABS lounge, a cherished space championed by past generations, transforming it into a hub for connection and impactful events. From debate watch parties to casual game nights.
Reflecting on our efforts to empower members, we recognized the critical need for professional development and established it as a new pillar of our organization. This initiative was particularly close to our heart. We organized resume workshops, provided LinkedIn guidance, offered free headshots, and curated a comprehensive database of opportunities, equipping our members with the tools they need to thrive. Our hope is that by removing barriers to these resources, we not only empower individual success but also foster a collective sense of support and community, where every member feels confident in seizing opportunities and reaching their full potential.
Historically, ABS, like many cultural groups, has faced challenges in securing sufficient funding. Determined to overcome this obstacle and achieve our ambitious goals, we proactively advocated for our needs within the Student Union. It was a challenging process, but we proudly secured over $40,000 in funding this semester. Enabling us to offer free events like retreats and skate nights, and to attend the Yale Black Solidarity Conference – a milestone for ABS, marking our first conference attendance in over a decade. Beyond securing funding, we prioritized educating the treasury about our mission. Through a rigorous endorsement process for Student Union candidates, we ensured our representatives deeply understood our goals.
However, our work doesn’t end here. To ensure ABS continues to thrive, we formalized relationships with the admissions office to engage prospective Black students, and codified recurring meetings with the chancellor. These actions will help sustain our progress and pave the way for future growth. As we look ahead, we are filled with hope and optimism. We believe that ABS will continue to be a beacon of empowerment, a catalyst for change, and a source of unwavering support for Black students at WashU. The years before us, this year, and the years to come, are a testament to the enduring spirit of ABS: a spirit of resilience, innovation, and unwavering commitment to the betterment of our community.
Dajuantay Wynter ‘26 studies in the College of Arts & Sciences he can be reached at d.t.wynter@wustl.edu.
Spencer Snipe ‘27 studies in the College of Arts & Sciences he can be reached at @wustl.edu.