Every club on campus has made impacts in students’ lives, and one such organization is the Unified Black Student Society (UBSS). Known for their events, knowledge, and activism, UBSS has supported all Stockton students of color and minorities. The club has provided a safe, inclusive space for those who need it most.

They use their meetings as a time for discussing concerns both on and off-campus and for sharing knowledge and experiences among students and guest faculty. Their events—such as holiday celebrations, the Black Gala, Curlchella, End of the Year BBQ, and more—not only bring together students looking to have a good time, but also place a destigmatized light on a culture often overlooked and appropriated.

Amaiya Roundtree, President of UBSS, believes the club can still reach all the same goals this year despite major changes due to COVID-19. Weekly meetings will take place via ZOOM. While limited, there will even be some events scheduled following Stockton’s COVID-19 guidelines.

“This is a new learning experience for us, so we are still in the process of figuring out what events we will do, and how we will execute them,” said Roundtree. “We’re doing everything one step at a time. We feel that there is no need to rush into this semester. We’re trying to figure out a way to keep everyone involved while simultaneously being safe.”

This pandemic will not silence the club from speaking out about racial issues, either. Speaking for students who feel unseen, unheard, and/or ignored is part of the organization’s mission, even if that involves speaking against Stockton.  

Instagram followers have seen this firsthand, as the UBSS account published posts about the scandal involving a Stockton student who posted herself in black-face with the n-word stuck to her forehead, and another who, in a tweet, referred to black people as “twisted fruit bags.”

UBSS stated that this does not create a safe space for any student of color, and Roundtree says this issue—as well as any other racial issue—will be addressed. “We are currently working on addressing this issue again,” she says. “We will be letting Stockton know that we are longer blind. We see they have tried to brush this issue off.”

UBSS is also one of the most anticipated clubs of Welcome Week. However, due to campus restrictions, Stockton’s most sociable event will happen this year online. Roundtree reminds this won’t hinder the club’s effort to reach students as they plan to make this Welcome Week just as personable as always.

“We want to let students know we are a safe space and although physical on-campus activity is limited, we are still accessible for any assistance,” Roundtree says. “Although we have some events in mind, these new restrictions are also a learning experience for everyone. We are welcoming all ideas students may have for the semester. We hope to make students feel open and comfortable with us. One main focus on campus is to support our members.”