At Bowling Green State University (BGSU), hundreds of clubs exist within the student body, with one of the newest being the Black Falcon Activists.

After getting officially approved during the fall semester, the Black Falcon Activists are taking on the roles of activists for students’ educational and individual rights.

“Our mission is to focus on the advancement of and serve as pillars in the Black and minority communities on campus to promote the advancement and togetherness of the community,” said Latrese Bell, president of the Black Falcon Activists. “We’re valuing things like relationship building, servant leadership, perseverance, advocacy and things of that nature.”

Getting the Black Falcon Activists founded and approved had been in the works since the last academic year, with the primary motivation for the club being to help strengthen connections between students on campus.

“We have our Black Student Union and different Black organizations around campus to promote different representations to the Black community,” Bell said. “But it was mainly to serve as that connecting point between Black and other minority communities on campus. That everybody on campus feels included, connected and open, so that it’s not like we’re all separate.”

During the semester, Bell said their goals were to collaborate with other campus organizations and to gain a larger attendance for their events.

“Our current short-term goal for this semester is mainly focused on collaborating with other organizations on campus, so we can get different, diverse perspectives from everyone,” said Bell. “Also, to make sure everyone feels welcome attending our events, coming to see us at Campus Fest and just talking to our activists around campus.”

Although the Black Falcon Activists are only in their second semester since being officially approved, the club has nine executive members and 20 to 25 students currently in the general body.

With most of the executive board filled with juniors, Bell said the long-term goal is for the Black Falcon Activists to have a sustained impact on BGSU.

“Our long-term goal right now is to leave our mark on campus, regardless of whether it extends past our graduation dates or not,” she said. “To make sure our mark and impact are left, and that our mission falls with whoever may lead the board in the future.”

For more information about the club, students can visit @blackfalconactivists on Instagram.