The Black Women’s Society (BWS) was established in 1969 by black students as their political statement, in support of the national Civil Rights Movement, to focus on the manifestations of racism on college campuses. BWS took the lead in creating changes at Wells during the early 1970s including the incorporation of minority writers into existing courses, investment in the library’s collection of black authors, and more cooperative programs with Lincoln and Cornell Universities.

As the organization grew more diverse the decision was made in 1976 to change its name to the Black and Latin Women’s Society (BLWS). Traditions associated with the organization, such as the Cultural Dinner (formerly ‘Soul Food Dinner’), continue to serve the community as an educational insight into black and Latin cultures.

Through a restructuring in 1987, the organization became the Minority Women’s Association (MWA) and expanded its membership base. It served its members and the campus in creating an atmosphere of cultural sharing, and reinforcement of the need for racial awareness.

Now P.O.W.E.R. (Praising Our Work, Ethnicity and Race), our members continue to serve in a political capacity on campus. They work with the college’s administration in such key areas as minority enrollment and curriculum development to include minority history and culture.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Pershemia Reynolds (Web Coordinator) and Professor Andre Siamundele (Faculty Advisor).