We are a dedicated group of university professionals that support the mission of this institution and promote excellence among students, faculty, and staff. We believe in the African-American concept of IMANI (EE-MAH-NEE) or faith which focuses on honoring the best of our traditions, draws upon the best in ourselves, and helps us strive for a higher level of life for humankind, by affirming our self-worth and confidence in our ability to succeed and triumph in righteous struggle.

Greetings and welcome to Youngstown State University's Black Faculty and Staff Association website. We hope you enjoy our virtual experience and thank you for visiting!

It's truly my pleasure to lead a multi-talented group of individuals from diverse backgrounds forging towards common purposes and goals. Since BFSA's inception in 1996 by founder and past president Reverend William Blake, we have seen our membership grow exponentially to approximately 160 members to date. Foundationally our core is to increase the African American student, faculty and staff representation on the campus of YSU and assist the University in creating an environment conducive to receiving and implementing our thoughts, values and opinions that will advance YSU’s core values and mission. ...more

With the current proliferation of diverse grassroots movements in the United States and around the world, the BFSA is sponsoring a three part series panel discussions on the current social, economic, and political impact of social movements. We want to examine the environment of social and economic discontent fueling their creation, their purpose, message and campaign, and the extent of their success.

The first of the series will be held on January 19th on the campus of Youngstown State University at the DeBartolo Hall Auditorium at 6:00 PM. In this discussion we will focus on current key factors surrounding the birth of contemporary grassroots movements. Our special guest panelists are the legendary activist Staughton Lynd and the author of the book "Reaganomics: A Path to Fascism", Richard Trusick. Other panelists will include leaders and representatives of grassroots movements from our community. The second of the series will be held during Black History Month and will discuss the symbiosis of the Civil Rights and Labor Movements. The third will examine the part technology such as social networking has played in their promotion, organization, and communications. This event will be co-sponsored with the Northeast Ohio Professional ACM Chapter. ...more