The Black Caucus
Undergraduate Black Caucus 2024-2025
Chair of the Undergraduate Black Caucus
Jessica Asante-Tutu, She/her/hers
Office Hours: Wednesdays, 4-5 PM
asante-tutu.1@buckeyemail.osu.edu
Vice-Chair of Academic Affairs
Vice-Chair of Community Relations
Sanaa Miller.11150@buckeyemail.osu.edu
The Community Relations committee strives to connect students with the greater Columbus community as well as shine a light on the various resources, businesses, and opportunities for black folk in Columbus.
Community Relations Role and Mission
In the past we have done things like a college fair, a Black Joy art exhibit, and hosting a Black Market. We have plans to collaborate with a lot of different organizations to put on things like menstrual period product packing events, making cards for people who have breast cancer, as well as volunteering with high school students. In the future we plan on going out and volunteering within the community more, hosting another college fair, as well as continuing to work together with other organizations to put on more insightful events.
Vice-Chair of Policy
Jayda Williams.8170@buckeyemail.osu.edu
Policy Role and Mission
The Black Caucus Policy Committee works to gauge the needs of the student body to be able to advocate legislatively. In past years, policy has worked to conduct surveys, toured the statehouse, written resolutions, and registered students to vote. This school year, the policy committee aims to increase civic engagement on campus and amplify the voices of all students at Ohio State.
Vice-Chair of Student Experience
Mar'Kia Williams.8607@buckeyemail.osu.edu
My name is Mar'Kia Williams, and I’m a sophomore pursuing a triple major in American Sign Language, Criminal Justice, and Spanish, along with a minor in Social Justice Advocacy and Public Policy. I’m originally from Cincinnati, Ohio, where I live with my parents, my younger sister, and our Maltese poodle named Elsa. This is my second year in the Black Caucus and my first year as Vice Chair, and I’m excited to be part of a community that feels like family to me. After college, I hope to attend UT Austin to earn my JD and work in immigration law along the Mexico-Texas border. In my spare time, I enjoy reading, journaling, and working out.
Student Experience Role and Mission
The Ohio State University's Black Caucus Student Experience Committee is dedicated to enhancing the campus experience for Black students through several key goals. This year, we plan to host our annual Silent Disco, which attracted over 150 students last year, creating a vibrant atmosphere for music and connection. Additionally, our Love Panel explores themes of love and community among Black students on campus, providing a safe space for sharing experiences and fostering understanding. We aim to increase engagement by fostering a strong sense of community and creating welcoming environments for all. Advocacy for resources tailored to the needs of Black students is also a priority, ensuring that students have access to the support they need for academic and personal success. Furthermore, we promote cultural awareness across campus through educational programs and events that celebrate Black culture. Our commitment extends to providing professional development opportunities, ensuring that every Black student feels supported and empowered throughout their time at The Ohio State University.
Vice-Chair of Systems and Operations
Sydney Hopkins.1029@buckeyemail.osu.edu , She/her/hers
Sydney is the Vice Chair of the Systems & Operations Committee for the Undergraduate Black Caucus. She has been involved in the Undergraduate Black Caucus since her first year on campus and is always seeking ways to further engage with the community!
Systems and Operations Role and Mission
The Systems & Operations committee of the Undergraduate Black Caucus focuses on the recruitment and retention of members through interactive and engaging activities. The Systems & Operations committee also hosts monthly Town Hall programming where community members have the opportunity to engage in dialogue and turn said dialogue into tangible actions for the UBC. In addition, Systems & Operations handles UBC official communication channels, maintains a collaborative spirit with other organizations and creates and maintains organizational documents for the Undergraduate Black Caucus.