The assassination of Malcolm X in 1965, though tragic and earth-shaking, gave birth to what was known as the “Artistic Sister of the Black Power Movement.” Led by the late Poet, Playwright and Activist, Amiri Baraka, The Black Arts Movement began to take form in Harlem during the mid-1960s. It started as a literary movement and later grew to include other forms of art. This wasn’t “art for art’s sake,” but was an empowering vessel of Black culture and radical politics. Bringing together legendary artists and thinkers such as Nikki Giovanni, Sonia Sanchez and Etheridge Knight, it also led to the creation of Black/African American Studies departments at universities across the United States.

With this same spirit of Blackness and creativity, the Black Artist League (BAL) at Syracuse University was established in 1969. BAL, along with the Student African American Society (SAS) and The Black Voice, could be likened to a “Black Trinity”- all aiming to improve the condition of Black students at Syracuse University.

For over 40 years, BAL promoted understanding and awareness of underrepresented groups, especially African Americans, through the arts. BAL was known for its exemplary, award-winning programming which helped bridge the gap between Syracuse University and the greater Syracuse community. Students and community members alike attended annual, often sold-out events, such as Final.Word, Jazz Night, Hip Hop Showcase and the Ol’ School Jam.

Each spring, Black Artist League would kick off “BAL Week” with a lecture series that in recent years featured speakers like Amiri Baraka and Elaine Brown. BAL had a long history of bringing notable artists to campus including Jessica Care Moore, Rakim, Dougie Fresh, J.Ivy, Georgia ME, Eric Roberson and Maimouna Youssef.

Merging Art and Activism, Black Artist League facilitated after-school programs and Black history initiatives at community centers on the city’s Southside. And, in collaboration with other Black organizations, BAL coordinated campus and community protests, including the National Student Walk Out for the Jena 6.

BAL was a force.

The Black Artist League provided a space where students with creative and artistic interests could learn and display their talents, while also advocating leadership and fostering artistic growth. Currently, BAL is dormant and not a recognized organization at Syracuse University. It is important and very necessary that we sustain our Black organizations to tell our stories and cater to our specific needs. If we don’t, who will?

Jasmine Thompson ’07                                       Sharisse Stancil-Ashford ‘09
President                                                            President
Black Artist League, 2005-2007                          Black Artist League, 2007-2009

To revive the Black Artist League, please email blackartistleaguesu@gmail.com.