Ohio State’s Journey to Reviving the BIA: A Catalyst for the Future of Diversity and Inclusion

For several years, Ohio State University embarked on a journey to revive a vital organization that had once been at the forefront of championing intellectual and cultural engagement for Black students: the Black Intellectual Alliance (BIA). The process, which spanned over three years, involved countless conversations, struggles, and the active participation of a diverse group of people at the university. Now that the BIA is back, the next chapter of its mission depends on one individual—an influential figure who can leverage the revival of the organization and steer it toward even greater heights, ensuring its legacy and impact on the university and beyond.

The revival of the BIA at Ohio State University has profound implications, not only for the campus but also for the broader conversation around diversity, inclusion, and intellectual thought. The BIA’s resurrection has been a long-awaited victory, and its ongoing success hinges on the commitment of those within the institution to foster an environment that celebrates Black intellectualism. The organization’s mission is to uplift Black voices and create spaces where students and faculty alike can engage in meaningful conversations about race, history, and culture.

However, what does it take to sustain an organization like the BIA? How does one person—whether an alum, student leader, or faculty member—spark its next mission and ensure its lasting legacy? This article examines Ohio State’s journey to bring back the BIA, the significance of the organization to the community, and how one individual can catalyze its future success.

The History and Legacy of the Black Intellectual Alliance (BIA)

The BIA at Ohio State was founded in the 1970s with the goal of creating an intellectual space for Black students, faculty, and scholars to engage with each other, exchange ideas, and address the challenges faced by Black communities in academia and beyond. The organization became a vital part of Ohio State’s campus, providing opportunities for leadership, mentorship, and cultural exchange.

The BIA was known for its ability to foster academic excellence while also cultivating a sense of community and belonging. The group hosted lectures, discussions, and events that brought together scholars, activists, and artists from various disciplines. The BIA’s work was not just about academic achievement but about creating a platform for Black voices to be heard, celebrated, and respected. Over time, however, the organization began to lose its prominence as other priorities emerged within the university. This led to a period of decline, and the BIA became less visible on campus.

In response to the growing need for a more inclusive and intellectually stimulating environment for Black students, Ohio State began taking steps to bring the BIA back in the early 2020s. After a three-year effort, which included organizing meetings, securing funding, and garnering support from faculty and students, the organization was officially revived.

The Process of Reviving the BIA at Ohio State

The effort to bring back the Black Intellectual Alliance was not an easy task. It required the collaboration of students, faculty, and administrators, all of whom had to work together to ensure the organization would once again thrive. The process began in earnest in 2020, when Ohio State’s Office of Diversity and Inclusion, along with several key student leaders, began discussing the need for a space that would elevate Black intellectualism on campus.

One of the primary challenges in reviving the BIA was securing the necessary resources to support the organization’s work. In addition to financial resources, the effort also needed institutional buy-in. Many university administrators were unsure of the need for a revival of the organization, given that Ohio State already had other diversity-focused groups. However, the continued demand from Black students for a space that specifically focused on intellectual development and cultural engagement made it clear that the BIA was needed more than ever.

Several faculty members played a pivotal role in pushing for the organization’s revival. They recognized the value of having a space that provided mentorship and support for Black students pursuing academic excellence. Through these efforts, the BIA was not just brought back to life—it was reimagined as an organization that would not only celebrate Black intellectualism but also foster cross-disciplinary collaboration and academic achievement.

The revival of the BIA was also closely tied to Ohio State’s broader diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) efforts. As part of these efforts, the university has sought to provide a more inclusive environment for students from underrepresented backgrounds, particularly Black students, who often face unique challenges in higher education. By revitalizing the BIA, Ohio State took an important step in demonstrating its commitment to these goals and to the intellectual development of its Black student body.

The Role of One Person in Sparking the Next Mission

Now that the BIA is back at Ohio State, the next challenge is ensuring that it remains a vibrant and influential part of the university’s cultural landscape. This will require continued dedication and investment, and it is here that one person—whether a student leader, an alum, or a faculty member—can make all the difference. The power of one individual to spark the next mission of the BIA cannot be underestimated.

An alum who once participated in the BIA might return to the university as a guest speaker or mentor, inspiring current students to pursue their academic and professional dreams. A student leader might take the reins and organize events that engage with pressing societal issues, such as racial justice, inequality in higher education, or the role of Black intellectuals in shaping the future. A faculty member might take on a mentorship role, guiding students in their academic endeavors while encouraging them to think critically about the intersection of race, history, and culture.

A key figure could also ensure that the BIA is not only a student-centered organization but a collaborative one that bridges the gap between different academic disciplines. By doing so, the BIA would be able to contribute meaningfully to academic discourse at Ohio State and beyond, creating opportunities for students and faculty to engage with ideas that challenge the status quo.

The success of the BIA’s revival depends on its ability to inspire new generations of students and scholars to take up the mantle of Black intellectualism. For this reason, it is essential that the organization continue to evolve. The next mission of the BIA will need to reflect the needs and aspirations of today’s students—those who face different challenges than previous generations but who continue to fight for equity, representation, and intellectual growth.

Cultivating a Culture of Intellectual Engagement and Social Change

One of the BIA’s primary missions is to foster a culture of intellectual engagement among Black students and faculty. This includes creating an environment where Black students can engage with academic material from multiple perspectives, challenge dominant narratives, and engage in deep conversations about race, power, and privilege. The BIA must serve as a space where students can develop critical thinking skills, explore new ideas, and ultimately shape the future of academia.

However, intellectual engagement alone is not enough. The BIA must also play a central role in addressing social change and advocating for racial equity. As universities across the country continue to grapple with issues of racism, exclusion, and inequity, it is essential for organizations like the BIA to serve as a hub for activism and advocacy. The BIA’s next mission should involve not only engaging students in scholarly work but also empowering them to become leaders in the fight for justice and equity.

One way the BIA can foster social change is by organizing community service initiatives, partnerships with local organizations, and campus-wide awareness campaigns. These initiatives can provide students with the tools they need to address systemic inequalities both within the university and in society at large. Through these efforts, the BIA can help to cultivate a generation of socially conscious, academically driven leaders who will go on to make a difference in the world.

 A Call to Action

The Black Intellectual Alliance’s revival at Ohio State University marks a significant moment in the ongoing fight for equity and representation in higher education. The organization’s journey back to prominence is a testament to the power of persistence, collaboration, and vision. However, the true success of the BIA will depend on the continued investment of students, faculty, and alumni in its mission.

As the BIA enters its next chapter, one individual—whether a student, faculty member, or alum—can spark a new era of intellectual engagement, social change, and academic excellence. By taking up the mantle of leadership and continuing to foster a culture of inclusivity and intellectual rigor, the next generation of leaders can ensure that the BIA remains a central force in shaping the future of Ohio State University and beyond.

The work is far from over, and the next chapter of the BIA’s story is yet to be written. It is up to all of us to ensure that this legacy continues and that the Black Intellectual Alliance fulfills its mission for years to come.