OUR MISSION
Drexel’s Black Action Committee (DBAC) is an organization that aims to educate students on black activism, culture, and challenges. With the knowledge that we gain, we hope to develop young leaders and activists that can influence change where possible within the black community, focusing on the surrounding Philadelphia area. Thus, DBAC is dedicated to immersing its members in community service opportunities, as an attempt to improve the conditions of the populace. |
Our Story
In the beginning of the 2015-2016 school year at Drexel, then sophomores, Shahmar Beasley and Isaac Singleton were interested in forming an organization that celebrated Drexel’s black student population. The two had gone through their freshman year without any such organization and felt that other black students could relate. It was then that Shahmar and Isaac formed Drexel’s Black Student Union and began preparing a proposal for this new organization to Drexel faculty.
During this planning process, Shahmar and Isaac learned that there was already a Black organization listed on Drexel’s roster with a similar mission. After discussions and negotiations, Shahmar and Isaac re-evaluated the vision of their new organization. It was then that the two decided that what Drexel really needed was an organization that pushed for the social equality and advancement of the Black community, specifically the community surrounding Drexel that has experienced rapid gentrification. Drawing on the ideals of the Black Panther Party, the Drexel Black Student Union became Drexel’s Black Action Committee (DBAC). |
DBAC has stood close by its roots in an organization that celebrates Black people by seeking to advance our beautiful brown brothers and sisters. As a student-run organization in Philadelphia, DBAC has a glowing opportunity to push for social justices throughout each year of activity. In the words of Huey P. Newton, “The revolution has always been in the hands of the young. The young always inherit the revolution.” |
As vivacious young Black people, we propel conversations of Black equality through protests, community service and community education. In its short time in existence, DBAC has successfully organized protests, vigils, fundraisers and community education events within Philadelphia. When lives were taken too soon at the hands of police brutality, DBAC mourned as a community at a candle-lit vigil. When there was an opportunity to raised money for the Children’s Scholarship Fund of Philadelphia, DBAC hosted a Spring Fling to fund raise. When Philadelphia protested against Meek Mill’s four year sentence in jail, DBAC was there. When Trump was on the ballot, DBAC went to the streets to register people to vote. And when more issues plague our local and extended communities in the future, DBAC will be there too. |