By Donna Hemmila

When Terry Williams drafted the first set of bylaws for the UCOP Black Staff and Faculty Organization in 1986, the goal was to create a sense of community among African Americans working at OP. Today with more than 200 members, the organization has established a community that extends its reach beyond the walls of the Franklin Street building.

The organization's members have always been concerned about diversity and affirmative action in the workplace, said Williams, president of BSFO and director of administration in Health Affairs. Over the years, members have met with UCOP leadership to call attention to the need to increase the number of men and women of color in top positions.

"We like to think we've had some impact on policy," Williams said.

Having an impact on the community is just as important to the organization, particularly in promoting higher education to disadvantaged youths.

"BSFO is involved in the lives of the workers here, in the lives of students and in the community," said Williams. "We're not just here collecting a paycheck. We're here to give back."

Williams has been tutoring in math, reading and writing at Lakeview Elementary School in Oakland for three years. Other BSFO members tutor there as well as at West Oakland Charter School.

The group, whose membership is open to all UCOP employees, raises money throughout the year to award scholarships to high school seniors. Fundraising events include a Black History Month lunch, theater parties and a scholarship dance, the big fundraiser of the year.

The proceeds provide up to five scholarships a year from $800 to $2,000 each – depending on how much money the group raises, said Carolyn Carolina, scholarship chair and senior legal secretary in the General Counsel office. High school seniors from Hayward to Oakland with a 3.0 GPA are eligible to apply. The BSFO selection committee considers their transcripts, three letters of recommendation and a personal statement. Scholarship recipients much have participated in leadership or community service activities.

BSFO also holds educational events like the annual Black Film Festival, lecture series and a Juneteenth celebration to commemorate June 19, 1865, when Texas slaves learned of the Emancipation Proclamation. The group also co-sponsors events with the UCOP Latino Staff Association and the Asian Pacific Islander Staff Association.

"I never worked anywhere before where a company recognized staff associations," said Carolina. "I was thrilled that UCOP was willing to recognize something unique to our culture and heritage. It's important to me to make people aware of what our heritage is."

Anyone wishing to contribute to the scholarship fund can contact BSFO Treasurer Willie.Archie@ucop.edu.

Donna Hemmila is the editor of Our University.