Townsend, Ashley (Class of 2025), 2023

1 .wav file containing oral history interview with Ashley Townsend, Class of 2025, conducted by Special Collections Oral History Intern Ambar Vasquez-Mitra, Class of 2025.

Introduction. (0:15); Black Student Union (BSU). Evolution (EVO) Dance Crew. Safe haven for Black students at Midd. Role on the board. Social media chair (0:50); Events and obstacles. Annual Night of Black Culture. Instagram: @bsu_midd. Soul Food Sunday. Elijah Mcdavid 25'. Community building events (2:18); Experiences with Covid. Younger grades did not experience the height of covid. Accessibility of Zoom. Covid pushed for community connections. (4:16); Evolution Dance Crew History. Space for cultural dances away from eurocentric dance. Sense of Belonging (7:00); Challenges post covid. Challenges in BSU. Board member burnout. Loss of Knowledge/Tradition. BSU Yale conference of NESCAC schools. Loss of leadership/guidance. Mostly underclassmen members. Contrasting EVO generational leadership. Safe spaces for Black Women. Black Girl Brunch. Struggle between leadership for org and work-life balance (9:23); Culture of Productivity. Impostor Syndrome at a predominantly white institution (PWI). Stresses of board member responsibilities. Genuine love for the org and community (16:32); Advice to board members. Community of Support. Take advantage of resources at Midd. Economic anxiety of board members. The future of BSU. Safe space for black students and their emotions. Established community and network. Generations of and Unapologetic Black Community (20:31)