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History of the Organization

The Black Administrators, Alumni, Faculty, Staff and Student Organization (BAAFSSO) arose out of an expressed need for a more comprehensive representation of Blacks at New Jersey City University.

Organizational meetings were held in the Fall of 1975 and the following goals were established:

  1. To create a viable vehicle through which the campus’s Black community could come together.
  2. To communicate ideas emanating from diverse areas and disciplines.
  3. To act on specific issues to improve the conditions of Blacks on campus.
  4. To eradicate inequities based upon racial and sexual discrimination.
  5. To facilitate networking.

 

The principal founders of BAAFSSO were the late Dr. Lee Hagan, Phil Littlejohn, Samuel McGhee, the late John Raines, Rosetta Rutledge, Sandra Stohoff and Ann Tisdale. Diverse leadership has characterized the organization’s strength, providing a rich cross-fertilization of ideas, opinions and perceptions. Sandra Stothoff, former secretary for the Dean of Arts and Sciences and Melvin Gregory, former couselor in the Opportunity Scholarship Program have the distinction of serving as first leaders.

For more than a decade, BAAFSSO has endeavored in a variety of ways to achieve its goals. One helpful practice has been to maintain a current profile of the Black community on campus. Meetings formerly held with President Emeritus, Dr. William J. Maxwell, have continued under the administration of the University President Dr. Carlos Hernández, and other administrators, to address topics and issues of concern. These meetings have resulted in the successful resolution of some critical problems involving promotion and tenure of Black faculty, the recruitment and retention of Black faculty, staff, and students, and the enhancement of our student’s collegiate experience.

The achievements of our graduates are recognized through an annual reception held in honor of Black graduates. The active participation of members has allowed BAAFSSO to develop programs and activities, which meet the needs of its community while the University’s goals of recruitment and retention are promoted.