MSUBA - Detroit Chapter

In the Spring of 1973, I had an “aha moment.” As I stood on the beautiful campus of Michigan State University (MSU), I suddenly realized that my life as a college undergrad was about to end.  I also realized that it was going to be hard to say goodbye.  During my four years as a student, I had formed some pretty strong bonds.  You might even say that my identity and my sense of purpose were, somehow, intertwined with the friends, classes and traditions that were an integral part of my journey at MSU.

Now,  it was being uprooted. It was time to say goodbye to the annual Icebreakers, the long hours of cramming for exams, the all-night parties, the dorm rooms that held so many memories.

I gazed at my surroundings and asked myself the question that must have been on everyone’s mind at the time.  What was the next step?  My boys and fratrnity brothers were getting ready to go their separate ways.  Life as I knew it was about to change.

Of course, there’s a time and a season for everything.  I was ready for the job market, ready to tackle adult responsibilities.  However, I was not ready for that rare and special college experience to face away.

So I decided to preserve an aspect of that world.  I approached ten of my closest brothers and kicked around the idea of forming a group that would focus on leadership and economic endeavors.  There were as open and eager as I had hoped.

Together, we established a group called BLEACON.  We hosted small gatherings and met for seven years.  Then, in the late 70’s, we decided to create the MSU Black Alumni Detroit Chapter.  We launched the chapter in November of 1979 at a cabaret at Cobo Hall that was on jam.

It was the perfect year for a big party.  Earvin “Magic” Johnson had led the team to victory, winning the basketball championship of 1979 and we, as alumni, were were feeling the Spartan fever.  Thirty plus years later, we have one million dollars in our endowment, making us one of the rarest alumni clubs in the country.

We’ve had a number of noteworthy accomplishments.  We also have a signature event - our annual homecoming gala, featuring a weekend of activities, a dinner dance and a celebrate keynote speaker.   Past speakers include Tavis Smiley, Susan Taylor and Greg Mathis.  The homecomings are a chance to reminisce, reunite with friends and attend the big game.  They’re also a great way to spread the word about our chapter and encourage fellow alumni to support our mission.

Since 1990, we have given and awarded almost $500,000 in scholarships.  In addition, Michigan State University has acknowledged us as one of their best clubs.  Other Detroit chapter events include the MSU/UofM tailgate party which began in 1999.  We also sponsor a Black Alumni picnic that has grown from just MSU and Eastern Michigan University  to include University of Michigan, Western Michigan University and hopefully, Wayne State University - they are expected to join us this year.

When I reflect back on the early days of our organization, I realize that we never really left campus.  We simply took a little of it with us.  As a result, we’re helping make the future brighter for incoming Spartsns, potential Spartans and anyone else following in our proverbial footsteps.

We are lighting the way for future generations by teaching them to dream.  After all, that’s how all of this begin, as a dream, followed by a little action.

Posted by:  Charles “Chuck” J. Smith, Co VP MSUBA-Detroit

Originally published in the Native Detroiter magazine

Written by Denise Crittenden and Chuck Smith