"It seems like more people participate," Johnson says. "We're shooting for more quality."

General meetings draw large numbers. The October meeting included "Singled Out," as well as a spirited discussion about the state of black romance on campus. Aaliyah N. Williams '02, lecture series chair, organized "The Changing Roles of Blacks in Sports: A Business Perspective," featuring executives from the professional baseball, football and basketball worlds.

But not only have Johnson and her board helped foster community in their group--they have also resurrected long-dormant BSA traditions.

As the Office for the Arts raised concern this year about the state of the black arts community, one tradition that especially stands out is the Black Literary Anthology, last seen in the early 1990s. BSA members are currently involved in reorganizing the publication. Apollo Night, the BSA-sponsored talent show, overwhelmed Lowell Lecture Hall this year. The Black Arts Festival is scheduled to continue.

Additionally, three group historians are currently working on writing a comprehensive chronicle of the organization, and they are sifting through years of documents in its Holworthy Hall basement office.

In March, the group will have a big black-tie fundraiser, including alumni. The timing may coincide with the 30th anniversary of the Afro-American studies department, in which case, Johnson says, she hopes Faculty and students can coordinate celebratory events.

Juggling this year's vision with BSA history makes for a busy schedule. What drives her to spend so much time on this?