By drawing on personal experiences and silly anecdotes, Black Media Entertainment aims to be an informational, familiar voice for black students on campus.
The visual entertainment organization’s first live broadcast of the semester aired on Ustream Oct. 5. The show, “Be Aware” featured discussion of issues such as the Ebola virus outbreak, Breast Cancer Awareness and domestic violence.
Co-founder and packaging senior Bayete Milhomme said issues such as these, along with unjustified killings of black males, should be highlighted for students.
“What happens in the world affects what happens on campus, regardless,” said Milhomme.
The group started last year and, based on feedback from its audience, started to incorporate topics with more substance into its shows.
BME has addressed a variety of topics, from relationship advice to double standards. Regardless of the focus, every show has an avenue through which students can relate.
“Even though we are silly, we’re still an organization that focuses on people, retention, race and campus,” said Milhomme.
A dual major in journalism and media and communication, sophomore Alana Easterling is the secretary of BME. She said the group differs from other organizations because its members are not exclusive. Easterling is part of the Urban Dreams dance team and On the Rise Entertainment, and said every person in BME is affiliated with another organization or fraternity.
“A lot of people on campus are close to the members of BME, so they are in a way also represented on the show,” Easterling said.
One major voice on the show is that of BME co-founder and food industry management senior Matthew Thomas. He said serious issues and current events should be brought to students’ attention. Without information, Thomas said, they don’t know how to react.
Milhomme said Thomas makes sure his voice is heard.
“Everybody can relate to Matt,” Milhomme said. “You’re going to hear him before you see him, but that’s a good thing. You know he’s going to leave you with something when you’re done talking to him.”
BME members are trying to make the best use of the resources and following they currently have, while also trying to grow, according to Milhomme. He wants BME to exist on campus for years, even after he and Thomas graduate.
“I stir the pot, Beezy gets the plates ready to eat,” Thomas said of his and Milhomme’s roles in progressing the group.
Both are invested in their responsibilities to BME and the student body at large.
“We’re here to entertain, but we want to make sure you still graduate,” Thomas said.
