Black Student-Athletes at Penn State
There is a group of student-athletes dedicated to making history at Penn State University. This is the leaders of the Black Student-Athletes organization (BSA).
The organization was founded by swimmer Olivia Jack, 20, and long-jumper Audra Koopman, 21, in the Fall 2020 semester.
BSA was widely announced to students and community at the Allen Street Gates at a protest on September 26, 2020, in solidarity of the death of Breonna Taylor. Jack and Koopman gave speeches about their experiences as black women in America and athletes at Penn State. Jack also encouraged her fellow black athletes to join the new organization.
Jack and Koopman run the club with two other Penn State student-athletes, sophomore Michael Gaines, 19, and junior C.J Thorpe, 20. Jack and Koopman are both passionate about social justice initiatives for black people in this country. They also want black students to have more support at their school, which is a predominantly white institution (PWI). They also use their platforms to raise awareness of issues impacting their communities and to promote reform.
In the center left to right, Penn State student-athlete Olivia Jack lead the protesters down East College Avenue, while student-athlete Audra Koopman helps with chants on September 26, 2020.
Olivia Jack, 20, and Audra Koopman, 21, currently serve as the co-vice presidents of the BSA organization. They are both passionate about fostering a safe and supportive community of black athletes at Penn State.
A member shares her thoughts about stresses of the upcoming election day.
In the center left to right, Penn State student-athlete Olivia Jack lead the protesters down East College Avenue, while student-athlete Audra Koopman helps with chants on September 26, 2020.
Election 2020
A look into November 3rd, 2020 in State College, PA.
Penn state junior Jamie Arnold writes “Do It for R.B.G” in front of the Allen Street Gates on Election Day. She was volunteering at the table for Students for Joe Biden to encourage people to vote for the Biden-Harris campaign.
A College Republicans member playing with his new President Donald Trump pen at the Bryce Jordan Center on Tuesday, November 3rd, 2020. He had received the pen from a State College community member who supports the Trump campaign.
Zack Salvati, 26, (left) setting up a Zoom call to play Jackbox games with friends and destress from the tension of election night. (Photo by: Shelby Lincoln)
Penn state junior Jamie Arnold writes “Do It for R.B.G” in front of the Allen Street Gates on Election Day. She was volunteering at the table for Students for Joe Biden to encourage people to vote for the Biden-Harris campaign.
"Justice for All"
State College residents and Penn State students march together for racial equality. The 3/20 Coaltion, Black Student-Athletes, and Black Caucus organized the protest.
The groups marched to advocate for justice after the death of Breonna Taylor. They protested from the Allen Street Gates and throughout downtown State College.
Two students listening to the organizers speak at the protest in downtown State College.
From left to right, Penn State seniors Jonathan Scott, 21, Rodney Burgwin, 21, and Trey Adams, 21, attends the protest for Black Lives Matter on East College Avenue on September 26th, 2020.
Penn State sophomore Luiza Fleury, 19, takes a break from her homework to watch the protests from Saint’s Cafe front window on Saturday, September 26th, 2020. She felt moved to join the march after looking at the protesters’ expressions and how much they care about the movement.
Two students listening to the organizers speak at the protest in downtown State College.
Students in Focus
The lives of Penn State students are unique. Here's a portraiture of their lives during Fall 2020.
Sarah Runkle, 19, in her bedroom at University Towers on Wednesday, October 14, 2020. Runkle is currently working on putting up more photos of her and her boyfriend, Stanton Goodshall, next to her bed. They have been dating since May 2020.
Sarah Runkle and her roommates are looking for a new apartment to live in for next year. She said that University Towers was a last-minute choice, when they were looking for places to live.
Jiso Awe, 19, is currently majoring in Data Science and is one of the few woman of color in her college. She has also struggled to find peers in her specific major. But, it makes Awe more motivated to achieve her goals.
Sarah Runkle, 19, in her bedroom at University Towers on Wednesday, October 14, 2020. Runkle is currently working on putting up more photos of her and her boyfriend, Stanton Goodshall, next to her bed. They have been dating since May 2020.