Your Gift Makes a Difference!
The Association of Black Students (ABS) at SMU would like to raise funds for three special reasons: to support our annual Black Excellence Ball, to continue the legacy of our Black History Month Fashion Show and to support other Black organizations on campus. As our signature event, the Black Excellence Ball, continues to grow, we must find new venues to support our increased attendance numbers (over 300 attended the 2024 Black Excellence Ball) and to expand our programming to include more speakers and talent. It is our dream to expand the Black Excellence Ball to greater heights.
ABS also hosts a fashion show in early February to announce our theme for Black History Month. The fashion show supports talented fashion designers within ABS as well as Black-owned businesses across the city of Dallas. Unfortunately, due to budgetary limitations, the 2025 fashion show was cancelled, but we would love to reinstate it for future years. The university community is encouraged to take part in these events.
Lastly, ABS wants to be a financial resource for other student organizations on campus that celebrate our cultural diversity. As of the 2024–2025 school year, there are nine student organizations on campus that celebrate our cultural diversity; these organizations have grown at tremendous levels and are being rewarded with numerous opportunities, including attending national conferences and speaking on guest panels. As the supporting organization for Black students on campus, we want to ensure that these and other organizations can succeed. With your financial support, ABS hopes to raise at least $5,000 to push these visions and goals forward. Thank you in advance!