Students Launch the Black Design Collective at NYSID
Taurean Jones (BFA), Melida Valera (MFA1), Leyden Lewis
Two NYSID students, Melida Valera (MFA1) and Taurean Jones, (BFA) have launched the Black Design Collective (BDC) at NYSID. Valera, the club’s president, and Jones, its vice president, are seeking members and additional officers now. Valera, who is graduating in May 2024 and Jones, who is graduating in December 2024, were driven to establish the collective out of a sense of civic responsibility and the need to create a necessary resource for BIPOC students at the College. The organization’s faculty advisor is Leyden Lewis.
“Establishing the BDC was crucial in addressing a gap at NYSID and fulfilling a necessary role,” says Valera. “The significant interest shown by numerous Black and Brown students seeking opportunities, events, mentorship, and representation by individuals who share our backgrounds highlighted the broader need for a group like the Black Design Collective.”
Adds Jones, “NYSID, as an Interior Design school, has been working towards inclusivity. You'll notice on campus that BIPOC students are already present. We established Black Design Collective (BDC) to create a forum to connect those students to industry professionals and organizations that want to see us succeed.”
“At NYSID, we have a core commitment to fostering a culture of belonging for everyone,” says NYSID President David Sprouls. “We are so pleased to have this organization on campus and will work to help this group connect to companies and practitioners who want to mentor BIPOC students and promote BIPOC designers.”
What Will the BDC Do?
The “BDC” seeks to be both a homebase and springboard for Black students at NYSID, as well as a space where allies can show support. The organization will foster a sense of belonging and empowerment amongst the student body and provide a platform for Black student members to engage in meaningful discussions, share their experiences, discover local Black makers, artists, and designers, and collaborate with industry professionals to establish relationships. Additionally, BDC will collaborate with other student organizations and community partners to promote diversity and inclusion within the art and design field.
“Facilitating connections between students and other BIPOC designers is crucial for career growth,” says Valera. “This means the industry will become more diverse in the long run.”
The BDC was inspired by the work of the Black Artists and Designers Guild (BADG), an organization they will continue to collaborate with for event programming and volunteer opportunities. Faculty advisor to the NYSID BDC, Leyden Lewis, is a member of BADG.
Who Can Join the BDC?
The membership and executive board will be inclusive of everyone, with emphasis on supporting those who identify as Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC).
Join or Get Involved
Jones and Valera are currently planning a launch event. Follow the NYSID BDC on Instagram @nysid.bdc to keep up with the latest. Reach out to Melida.Valera@nysid.edu or Taurean.Jones@nysid.edu to join or get involved. The group is particularly interested in collaborating with Black alumni and faculty on events.