ABOUT UBCA

The United Black Collegiate Association (UBCA) is the recognized Black student government at The University of Texas at Austin and a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit. Founded in 2024, UBCA serves as the centralized and financial voice of Black students across campus. Through advocacy, funding, and coalition building, we equip our community to not only survive but lead—with clarity, coordination, and power.

We were formed in direct response to Texas Senate Bill 17, which dismantled the Division of Diversity and Community Engagement and permanently closed the Multicultural Engagement Center (MEC)—home to cultural agencies like Afrikan-American Affairs (AAA). UBCA continues the work AAA began, but with an expanded mission, legal standing, and constitutional authority.

Our constitution

UBCA is governed by a student-drafted and Senate-ratified Constitution that outlines our structure, roles, and authority.

Click here for the full UBCA Constitution

To aid in the development of a lasting appreciation of education, acceptance, motivation, and advocacy to uplift the Black student in the pursuit of academia and heighten the cultural consciousness of all students in all aspects of life.

UBCA Mission Statement

Our Timeline: From AAA to UBCA

  • The Multicultural Information Center (MIC) is founded in response to the anti-apartheid movement.
    Afrikan-American Affairs (AAA) is established as one of the original student-led agencies housed in the MIC.

  • AAA launches the For Us, From Us (FUFU) Scholarship for first-year Black students who show initiative and leadership. AAA also begins key programming like Black Graduation and New Black Student Weekend.

  • The MIC becomes part of Student Affairs, then transitions to the Division of Diversity and Community Engagement (DDCE).

  • MIC officially becomes the Multicultural Engagement Center (MEC) and adds the Gender and Sexuality Center under shared leadership.

  • AAA becomes a finalist for Best Service and Best Cultural Organization in UT’s Swing Out Awards.

  • Following the murder of George Floyd, AAA helps lead the UT BIPOC Student Demands and mobilizes anti-racist organizing across campus, forming the Black President’s Leadership Council.

  • The Texas legislature proposes SB17, targeting DEI (Diversity, Equity & Inclusion) programs statewide. AAA and MEC are placed under review preemptively to prepare for possible enactment.

  • SB17 is enacted. AAA, MEC, and five other cultural support agencies are shut down. Staff are laid off. Offices are locked. Funding is redistributed elsewhere.

  • Black students organize through the multicultural NotOurTexas coalition and launch the United Black Collegiate Association (UBCA), as a response to the loss of University support.

  • UBCA stands as an independent Black student government—with 501(c)(3) status, a ratified Constitution, and leadership over more than 50 organizations. We fund scholarships, lead cultural events, and preserve Black student peace and power at UT.

  • Welcomed 200+ students at New Black Student Weekend

  • Celebrated 150+ graduates at Black Graduation

  • Honored 30+ student leaders at Black Inauguration

  • Distributed $1,500+ in grants, scholarships, and co-sponsorships

  • Represented 50+ orgs in the newly formed UBCA Senate

  • Provided mailing + storage infrastructure post-MEC

  • Maintained political presence through advocacy and electoral support

2024-2025

Impact at a Glance

 View the full 2024–2025 Impact Report here.

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EXPLORE OUR BRANCHES

It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more. Or maybe you have a creative project to share with the world. Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.

Executive Cabinet

 Plans and executes programs, sets strategy, and leads internal governance. Includes chairs of political, finance, communications, and activities teams.

senate

The legislative branch of UBCA where representatives from each Black org propose and vote on initiatives, funding, and constitutional changes.

GENERAL ASSEMBLY

 Monthly open forums for students to receive updates, share ideas, and hear directly from UBCA leadership. Signature events like “State of Black UT” are hosted here.

Black president’s

Leadership Council

A coalition of Black student org presidents meeting monthly to coordinate programming, fundraising, and issue advocacy across the community.

STAY Connected

Listen to the Official 2025–2026 UBCA Playlist
Curated by and for our community. Add your songs, share your sound, and set the tone.
Collaborative Spotify Playlist »

Join the 2025-2026 GroupMe
Get reminders, resources, and real-time updates. Everyone’s invited.
Join GroupMe »

View All Black Student Organizations
Explore both umbrella and non-umbrella Black student orgs at UT and find your space.
View the Full List »