History of FACES

In 2002, two football players discussed the need for change at Boston College. Although they did not have the time to significantly address the issue, both students began to attend events related to racial identity and diversity on campus and slowly became educated.

It wasn't until the following year that a committee finally began to take shape, composed of different students across campus. About 30 - 40 different faculty members and administrators were consulted, but nothing was formally created during the academic year apart from planning, networking and the creation of a mission statement. In the summer of 2004, Dr. Lillie Albert became the faculty advisor. She helped organize the students and provided guidance, focus and direction.

In the fall, a small, functional council was created and participated in several retreats. FACES did not have any funding, but the stuents were still able to put on a number of events, including hosting Hall Talks throughout the year. In order to be recognized by ODSD, Council created a constitution. In the spring of 2005, FACES became an officially registered student organization (RSO). In the same semester, FACES received three awards for their efforts: Organization of the Year, Skills and Creativy Award, and Faculty Advisor.

Since then, FACES has continued to expand their educational programs and presence on campus. In addition to a freshman mentor program and the hall talks, FACES created the small group discussion-based program for upperclassmen, Dialogues on Race. Additionally, Council members began facilitating diversity trainings and other outreach initiatives. Numerous student groups on campus began bringing FACES to meetings to facilitate discussion, educate, and raise awareness within their own organizations.

Every year, FACES Council tries to do at least one big event on campus. In the past, FACES has brought anti-racism activists like Tim Wise to speak. Most recently, FACES hosted Speak for Your Change: Identity Mic Night. Speak for Your Change is an annual event which celebrates the racial identity and diversity of BC students through spoken word poetry, song and dance. This year's Speak for Your Change took place on February 27th, 2013 in the Rat (Lyons Hall).

Through these big events, as well as through programs like the First Year Program, Hall Talks, Dialogues on Race and other outreach methods, FACES seeks to engage the BC community in a continued discussion that encourages individuals to challenge their preconceived notions of issues related to race, power, privilege and identity.