Temple has over 400 student-run clubs that range from academics, sports, cultural, creativity, and others in between. These clubs bring students from different backgrounds, interests, and majors together through their shared love of a certain topic.
One of these clubs, Black Media and Entertainment Collective (BMEC), a group for Black creatives who are interested in pursuing their passions either professionally or just for fun, has the opportunity to come together and network.
Thalia Lash, a senior media business major, is the founder and president of the club. The idea of BMEC began when Lash saw the gap between creative majors in Klein and neighboring schools in January 2024. Lash then formed BMEC that same year, in September 2024.
“The Black Media and Entertainment Collective aims to bridge that gap, creating community between students across campus,” Lash said. “In this space, we have community-building events, skill-building workshops, guest speakers, and networking opportunities.”
Despite being a relatively new group on campus, the club has grown enormously, and, although she is graduating this year, Lash is excited to see just how far they will continue to grow.
“I love the community that’s been built, and hope it continues to get stronger,” Lash said. “Unlike other organizations, our community encourages networking in the media field instead of just people in your major.”
The group talks about events and conversations set specifically towards Black creatives and their feelings, including imposter syndrome and burnout. BMEC also provides positive reinforcement from industry professionals.
Harlem Porter, a junior geography and urban studies major, is the STARS (Supporting Temple’s Admission Recruitment) coordinator and has been part of the club for two years. Porter appreciates the roads that are built through the club and the importance they have for members.
“It’s important that Black creatives have avenues to navigate media, design, or artistic networking,” Porter said. “But it’s also important for us to have a space to meet each other and channel our efforts into something that can last outside of school.”
Black Media and Entertainment Collective hosts many different events throughout the year, but one of its biggest hits is during the Grammys. BMEC holds a debate where people can share their opinions and discuss the nominees.
“The event was extremely successful,” Lash said. “We did this same event last year, and it was extremely great for the community to see Beyoncé win her first Grammy. It’s moments like those where having this group is important to celebrate together.”
The events and workshops that BMEC hosts are open to everyone, not just people in a specific major of that event. BMEC helps unite everyone of different backgrounds and allows them to be who they are.
“You don’t have to be extremely outgoing or an extrovert to build connections here,” Porter said. “We help members develop confidence in networking and navigating creative industries while still being authentic to themselves.”
Those interested in joining the club can keep up with what they do on Instagram @temple.bmec or by simply attending one of their bi-weekly meetings.