In 1996 "Essence of Ebony" was founded by a group of concerned students who felt ACU needed more cultural organizations represented on campus. These students wanted to celebrate the African American culture through a black history program. 

The organization evolved into something bigger than a program. Today, "Essence of Ebony" is now the Black Students Association (BSA) and is an official Abilene Christian University student organization under the Office of Multicultural Affairs (OMA). 

BSA is a community that serves its diverse members from all parts of the student body, with christian values and service.