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Housing & Food Services

Black Affinity Housing

Inaugural group of students living in Black Affinity Housing.

Our Roots

Black Affinity Housing launched in Autumn 2024 in partnership with the Office of Minority Affairs & Diversity, Black Student Union and ASUW Black Student Commission. Open to all incoming and returning students, this community provides a space within our residence halls to promote personal wellness, social connectedness and academic success centering the Black student experience.

Mission Statement: Black Affinity Housing stands as a testament to the power of shared identity and collective growth. Our mission is to cultivate a community where trust is sacred, joy is celebrated and the rich mosaic of Black culture is uplifted. Drawing on the wisdom of our past, we foster spaces that nourish belonging and empower each member to strive for justice and excellence.

We are founded on these three pillars:

  1. Adinkra Symbol: Eban (Love, Safety & Security.)
  2. Ubuntu: (I am because we are.)
  3. Umoja (Unity.)

Our Collective Vision: We envision Black Affinity Housing as a place of radical joy and empowerment, where connections are forged through food, music and storytelling. In this space, cultural heritage and accountability intertwine, creating an environment where all feel seen, valued and free to flourish.

Goals: Black Affinity Housing seeks to:

  • Build a community to enhance the sense of belonging and affinity to the UW.
  • Champion respect for Black culture, identity and history. 
  • Cultivate open and honest conversations surrounding individual and shared experiences.
  • Celebrate the rich and vibrant Black culture worldwide.
  • Promote self-growth and potential through opportunities for academic achievement, civic engagement and career preparedness both in and outside the university community.
  • Create lifelong friendships and a meaningful network of like-minded individuals.

Living Space

Black Affinity Housing is located on the 8th floor of Lander Hall on West Campus. The floor accommodates 125 students through a variety of single, double and triple rooms. Students in Lander Hall are just steps away from:

Programming

We hosted many events during the inaugural year of Black Affinity Housing. These are some past examples of programming:

  • Black Affinity Housing Kickoff Dinner
  • Curly Hair Care Education + Product giveaway
  • Game Night with the Greeks (in collaboration with UW National Panhellenic Council)
  • Black Affinity Housing Lunch series with UW Campus Liaisons
  • Black Affinity Housing Communal Foundational Planning Dinner
  • Soul Food and Black Joy Night (in collaboration with the Residence Education Programming Team)

 

How to Apply

New and returning residents can apply through the MyHFS page starting Spring 2025. Residents currently living in Black Affinity Housing are welcome to return to this community. Please reach out to hfsinfo@uw.edu with application questions.

Partners

Student Testimonials

"Through the new Black Affinity Housing at UW, I hope that black students get a sense of community and support early on, and easily get to build and maintain meaningful relationships with students that also share similar identities and experiences."

- Nia M.

"The Black Affinity housing also serves as a safe space to be your true authentic self in a place where there's a shared identity. I feel so proud that my school is implementing this necessary step toward accommodating and acknowledging the black experience."

- Trishaunie L.