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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:

Autumn 2024

  • 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

Winter 2025

  • Black Affinity Housing Communal Foundational Planning Dinner
  • Soul Food and Black Joy Night (in collaboration with the Residence Education Programming Team)

Spring 2025

  • Jacob Lawrence Art Gallery Tour
  • Waffles N Wellness
  • Black Movie Night
  • End of Year Cookout

 

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

“The most meaningful part of black affinity housing that experience this year was the strong sense of community and brotherhood/sisterhood I have with my neighbors. I feel like it’s a truly giving and receiving type of community where I feel safe and can be myself.”

– Shae M.

 

“My freshman experience was amplified by being in Black Affinity Housing. The meaningful friendships have gone a long way. Now, in any room that I step into, I'll likely know someone.”

– Alexis M.

 

 

“[I love] the fact that I see brothers and sisters everywhere.”

— Abdulsemed