After a period of inactivity, Temple University Black Public Relations Society (TUBPRS) has been reinvigorated. The organization, which once had as few as five members at general body meetings, is once again a recognizable professional student organization around Temple University’s Klein College of Media and Communication.  

When Bedei Gbala, KLN ’25, started at Klein College, she heard about TUBPRS but didn’t see any meetings taking place. During her senior year as a public relations (PR) major, she decided she would try to revive the organization.  

“I realized that PR students of color didn’t really have a space outside of PRSSA,” she said.  

With the support of Klein College peers, faculty and staff, Gbala reanimated TUBPRS and became the organization’s president.  

After Gbala’s graduation, Ayanna Lovelace, a junior public relations major with a minor in digital media engagement, stepped up as the president of TUBPRS. She aimed to continue Gbala’s work in rebuilding the organization.  

“We’ve been essentially building from scratch,” she said. “The biggest challenge was figuring out what direction we wanted to go in.” 

Lovelace and the other E-Board members have created a space where students have the opportunity to make progress in their careers. Now, TUBPRS hosts events with big-name brands and professionals.  

Gbala states that her best experience while in TUBPRS was visiting the Comcast building, where members talked to Comcast’s vice president of communications. Gbala shared that the visit proved TUBPRS’s strength as a professional student organization. 

“That was a really good day for us,” she said. 

Lovelace's favorite experience in TUBPRS so far was collaborating with personal care product company Shea Moisture. The organization’s members received product samples, and they decided to go above and beyond and create a brand campaign lab. They sent their presentations to Shea Moisture, who applauded their work.  

Joi’ C. Weathers, assistant director of community relations at Klein College, is the staff lead for TUBPRS, serving as the organization’s day-to-day liaison. Weathers shared that TUBPRS’s events have been exceptional. 

“Their programming has been phenomenal,” she said. “They are coming up with timely and amazing opportunities.”

One of TUBPRS’s biggest goals is creating a space where PR students of color feel comfortable. 

“It’s an amazing example of what inclusiveness looks like,” said Weathers. “They are carrying on the legacy of other amazing African American change agents within the media space.” 

David Brown, assistant dean for community and communication, serves as the faculty advisor for TUBPRS. When he came to Temple University 10 years ago, the chapter was inactive. He noted that the organization’s leadership is what has brought TUBPRS back. 

“We have some great leaders who are doing really well,” he said.

Brown also underscored the importance of representation not only in public relations as a major at Klein College but also in the industry as a whole. 

“Practitioners of color are still outnumbered by the mainstream,” he said. “Part of what TUBPRS does is try to identify professional development opportunities that enable students to be more visible within the field.” 

TUBPRS was nominated for Best Professional Development Organization of the Year at the 10th Annual Black Law Students Association (BLSA) Black Excellence Gala in February. Lovelace expressed the gratitude she felt for the nomination. 

“I’ve always seen that honor being given to bigger Black student organizations,” she said. “Being acknowledged by industry professionals and our peers shows that our work doesn't go unnoticed.”

Gbala shared that she is content with the organization’s success and expressed her gratitude for being able to help other students. 

“I’m so happy with the hands that the organization is in,” she said. “I’m so glad that it’s bigger than I thought it would be.”

“I’m happy that I was able to leave something for PR students who look like me,” she added. 

When asked what makes TUBPRS different from other professional student organizations, Lovelace stated that they strive to keep things exciting. 

“We have a great balance of creativity and professionalism,” she said. 

Lovelace highlighted the fact that TUBPRS’s main objective is to foster career development while promoting inclusiveness. 

“Our ultimate mission is the betterment and the development of students of color on campus,” she said. “We’re a safe space for creativity and culture.” 

“We’re here, and we’re growing. We’re going to keep growing,” Lovelace added.