SCU’s SABCA Chapter Makes History as First-Ever ABCA Chapter of the Year

The Southern California University of Health Sciences (SCU) Student American Black Chiropractic Association (SABCA) chapter is rewriting history and building a powerful legacy in the process.

At the 44th annual American Black Chiropractic Association (ABCA) National Convention in Dallas, SCU’s SABCA chapter was named the first-ever Chapter of the Year, an award that honors excellence, leadership, and service. Adding to the historic moment, David Awolowo, who served as chapter president until the 2025 Summer Term, was individually awarded the ABCA Student Chiropractor of the Year for his visionary leadership and outstanding contributions.

Both David and the current chapter president, Nia Helaire, see this milestone as more than just an accolade. It’s a testament to resilience, representation, and a shared commitment to uplifting others.

A Vision Restored

When David Awolowo arrived at SCU, the SABCA chapter had been inactive for more than a decade. Reviving it wasn’t just a personal mission. It became a responsibility to create space where Black chiropractic students could feel seen, supported, and inspired.

“When we brought the chapter back after over a decade of being inactive, we knew we were destined for greatness,” David said. “We didn’t want to be just another club. We wanted to be a force. This recognition feels incredibly validating, especially knowing how far we’ve come.”

That vision became reality thanks to an ambitious year of events and initiatives, including SCU’s first-ever student-led chiropractic conference, mental health forums for minority students, community outreach for fire victims and the unhoused, and workshops that prioritized both clinical skill and cultural empowerment.

As David explained, “We weren’t chasing recognition, we were building something meaningful. SABCA isn’t just about chiropractic. It’s about leadership, legacy, and leaving things better than we found them.”

Keeping the Momentum

With David now serving as the ABCA Western Student Representative, leadership of the chapter has transitioned this past May to Nia Helaire, who continues to drive the mission forward.

“We were thrilled and honestly a little speechless when we heard the announcement,” Nia shared about the moment SCU’s name was called at the national convention. “This recognition is bigger than just our chapter. It reflects a collective movement toward empowerment and representation. We’re proud of how far we’ve come and excited to keep the momentum going.”

Under Nia’s leadership, the chapter has expanded its reach through collaborations, clothing drives, Juneteenth service projects, and hosting the prestigious Western Regional Conference this past February, which was coordinated by David and the most meaningful and ambitious work he has done as a student.
“Our consistency, commitment to community, and emphasis on collaboration truly set us apart,” Nia added.

Beyond the Awards

For both leaders, SABCA has been transformative, not just for the community it serves, but for themselves as aspiring doctors.

“SABCA taught me that chiropractic isn’t just about adjustments and clinical outcomes, it’s about impact,” David reflected. “It didn’t just make me a better student; it made me a more intentional future doctor, a bridge-builder, and a servant leader.”

For Nia, the experience has instilled confidence and purpose. “SABCA has provided me with a sense of community and purpose, especially as a student of color navigating a rigorous program,” she said. “It’s been central to my journey, giving me the leadership and advocacy skills that will carry over into my future practice.”

Gratitude and a Call to Action

Both David and Nia credit their success to a long list of supporters, starting with club advisor Dr. Simone Jordan, who they say was instrumental in reviving the chapter and guiding its growth. They also thanked SCU faculty, collaborating student organizations, and the ABCA for providing a platform to amplify their voices.

“To my SABCA team, thank you for trusting me to lead,” David added.

Looking ahead, Nia hopes more students join the chapter and carry its mission forward. “SABCA is more than just a club; it’s a space for growth, support, and empowerment,” she said. “You don’t have to wait until you’re fully confident or settled.  SABCA is a great place to grow into that version of yourself.”

For David, the journey comes back to vision and resilience: “Not everyone will believe in your vision, and that’s okay. Keep dreaming, keep building, keep showing up. If your heart is in the right place and your mission is rooted in love and service, you’ll always be aligned with something greater than yourself.”