As MV’s Black Student Union continues to grow, so does the ambition of its members and leaders, motivating them to plan events. The BSU welcomes all students, regardless of race, to the organization and looks forward to a positive and productive school year for the union.
Having experienced advisors is essential to the efficient functioning of an organization. In the case of the Black Student Union, there are two leaders: Mrs. Shayla Tracey and Mr. Larry King. These two overseers of the BSU have willingly taken on the role of leaders to provide empowerment and display their appreciation of Black culture.
“Passion for our culture and the lack of appreciation shown for African Americans motivated me to take on the role as an advisor for the Black Student Union,” explained Mr. King.
Although the Black Student Union emphasizes uplifting the black community, it is not exclusive to black students. There are also many non-black members in the organization. A couple of non-Black BSU members include Crimson Spofford and even the vice secretary of the union, Adalynn Sendelbach.
“I know a few members that aren’t Black,” began Iyanna Bray Williams, 27. “The vice secretary of the Union isn’t even Black.”
The role of the BSU is subjective, but ultimately, the goal is to uplift the Black community and acknowledge and appreciate Black history by educating students about African culture and heritage.
“The Black Student Union’s role, I’d say, is to educate people about aspects of Black culture they might have been unaware of,” said secretary of the BSU Ceyonce Taylor, ‘27.
The BSU had already organized a bake sale during lunch hours at MV on September 15 and 16. During this time, students could purchase homemade baked goods from a table that featured a variety of delicacies, including brownies, cupcakes, cookies, and many other snacks that satisfied one’s sweet tooth.
“My friends and I purchased so many brownies and cookies,” said Bray Williams. “They tasted so good!”
This past bake sale is one of many fundraisers the BSU has planned for this semester. Fundraisers won’t be a rare manner in which the Union carry out events, but the surprise is how they will do so.
“Nothing specific has been announced yet,” began Ceyonce Taylor. “I do know that fundraisers will be common this year.”
When not communicating digitally through the BSU Google Classroom, the BSU members congregate in the media center monthly.
“We typically meet in the library at lease twice a month to discuss events and learn more about Black history,” said Bray Williams. “The meetings usually last one to two hours,” added Ceyonce Taylor.
The atmosphere of the meetings are always positive and students display great manners with their peers and supervisors.
“The atmosphere is great, everybody is respectful and kind to one another,” said Ceyonce Taylor.
When the Black Student Union schedules meetings, that’s the students’ opportunity to unite and learn about African heritage. Although mentioning attending a meeting for an organization may seem boring, members of the BSU actually enjoy these meet-ups.
“I honestly really look forward to the meetings,” said Bray Williams. “I thoroughly enjoy seeing a community of Black students unite in a comfortable atmosphere.”
The BSU has a mantra that they stand by, emphasizing their principles and purpose at MV. “Empowering Voices, Building Community”. This slogan accurately depicts what they have been pursuing, and the members could agree.
“A few terms I would use to describe the BSU would be empowering, a safe space, and a family,” said Ceyonce Taylor.
While the MV Black Student Union advances in its growth, event planning, and education of Black heritage, students remain eager about what they have planned for the future.
