Amidst the continuous issue of racial discrimination in the United States, many students feel a need to carve out safe spaces within their immediate communities now more than ever. Students have created an environment where people can come together to learn about and appreciate Black culture.
This year, Carroll’s first Black Student Union was founded by juniors Sanaa Sanders and Isabella Akere. Sanders and Akere work together as co-presidents of the club.
“I felt that black students were a minority at Carroll and I wanted a club that could unite and connect us to each other as well as educate others and give insight on Black culture,” Sanders said. “We aim to educate others on Black culture and history which we feel may not be taught in the classrooms or is not fully accessible to students on campus.”
The Black Student Union, or BSU, also aims to delve deeper into topics students may already be familiar with.
“I get to teach people new things all the time which is super fun because a lot of people don’t know a lot about black culture and I get to tell them about it,” Akere said. “Last week we went over Jim Crow laws, which most people already know about. But they don’t know specific facts about it. A lot of people in the meeting didn’t know that Jim Crow laws were actually pretty recent. History classes don’t always make it feel like that.”
Due to the heavy subject nature, The BSU balances the gravity of teaching racial issues throughout history with activities to build community within the club.
“After we do a lesson, which I usually lead, we play a game,” Akere said. “It’s a good opportunity to see what everyone learned.”
The presidential position in the BSU is one that requires responsibility and planning.
“I organize the agenda, meeting times and dates,” Sanders said. “I also create our slideshows for every meeting. I appointed all of our BSU board members and help our social media chairs run our accounts.”
Meetings are not the only club activities that require planning. The BSU recently held a candy drive called “Treats for Troops” in which candy was donated to those currently serving in the military.
“People in the troops don’t really get the opportunity to celebrate Halloween, so it’s super important to let them experience the things that they usually can’t,” Akere said.
BSU media chair and junior Maranda Cornejo uses social media to inform people about the candy drive and other club events.
“It is very important to spread awareness about BSU because our club is one that everyone should know about,” Cornejo said. “This type of representation allows for people in school to realize how important diversity truly is.”
The BSU also uses social media to reach new members and is always looking for new people to participate in the club.
“I am most looking forward to seeing our meetings grow as the year goes on,” Cornejo said. “I love seeing new faces and seeing people bring their friends to learn about the history of black people. It’s very empowering and makes us feel good knowing that people are wanting to educate themselves on this matter.”
Despite the club only recently being founded, the Black Student Union has already accomplished its goal of establishing a crucial environment within the walls of the school.
“The Black Student Union is a safe space for Black students and people who want to learn about Black history to come together,” Akere said.
