Black Student Union (BSU) is a club that has been recently chartered at California State University, Stanislaus (Stan State). For many years, there has been a lack of any organizations on campus that cater to the black student community. Now, BSU provides an outlet for black students who want to seek refuge among their peers.
“Our mission is to promote appreciation of the African American culture and history as well as strengthen multicultural awareness, social tolerance, and academic success among all,” says Michelle Akanji (senior, Kinesiology), who is the vice president and treasurer of BSU.
Two years ago, Umoja (a Kiswahili word meaning unity), was a club that was similar to BSU, but it had a very short lifespan at Stan State. Akanji was a member of Umoja during her freshman year.
“It was a lot smaller than BSU now. The main reason why it fell off was because the leadership graduated, and no one wanted to fill their place,” says Akanji.
Akanji mentioned another club that was similar to BSU and Umoja that was chartered at Stan State in 2008, but it also suffered the same fate as Umoja.
“The history of Black Student Union at our school is it starts, and then they have a year where the whole entire board just graduates and it falls off. So it’s a matter of just leadership, people stepping into the place and taking the role. That’s why it’s very up and down.”
To break this curse of constant fallout, BSU President, Mi’Shaye Venerable (sophomore, Social Science), proposed a plan so that the newly chartered BSU will live on for other students to find comfort and a feeling of belonging for many years to come.
“I think that freshmen and sophomores should shadow the executive board. If you see that they’re stepping up as a leader, take them with you to the trainings that the vice president, president or secretary would go to,” said Venerable.
“There should be a really good communication and bond between the freshmen and sophomores and really reaching out to them. That’s why we were out a lot at New Student Orientation because we want to bring those students in instead of just having juniors and seniors in the club. So I think having a big population of the freshmen and sophomores would be pretty beneficial.”
New members of the club have found a sense of security with BSU and encourage anyone who may feel like their voice is not being heard in any way to make their way to one of the club’s meetings for a better understanding of the club’s philanthropy.
“It can feel isolated sometimes. It’s nice to have brothers and sisters who can relate to your experience. (BSU is) an outlet. A safe place,” agreed member Courtney Mixon (junior, English).
The club is holding its next meeting in MSR 130 at 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 26. They strongly encourage anyone of any ethnicity who is interested to sit in and get a better understanding of what they are all about.