The Black Student Union, one of Sacred Heart University’s clubs on campus, presents students with the opportunity to immerse themselves into a community of diversity.
The BSU serves as a liaison between students of African descent as well as other minority groups and staff within Sacred Heart.
“The Black Student Union is a place to gather and exchange ideas and experiences that students can use to obtain a more comprehensive understanding of how to best serve the community they represent,” said junior Jaylah Bryant, president of the BSU.
The BSU promotes diversity and inclusion within Sacred Heart’s community.
“Having students with different ethnic backgrounds and life experiences ultimately creates a more socially aware environment,” said Bryant.
The BSU was formed in 2018 and has grown immensely since. It began as a small collection of Black students that saw the need to create a safe environment for Black, Indigenous and People of Color (BIPOC) students on campus.
“With the addition of the Multicultural Center, BSU has turned a physical space into a home for Black students on campus,” said Bryant.
Also, with support from faculty, they have successfully been able to promote the club and hold events.
“We strive to create a welcoming, fun environment for individuals to share their experiences and connect with fellow members that may have the same or different experiences,” said Bryant.
Regardless of one’s ethnic background, BSU welcomes anyone with an interest in diversity on campus.
“I am not in the club myself; however, I have heard many wonderful things about it,” said sophomore Sydni Carroll. “They are a very inclusive group and welcome anybody that has a passion for social justice and equality.”
The club holds biweekly meetings on Wednesdays. They are held in the Multicultural Center from 8 to 9 p.m. They select a different topic to discuss at each meeting.
“The topics range from more fun and uplifting things, such as ‘Guess that Black Anthem’, to more serious topics, such as Colorism,” said Bryant.
The BSU is hosting the Black Love Gala, which will be their biggest event this semester. This event is open to all SHU students.
“The purpose of this event is to celebrate Black Love Day to promote love and peace within the Black community,” said Bryant.
In addition to this event, they will also be holding multiple exciting fundraisers to engage with students.
“The easiest way to join BSU is to follow us on social media @shu_bsu to know when there’s a meeting or event,” said Bryant.
Bryant also encourages students to stop by the Multicultural Center to meet BSU members and learn about the other Multicultural Clubs on campus.
Bryant is confident that the BSU will flourish as it continues to grow.
“I can’t wait to witness the heights it’ll rise to in the coming years,” said Bryant.
