The BSU is Back
Dear black people,
Now that I have your attention, I have a few questions for you all. Why do we continue to hate and isolate each other? What is the point of tearing each other down? Do you really believe our ancestors endured everything that happened for us to act like this? No. They dreamed of unity and making a difference in this world. They started paving a path for us to continue. The road did not start with big marches or refusing to change seats on a bus. Every step toward change counted as a small victory. Starting a safe space for African-Americans in colleges was one of those victories.
Those spaces are called Black Student Unions. According to the Huffington Post, BSUs have existed in colleges since the 1960s. San Francisco State University was the first to form a BSU. These groups were formed during the civil rights protests to initiate change for African-Americans. These unions offer students, especially at predominantly white institutions, a place to meet other people from similar backgrounds and to share their experiences and opinions.
I know some of you are probably thinking, Grand View has been around for ages, and there has never been a BSU before?
A few years ago, Grand View had a BSU. However, most of the active members were graduating seniors. Without anyone to run the organization, the BSU was short-lived. That was until Nick Clayborne, a senior African-American student, said that it was time to add more diversity on Grand View’s campus and re-formed this organization.
The thought of recreating this organization came to Clayborne while he was having a discussion about race and microaggressions. Clayborne said he set up a meeting with Alex Piedras, director of multicultural and community outreach and international student advisor, to express his interest in starting a BSU here at Grand View. The first step in turning this idea into reality was by writing a constitution for the organization.
Next, Clayborne met with Heidi Pries, director of new student programs and student involvement, to go over the rules, regulations and other logistics for the organization. Following this, Clayborne explained why Grand View needed its very own BSU to the Viking Council. The Viking Council agreed with Clayborne that this was the direction Grand View should go in and officially added the organization on campus.
The overall purpose of the BSU is to create unity among people on campus while helping students of African-American descent by enhancing their overall college experience. It also aims to provide them with educational opportunities such as scholarships in order for them to succeed. Clayborne said this organization will not only help students find ways to get involved in the community but also help find ways for students to make a difference. Clayborne said that he wants BSU meetings to be a “common ground” for students to talk about anything, including controversial racial issues and a way to get together to brainstorm creative ideas.
The BSU’s goal is to get more students involved, push for unity, bring awareness of racial issues happening, talk about the issues people are too fearful to talk about, get more minorities teaching jobs at Grand View and make a difference here on campus.
You probably know what diversity means, but do you know why Grand View needs more of it?
“I am working toward expanding diversity amongst the campus, having a greater community outreach and providing educational tools and resources,” Clayborne said.
Clayborne said that he believes colleges having a BSU could be a determining factor on where prospective students plan to attend.
From a young age, many African-American children hear stories told by parents, family members or friends about how being a part of a BSU or black sororities and fraternities can impact one’s college experience. These organizations are essential in learning more about African-American culture and how to be proud of one’s ethnicity.
Colleges and universities throughout the state, including University of Iowa, Iowa State University, Buena Vista University, University of Northern Iowa and Drake University, all have an organization for African and African-American students. African Students Association, Black Student Alliance and Black Student Union are different names, but they perfom the same function. These organizations have meetings, movie nights, dances, member elections and community service for their members to participate in.
According to Clayborne, seeing all the different organizations a college has to offer can show how diverse a campus truly is.
Clayborne also said the BSU will be another good leadership opportunity.
“A good leader doesn’t create followers; he (or she) creates more leaders,” Clayborne said.
On March 22, the BSU had its first meeting. Some of the topics discussed were the movie “Black Panther,” a law being passed in Iowa that allows racial profiling and the Confederate flag posted next to our campus.
Although attendance was low, a variety of people showed up with one common thought: a hope for more diversity.
“I mainly hope to see a lot of diversity (and) fun events where everyone can join so that we can celebrate every community,” said Cleona Kazura, a freshman African student.
Piedras, the advisor of the BSU, said he is eager about the formation of this organization.
“When Nick approached me about (forming the BSU), I hope he saw my excitement,” Piedras said. “I think it is something that is needed, and my hope is that it continues to grow.”
Although the organization is titled the Black Student Union, you do not have to be black to attend. All are invited to learn about black culture and current social issues and to interact with fellow students. The meetings will be based on an agenda but will be open for everyone to speak their minds. As of right now, the meetings will be held every other Wednesday from 4–5 p.m.
Although the 2017-2018 school year is coming to an end, in the future you can expect big things from the BSU. The organization is trying to create a dual membership for students to not only join the BSU but also the National Association of the Advancement for Colored People (NAACP) as well. This membership would provide more resources, educational workshops, a greater networking tool for students and more community outreach opportunities. If a member of the GV BSU needed any assistance, they would be able to reach out to the BSU and the NAACP for help.
Next year, this organization is planning some fun events such as movie nights, game nights and maybe even a few dances, all based around celebrating and educating people on African and African-American culture.
