Many on-campus organizations work to make the St. Bonaventure community a more open, accepting and safe place to live, learn and work. One of the clubs that has this goal in mind is the Black Student Union.
The BSU is an organization with the mission of promoting a sense of community for black students at the university. This mission is accomplished by holding social and cultural events and programs throughout the year that put political activism and cultural unity at the forefront. The programs are created from different areas, like communications, social and cultural activities, academic affairs and publications.
The organization club usually meets every month in the McGinley-Carney Center. The BSU is led by president Jordan Bozier, a junior political science major, secretary Sydney Best, a sophomore strategic communication major, public relations director Love Nicholson, a junior strategic communication major and special events coordinator Justin Myers, a junior strategic communication major. Parker Suddeth, the coordinator of the Damietta Center for Multicultural Student Affairs, acts as the faculty advisor for the organization.
Meetings consist of an opening with icebreakers and a discussion of how the members are doing and what they have been doing. Then the group talks about current events that are impacting or are impacted by black people all over the world. Upcoming events are planned and reviewed for the month.
“Lastly, we open the floor to allow students to voice their opinion about on-campus bias incidents,” said Best. “And we have a critical discussion to positively address whatever the situation may be.”
The group has organized and run several events throughout the school year so far. One was over Family Weekend, called the Carnival Car Wash, which raised funds for the organization. Other opportunities that have been available through the Damietta Center for Multicultural Student Affairs, like the Distinguished Speaker Series, the Students of Color Leadership Summit and a trip to Detroit to visit the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History.
“I want to thank our advisor Parker Suddeth for going out of his way to make sure the members of BSU had opportunities in the many different events that were held,” said Bozier. “Whether it was the Detroit trip, the sit-in in the RC or even the intervention we did with Alfred State University, Alfred University and Buffalo State University.”
During the week of Jan. 22 to 25 of this semester, the BSU and the Damietta Center organized sit-ins in the lobby of the Reilly Center. Each day of the protest stood for a different issue that continues to be fought today. For instance, January 22 was a protest against the racial and ethnic disparities within the criminal justice system.
These opportunities give not only those in the BSU a chance to speak out for change, but to invite the wider community to join in and become part of the conversation. This year has held many building blocks for the club on which they can continue to grow and spread their influence.
“I think this year experience-wise was an improvement,” said Bozier. “An improvement in the right direction in regards to more involvement and cultural appreciation.”
The BSU is open to anyone who wishes to be a part of a movement for good and improving both this campus and the wider world. All students are encouraged to participate in the various facets of the BSU.
“Being a member of BSU has taught me that even on a small campus, I can create change that will leave a positive impact,” said Best.
By Faith Topolski, Staff Writer
topolsfl17@bonaventure.edu
