Building Bridges
How the BSU Conference inspired high school students
This school year, Copley’s Black Student Union (BSU) has created a new space where many African-American high school students across the metropolitan Akron area. They can learn and talk about experiences related to the stigma of systemic racism and how black people are targeted in society. The BSU Conference was held at Copley High on December 11, 2025. This is the very first BSU Conference in the history of Copley that collaborated with students from various high schools (Archbishop Hoban, St. Vincent - St. Mary, Stow-Monroe, and Garfield) that came together to network with peers to share goals, experiences, and different ambitions that they are willing to chase and to become the best person they can be.
The President of the N.A.A.C.P. Akron Chapter, Judi Hill came to talk to all students as the keynote speaker. She is a respected community leader and advocates for civil rights in Akron. A native of Oberlin and a graduate of both the University of Akron and Youngstown State University, Hill spent over three decades at Akron Public Schools as a teacher, curriculum designer, and administrator before retiring and dedicating her energy for community service. She talked about our community and how we all need to stick together and be uplifting towards one another, especially in a world where we can be divided.
The first guest speaker that came to talk to students was Mr. Jamar Blackmon also known as “THE GOALGETTA.” Blackmon is a known motivational speaker, behavior health specialist, author, entrepreneur, and leader, uplifting minds across the city of Akron. He came to the conference with high energy and intensity, giving the students He talked about how your mindset is everything and your daily routine dictates your future success.
The second speakers that were in attendance at the conference were the University of Akron Black Excellence Group. This organization creates and uplifts the African American students at the school and makes it a space where they can grow and support each other. This is a combined group with there being a sisterhood and a brotherhood group as the creation of the entire group gives a sense of unification.
The third speaker was Dr. Lathardus Goggins, a patron for youth and education for over thirty years. He is a dedicated and determined individual who wants to motivate the people surrounding him. He talked about how black student leaders can create transformative change in their communities and how we have nothing to lose fighting for what is right.
The final speakers that were present were the Project Ujima organization. This group has a powerful initiative rooted in strengthening the community and culture among the people in the city of Akron. They talked about the idea of a manifesto and creating a peaceful, calm space around yourself can encourage and empower yourself to be successful for your future.
This space made a significant change in the community where many inspired students and listeners assimilated the information that was presented by many motivational speakers. All students became more together and as a whole from the networking and communication that was made throughout the event. This very first BSU Conference at Copley High became a breakthrough and started a strong bond among the other schools organizations.