About BSA

In the fall of 2018, Wheaton North seniors, Selam Kahsay and Keondra Pace, wrote up a proposal for the inception of a student club to meet the needs of the Black student population. The leadership of this student-led effort wanted to create a place and a platform for Black students at Wheaton North. They created projects and goals, as well as standards for students to maintain academic and personal excellence. BSA first considered the name Black Student Union, but Black Student Alliance eventually won out, since most colleges use the name Black Student Union. Selam and Keondra became the club's first Co-Presidents.

In their own words...

"Black student union is important to me because it gives me the opportunity to connect with students who face similar challenges as me. Being black females has caused us to see that we were not given the chances to succeed as a student or an individual. That’s why BSA is so important so that students who may feel overlooked, can be in a group of people who want to see them progress in their future." ~ Selam

"I also feel that this club is important because it allows us to grow closer bonds with one another. We are able to encourage each other to do better in and outside of school to help us try to stay away from the stereotypes created by society." ~ Keondra

Melanie Jones and Katlyn Jackson also maintained strong voices within the Black community, and in their motivational conversations with administration and other staff. Melanie became the first Vice President and Katlyn became Secretary.

"The Black Student Alliance is a club that strives for acceptance and understanding about black people. This club was created because we noticed the need for empowerment in a school that is predominately white. My goal for this club is that it can an open space where we can create, empower and learn together. " ~ Melanie

Melanie became President of BSA the following year.

"This club is important to me because I think feeling comfortable at school is important. And by no means should you feel unappreciated, targeted, or unwanted because of your religion,race, and traditions. And it has come to a lot of minorities' attention at Wheaton North that many people we go to school with make us feel that way. So I want to help get the point across that this is NOT okay. I want those who feel like they couldn’t do anything about it to feel confident that they can and will do something about it after coming to our group. I want this group to be a voice for those who feel like that don’t have one. I want to help others in the best way possible. " ~ Katlyn

The Wheaton North Black Student Alliance held its first official meeting on November 29, 2018. And we've been having fun ever since!