The Black Student Union, also known as the BSU, is a volunteer based group that is very active in the Stuart Hall Community. The current president of the BSU is Tafari Plummer (‘24). The Black Student Union teaches and emphasizes the importance of African American culture and history, and it works to spread awareness of racism, individuality, inclusivity and acceptance for all the students that are members of the Stuart Hall Community and all the people all over the world. Throughout the years, Stuart Hall has become more diverse, and it is important that each and every student feels accepted. By having unions such as the BSU, students can have a safe place to voice their opinions, concerns and ideas that can continue to make Stuart Hall grow in all kinds of aspects.
The president of the Black Student Union, Tafari Plummer, talked about his experience in the Black Student Union, commenting, “The Black Student Union has really improved and we also gained more members, which makes everything more enjoyable. We were able to welcome Denise Wooldridge Sinclair as one the students of color to attend Stuart Hall and she gave us her experience during our community service, and we also welcomed Michael Smith (‘03) to share their experience. I hope that the Stuart Hall Community continues to grow in all aspects."
The Black Student Union is usually very active in the month of February (Black History Month). But why February? One of the members of the Black Student Union, Anna Danieluk, said, “February was chosen for Black History Month to coincide with the birthdays of Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass. Lincoln is recognized for his contribution to the abolition of slavery, manifested in his Emancipation Proclamation in 1863. Douglass is celebrated for his tireless activism towards ending slavery, and his work alongside other prominent abolitionists like William Lloyd Garrison or Gerrit Smith. The month of February therefore seemed fitting as a way of acknowledging the noble actions of these two men and since 1976, every U.S. president has officially designated the month of February as Black History Month.”
Ms. Katy Datz, who helps the BSU organize and plan, explains the month's purpose: “Black History Month is an annual celebration of achievements by African Americans and a time for recognizing their central role in U.S. history." The Black History Month 2024 theme, “African Americans and the Arts,” explores the key influence African Americans have had in the fields of "visual and performing arts, literature, fashion, folklore, language, film, music, architecture, culinary and other forms of cultural expression."
The Black Student Union is still working hard to create an environment in Stuart Hall that is comfortable for everyone and also a kind of environment that makes all students feel welcome and accepted.
Anna Danieluk, Clarisse Irasubiza