This February marks an important landmark in the United States: it has been 100 years of Black History Month being officially recognized. To recognize and celebrate the occasion, the Stuart Hall Black Student Union (BSU) organized a special chapel this past week, notably including the Anointed Voices of Praise Gospel Choir, who hail from local college Mary Baldwin. Previously, the BSU organized notable events such as the food drive during the previous government shutdown.
The current president of the Black Student Union here at Stuart Hall is Clarisse Irasubiza, '26, who was interviewed for this article along with the BSU secretary, Debrah Athanas, also '26. This is Clarisse’s fourth year as a member of the BSU, an experience that has marked the entirety of her time here. When asked what the impact of the BSU has been on her life, she answered “I think it’s a good way to get to know more people,” going on to say that it creates a culture in which upperclassmen and lowerclassmen can interact and provide support for one another. When asked the same question, Debrah emphasized the safe space it can provide for students. She also stated that events such as the aforementioned food drive were an important part of the experience for her, and “helping other communities - it really touches my heart.”
The BSU’s importance here at Stuart Hall cannot be overstated. Clarrise stated that “for those people who have experienced those kinds of harsh things outside, coming here and finding a BSU is just finding a safe space, finding a place where they can talk about stuff that they don’t usually talk about and sharing their experiences, hoping that it would help others.” To continue to build up this environment and educate the Stuart Hall student body, the BSU has planned a series of movie nights here at the school. The latest BSU led event was Friday, February 20th, with a showing of Remember the Titans. More movie nights are on the way, and information can be found on the BSU board, located in Bishop’s way.
The BSU’s mission is “to educate and engage the campus community about Black history, culture, and current social issues, while providing social support for Black students.” In light of all of the past and planned events organized by the Stuart Hall BSU, it is abundantly clear that they are living up to this mission. When asked what they would like to share with the Stuart Hall student body, both Clarisse and Debrah shared a final remark, “come to the movie nights!”
Amory Harris