BSU, an Introduction
Apr
08
During Winter Quarter, an informal survey was carried out with the purpose of finding out the understanding we have on campus about BSU. Do students know about it? Do they know the history? Who is eligible for membership? and similar simple but telling questions. From the results of the survey, we figured that we might need to talk about the club a little more. So, here goes.
What does BSU stand for?
Black Student Union.
What are the goals of Black Student Union?
To rekindle humanity, to encourage our own self-definition, and to eradicate oppression and social injustice
Did you know that anyone, of any race can join BSU?
Yes, anyone can join. Race affects all of us, irrespective of the color of our skin!
What other club, or co-curricular activity did BSU initiate?
The Pan-African conference, which was initially titled the Pamoja (Swahili for “Together”) Conference was started as a forum to discuss current events in Africa and find ways in which students could be involved.
What is the difference between BSU and the International Student Organization?
While ISO, which is also known as Friendship Around the World celebrates the cultural diversity on the Principia campus, BSU was formed primarily to address racial inequality. Over the years, and considering Principia’s large population of African students, the two clubs almost became synonymous. Still, irrespective of the name, the BSU does not focus on racial issues affecting black students alone. Again, race affects everyone black, white, brown or yellow.
There you have it. As much of an introduction as I could squeeze into three minutes. The rest, we can find out along the way. The mission for the blog specifically is to have a continous open dialogue about race issues, to be honest and frank but still be respectful and respectable. We encourage all your feed back; comments, compliments, criticisms and anything you would like to share.
I am excited to do this with you,
Wendy, BSU secretary
John Butler
as the former 2 term president of the BSU, I found the name polarizing. We voted at that point to rename it to the Intercultural Support Group since Principia’s dynamics were more than just blacks. Maybe, a different name will open the doors to a larger membership. Bottom line, we are all the same in God’s eyes, but until we become more “godlike” in our daily walk, BSU is necessary…if not for those outside of the organization, then for those on the inside.