Columbia Heights High School has introduced an exciting new club dedicated to exploring Black culture, history and heritage: the Black Student Union (BSU). The first Black Student Unions were created during the Black Campus Movement, a period of activism advocating for increased inclusivity on college campuses. Students pushed for more Black faculty and staff and safe spaces on campus where they could feel welcomed and celebrated. Activist James Garret, who was involved in the Student Non-violence Coordination Committees (SNCC) in Mississippi, founded the first-ever BSU. His goal was to create a space where Black students could openly discuss the issues they faced in the community, express themselves without judgment and build a sense of belonging.
Black Student Unions are very important to the community, especially in a school setting. They give people a space where they can express themselves. The CHHS club was created out of the lack of non-athletic Black representation in the school community. Its mission is to celebrate the Black community, explore Black history and express Black culture. The club meets weekly and actively engages and promotes Black students through its Instagram page (@CHHS__BSU).
“I would like to see it become a strong sense of community—a place where Black students feel supported, connected and empowered,” BSU Advisor Ms. Tanya Moore said.
She also emphasized the importance of advocacy, suggesting that the BSU is both a group to belong to and a safe place to go to for Black Hylanders.
“[It’s] a powerful voice that promotes diversity, equity, inclusion and academic excellence, helping students reach their potential,” Moore said.
Joining the club is simple. All you have to do is show up to the meetings! You can give your input on the community and the club itself to make the community a better place. This is a safe space for everyone and anyone who wants to come and learn about Black culture and heritage or those who just want to have some fun with their peers.
After an attempt at forming shortly before the COVID-19 pandemic in the 2019-20 school year, a CHHS junior (and PSEO student) took it upon herself to both get the group started with Ms. Moore’s help as well as announce daily Black History Month facts each school day morning in February.
“Having a BSU is important because it gives Black students a sense of belonging in a school system that wasn’t always built with us in mind,” BSU founder Ja’sirah Barber (11) said. “Affinity groups like this help students feel seen and understood. They remind us that we don’t have to navigate everything alone. BSU isn’t just about the students in the club, it’s about making an impact on the entire school, spreading awareness, and making sure that Black history, culture and voices are recognized and respected every day, not just during Black History Month.”
The Black Student Union is an exciting and valuable addition to CHHS. It is fun to be a part of and an important group to have in the community. It is a space to learn about and celebrate Black culture appropriately. Students looking to join can attend the meetings in the media center on most Fridays or talk to Ms. Moore in the library. Come join us!
