The Wake Spotlights: The Black Student Union
An overview of a student group with an interesting history and a bright future ahead
By Maya Bell with art by Natalie Williams
Student groups are a major part of any college campus—they’re a great way for students to find friends and bond over shared interests and hobbies. There are over 1,000 student groups at the University of Minnesota, and in light of Black History Month, I would like to spotlight the Black Student Union.
The Black Student Union was created on January 14, 1969, when seventy students known as “the committee” decided to stage a protest at Morrill Hall demanding the creation of an African-American studies. According to MNopedia, the Black Student Union was one of the first in the nation to establish an African-American Studies department. The Black Student Union has changed over the last 54 years. African American studies have grown since then. With new members and the celebration of Black History Month, I decided to interview the Vice President of Black Student Union, Zakaria Hamari.
How did you hear about the Black Student Union?
I was looking for a Black community on campus. So I was like “oh, BSU”. I went to some of their events before I became a cultural awareness chair my junior year. Now I serve as the vice president. I’ve been involved with the Black Student Union my whole college career.
Why is the Black Student Union important?
I feel like it's very important because it helps black people find a community on campus while attending a PWI (predominantly white institution). Especially at a PWI, I think it's very hard to make those connections. The Black Student Union is like having a home away from home; it gives us a safe space to talk, connect, and understand our differences.
How has the Black Student Union helped you personally?
I feel like the Black Student Union has been very formative in my college career. I’ve gone to a lot of cool conferences; I was able to go to Tennessee last semester; I’ve been able to facilitate meetings. I feel like the Black Student Union has helped me step out of my comfort zone and meet new people/connect to the student body.
What change does the BSU want to see on the campus?
I think retention rates with Black students are something we want to change. I feel like especially during Covid-19, Black students have been under enrolling due to financial, personal, and academic reasons, as well as possibly having little support. We are trying to really emphasize, “This is your school, you belong here and you should stay here.” Hopefully Black students can graduate more.
What are the challenges of running the BSU?
I think the hardest part is making sure that everyone is doing their job. As a vice president, you're enforcing the rules, being a leader, and giving grace to people when needed. I feel like going through these struggles have been really helpful for me, because now I have these skills that can be transferred to a career.
Finally, what is the future of the Black Student Union?
I feel like each year has been very different. You can see through Instagram how much we've grown. Seeing each year what different boards add each year, the different events we have, the different people we bring. Watching it all come together to make one cohesive order is my favorite part of being in the Black Student Union.
The Black Student Union is located at room 225 at Coffman Memorial Union.. Regardless of your skin color, the Black Student Union is a great way to make friends, meet new people, and learn more about different experiences.
Sources:https://www.mnopedia.org/event/morrill-hall-takeover-university-minnesota