JILLIAN LAWSON
Special to The Leader
Present Day BSU E-board members pictured left to right; Raven Adams, Noah Walters, Kalen Haley, Jaslyn Branch, Tay Harris and Nai Sancho.| Photo courtesy of BSU at Fredonia
In honor of Black History Month, Fredonia celebrates a legacy and unity that has been a welcoming organization on campus for more than 50 years.
Black Student Union (BSU) has aimed toward fostering a cultural and inclusive club here at SUNY Fredonia, providing a safe space for students.
The organization serves as an open-to-all community space where students celebrate, spread awareness for African culture and enhance social diversity on campus.
BSU also hosts annual events that are open to all students, such as their opening ceremony, closing ceremony and fashion show.
Each of these events provides a cultural impact, and all of them are open to students and community members.
BSU hosts weekly events where students can come and meet the executive board and members to come enjoy some activities.
They host events such as movie nights, PowerPoint nights and cultural celebration events, which work towards bringing a sense of community on campus for all students to take part in.
BSU’s closing ceremony will be on Saturday, Feb. 28, in the Williams Center Multi-Purpose Room from 7-9pm.
The event is called A Night at Euphoria, with a black, purple and silver dress code theme.
There will be food, musical performances and prizes to win.
“Black Student Union has fostered a sense of belonging and cultural identity because it is a community where people who have gone through similar experiences can meet and share their experiences as well,” said Jaslyn Branch, a sophomore education major and executive board member of BSU. “With Fredonia being a predominantly white institution, it is hard for a lot of students of color to find people who look like them; Black Student Union is that outlet for them.”
The Fashion Show is another event that is taking place on Saturday, March 28, in the Williams Center Multi-Purpose Room.
This event spotlights the creativity and dedication that the models and behind-the-scenes workers have put into this show.
The Fashion Show has gone on for generations, with fashion and style evolving along with it.
“Being a model in the Fashion Show has been my favorite memory, not only did it put me out of my comfort zone, but it also helped me build meaningful connections with people that I am now really close friends with,” said Nai Sancho, a sophomore English adolescence education major and executive board member of BSU .
Sancho is also this year’s fashion show coordinator.
The friendships have been extremely impactful for current members, and BSU has provided them with memories that will be cherished for years to come.
“A legacy I hope I can leave for future students of color is don’t be afraid to meet one another,” said Raven Adams, a sophomore BFA Acting major and executive board member of BSU. “We are all connected one way or another. Fredonia had a lot of black students years ago, let’s inspire more of them to come here and meet more. Make more memories and make a change.”
BSU members hope to carry out the legacy of this organization in hopes that new students will continue to keep traditions and the power of friendship alive and strong.