The Black Student Union (BSU) kicked off their semester earlier this month with a night of karaoke in the Intercultural Center. For the executive board members, it was more than just snacks and singing; it was an opportunity to establish a sense of community for the upcoming school year.
The BSU, previously known as the African American Student Union, changed its name back in 2018, but has kept its same values. “The BSU is an educational, social, and political force on campus that represents and advocates for the concerns, problems, and image of black students.”, according to the Monmouth University official website.
Jihad Johnson, Assistant Director for the Intercultural Center, and BSU advisor, said, “Monmouth is becoming an increasingly diverse university, and that makes it even more important that we create opportunities for students to feel welcomed, represented, and connected while also learning from people whose experiences may be different from their own.”
Rocio Reyes, sophomore and co-president of the club said, “I’m really looking forward to seeing how much we can grow as a club. I want to bring more people into BSU, create events that students actually enjoy, and build stronger connections within the organization. I’m also excited to grow as a leader and see what we can accomplish together throughout the year.”
This is Reyes second year serving on the executive board and her first year as president. She added, “I wanted to take on the role because I felt like I could bring something to the organization and help it grow. I’ve always liked being involved, working with people, and taking on responsibilities, so becoming president felt like a good opportunity to challenge myself. I also wanted to make sure BSU continues to be a place where students feel welcomed and have something to look forward to.”
I was a member of BSU’s executive board last year, and now I proudly serve as co-president alongside Reyes. As an African American at a predominantly white university, I understand what it means to stand out. It’s like sitting in a room and everyone has on an orange shirt and your shirt is blue. This semester, I am the only African American woman in each of my classes.
According to the Monmouth student diversity records, 29% of students are members of racially or ethically diverse groups. For me, The Black Student Union helps change the narrative. With BSU, I go from being the only one in the room to being one of many.
Johnson said, “Having a Black Student Union creates an important space for connection, community, and cultural expression. At the same time, I think it is important that BSU’s presence contributes to the larger campus community.”
Reyes explained how communication is key for things to run successfully within the club. She said, “It takes a lot more work than people probably see. We have to communicate with everyone, stay organized, plan ahead, and make sure everyone on the executive board is doing their part.” E-board members have bi-weekly meetings, and communicate frequently through texts to stay up to date with everything going on in the club.
The Intercultural Center lounge was filled for Karaoke night, the club’s first event of the semester. 52 students registered to attend the event where snacks, drinks, and prizes were provided.
One attendee, and JBL speaker winner, Freshman Alicia Taylor said, “It didn’t feel like I had to know everybody to be or feel included.” Alicia sang, “Home,” by Diana Ross, her performance was met with enthusiastic applause from the crowd. Taylor added, “I feel like BSU warmed me up to be comfortable in spaces with mostly black people without the toxicity that I experienced in highschool.”
Miles Humphrey, senior communication major and social media chair for the club said, “This experience has impacted my time at Monmouth because it has allowed me to have people that understand my struggle and the things that don’t have to be spoken from my culture.”
The club’s next event will be BSU Off The Clock, which is scheduled for Wed. Oct. 7 in the Intercultural Center.
“For many students, an organization like BSU can become more than just a club—it can become a place where they feel at home,” said Johnson.
