The Black Student Union (BSU) is a vibrant, empowering, student-led group dedicated to fostering a sense of community and support for Black students. It serves as a platform for cultural expression, advocacy and leadership. The BSU provides a space where students of all backgrounds can come together, share experiences, and promote inclusivity and social justice on campus. The BSU offers a welcoming environment for all students who are passionate about celebrating and uplifting Black culture and heritage. The BSU has made it their mission to be part of a collective effort to make a lasting impact in both the academic and social lives of others.
The North High BSU has actively hosted a variety of events both independently and in collaboration with other school BSUs. Some of those events include music bingo and a Black History Month celebration. We have fostered connections and built a sense of community across campuses. These events have served as a platform for cultural exchange, dialogue, and shared experiences. Through these initiatives, students have found a space where they can engage with one another. Our collective efforts have strengthened the bonds within our school community.
The E-Board (Executive Board) is a team of students holding leadership positions within the BSU. We are responsible for overseeing the club’s operations and making key decisions. The E-board consists of the following members: Presidents Persis and Praisey; Vice Presidents Wellington and Nathalia; Secretaries Izzy and Kirsty; Treasurer Jystyce; and the Welcoming Committee, which includes me and a few other people.
As the advisor and founder of the North High Black Student Union, Steve Winston shares his thoughts on the club.
Transcript:
Priscille: “Who am I here with today?”
Mr. Winston: “Steve Winston”
Priscille: “Why did you join or why did you start the BSU?”
Mr. Winston: “I started the BSU three years ago because I noticed that we were the only school in Worcester Public Schools that did not have a Black Student Union. I heard a few years ago they had something similar but it died down and we didn’t have any type of club for kids to have their Black voices heard.”
Priscille: “How has your experience with BSU been so far?”
Mr. Winston: “So far we’ve been building it, since we’ve been building it from the ground up, so it’s been a little difficult in the beginning because we don’t have a budget. We’re still recruiting, this is only our third year but every year it does get better and better because we get more kids involved, we’re more present, people know more about us and this year we’re doing pretty decent.”
Priscille: “What have you contributed to the BSU or what do you want to contribute?”
Mr. Winston: “So far I’ve contributed, I’m the Gear Up director for Worcester so I’ve connected our BSU at North to Gear Up so that they can get similar resources since we don’t have a budget, so they’re able to use what we have for Gear Up, and that helps provide supplies and things like that.”
Priscille: “If you could change one thing about the club what would it be?”
Mr. Winston: “One thing I would change is more teacher involvement. In the last three years, I’ve been the only one that has been doing advising for the BSU, so I would love to see other teachers get involved and help out and support our students.”
Priscille: “Thank You!”
The mission of the BSU is to provide a space where Black students can confidently advocate for themselves and their community. We strive to promote awareness and understanding of Black history, culture, and issues. Our goal is to create opportunities where students from all backgrounds can come together, embrace their cultural identity, and take pride in themselves. Through events such as art exhibitions, cultural celebrations, music, or storytelling.
So far, we have hosted several events, including a lively music bingo night and a Black History Month celebration, which we proudly co-hosted with the other Worcester Public Schools BSU.
These events provide us with valuable opportunities to connect with others. For instance, we had the privilege of meeting the Superintendent!
