New to campus, Xavier students are teaming up with the neighboring Brophy Broncos to welcome the Black Student Union for all who are willing to join. Black Student Union, or simply BSU, is a club that is inclusive to people of all backgrounds who are interested in learning more about black history and the importance of color.

BSU originated during the mid 1960’s at San Francisco State University with goals to function as an advocacy group that worked towards civil rights everywhere. Today, the need still exists for Black Student Unions and this club is found in a plethora of high schools and colleges nationwide, all places of which students can promote positive images of African Americans and continue to address and confront racial injustices.

Senior Caitlin Johnston, a leader of the club here at Xavier states, “I think BSU is important for girls of all backgrounds to get the same opportunities as the guys at Brophy. As a minority I think it’s important for us to be able to meet and share how we feel about things going on around us. It’s easy to feel uncomfortable or like the odd man out as a minority and i think this will help limit that feeling. In addition to that I think it’s important for everyone of all backgrounds to discuss and acknowledge problems in our society that maybe aren’t acknowledged as much.”

Brophy senior Charles Gbekia added that, “The goal of BSU is to create a culture of community and promote the shared interests of Brophy’s Black Student Union and the girls at Xavier. Brophy’s BSU has been around since 2008 and has been extremely vital in helping African American and African students cultivate their sense of identity and it means to be ‘different’ on this campus while also studying our history and ways we can look towards a future together.”

Listen for more announcements in the future, and look out for the changes that the Black Student Union is hoping to make in the Xavier and Brophy community.