For students at IU Indianapolis (IUI), specifically those who are African American, the Black Student Union (BSU) provides a way for students to be a part of a group that they can identify with. The BSU describes themselves on their social media page as “the voice for black students on IUI’s campus & in our community.”
Savannah Jones, a junior majoring in communications and serving as the BSU vice president for the 2024-2025 term, explained why the BSU is important for students on campus.
“The importance of having a Black Student Union on campus is to create a safe space for our Black students. Since we attend a [Predominantly White Institution], it can be challenging finding your footing in a space where many people do not look like you,” said Jones
Since the semester began, the BSU has hosted multiple events, including ‘The Kickback: Black Student Welcome Back’ on Sept. 5. This event was an opportunity for the students on the IUI campus to get to know each other as well as familiarize themselves with the BSU.
Since then, the BSU has held several events this semester on and off campus. One event was the BSU’s 55th annual Birthday Bash on Sept. 15 where members gathered for an afternoon of food and music at Graham Edward Martin Park. Another event the BSU held was the ‘Fired Up for Voting Cookout’ on Sept. 27, which was an evening cookout at Riverside Park encouraging attendees to register to vote.
The leadership at the BSU is committed to creating a space for Black students to form community with each other. Jones commented on the weight of serving in an executive position within the organization.
“Being vice president of the oldest organization on our campus has taught me that in order to uphold the legacy of the BSU, I have to go the extra mile to ensure our members feel appreciated," Jones said.
Students such as Natasha Dennison commented on the impacts that BSU events, specifically the Welcome Back event, had on their experience at IUI.
“As a 53-year-old non-traditional student, just the sight of people who look like me being together enjoying the company of one another is a sheer delight,” Dennison said.
The BSU encourages all students to get involved with the organization, which can be done through simply attending their events. Jones explained that students can also receive perks, such as a BSU t-shirt, by officially joining the organization through attending meetings and paying dues.
“We strive to create great memories for our students so they will be encouraged to come back or even run for an executive board position,” Jones said.
In addition, students can attend the meetings in the Campus Center on the first Wednesday of each month called ‘What’s Up Wednesdays' which is led by BSU President Kamya Williams.
“There is nothing more special than attending a BSU event in hopes that you’ll have a good time and leaving with so much more,” Jones said.
One of the events that the BSU wants students to know about is the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration Dinner, an event sponsored by the BSU which happens annually in the spring. According to the IUI website, the event in the past has hosted ‘nationally renowned speakers’ in addition to presenting awards.
“Last year we had the honor of having Rev. Nontombi Naomi Tutu, who is a motivational speaker and human rights activist, " Jones said. “I am a very sentimental person and hold my culture very near and dear to my heart. I feel extra proud of my heritage after attending the MLK Dinner and I hope our students who haven’t attended before feel the same way.”
In the meantime, there are several upcoming events that students can participate in to connect with the BSU. The next ‘What’s Up Wednesday’ general body meeting will be on Nov. 6 at 6 p.m. On Nov. 8 will be one of their ‘Family Dinner Fridays’ which takes place at 6 p.m. in the Campus Center. On Nov. 14 will be the BSU’s Open Mic Night at 7 p.m in the Campus Center Theatre.
To stay up to date on all their events throughout the semester, the BSU encourages students to follow their page on Instagram: @iui_bsu.
Kondwani Mzumara is a Junior studying Sports Journalism. Hobbies include video games, listening to music and watching athletic events.
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