After being neglected for numerous years, BSU is finally making a comeback!
The Black Student Union (BSU) is a club that is featured in many schools’ list of clubs. “Black Student Union was first started about 25 years ago,” club advisor Mr. Burdette mentions. He explains that the club had been discontinued due to the lack of students who wanted to join. However, Freshman Taryn Dak Whitsit developed an interest in the Black Student Union’s return. In eighth grade, Taryn decided he wanted to see the retired club make a comeback during his freshman year. “There needed to be a club at Mills that wasn’t there,” he explains. With this mindset Mr. Burdette and Taryn collaborated to recreate the Black Student Union for Mills students.
The club hopes to create an environment where students will be able to discuss African American culture, customs, food, music, history, all while having a safe space to relax with friends. While the Black Student Union primarily focuses on understanding African American culture, the club also participates in many extracurricular activities at Mills. “We have a T-Shirt Design and Sale, a Hip-Hop Shazam Challenge, a bake sale, a stand at Mills Mania, and so much more,” mentions Taryn.
Although the club is called the Black Student Union, both Taryn and Mr. Burdette have said that the club is open to all students at Mills who share a love for the African American community and way of life. The Black Student Union’s primary mission at Mills is to provide all students with an opportunity to learn about the African American culture that exists here on campus and the impact it has not only on students at Mills, but students all over the country. Learning about where people come from is important to the Mills community. “Mills is a place where all races should be embraced no matter what size of that population is present here on campus. Not having a Black Student Union was a missing puzzle piece that needed to be on campus to be fully inclusive of all students,” says Mr. Burdette.
The Black Student Union encourages you to join the fun outlet that it provides, where all students can socialize with others who may have the same interest while being apart of something meaningful. If you or a friend is interested in joining or simply checking out the returning club Black Student Union, drop by Mr. Burdette’s room 145 during lunch on Fridays!
