BSU: Spreading Culture at ECS
Written by Deana Callipare, communication coordinator, in collaboration with BSU
Education. Empowerment. Dignity. Unity. These are the four pillars of the Black Student Union (BSU), and these four simple words serve as a way of life and encouragement that project far beyond the halls of the Environmental Charter School (ECS).
BSU activity meets once a week, and BSU middle school students meet once a month. BSU is a safe space for Black students to talk about topics unique to them with people who look like them. Meetings are a time to come together in a meaningful way and discuss some hard topics like microaggressions, inconsistencies in equity, and common misunderstandings. Students can bring their concerns and struggles to other students who might have similar experiences. Together, solutions and a sense of unity are formed.
In an interview with BSU students and leadership, a common theme of pride and culture was evident. With Black History Month in full swing, BSU hosted Spirit Week (Feb.10-14) at ECS. The week consisted of celebrations, education, and self-love, and each day brought a different lesson and event.
Monday: Presentations
Tuesday: Black Pride Day
Wednesday: Hoods Up, Hands Up
Thursday: Black Out
Friday: Valentine’s Day
For many BSU students, Spirit Week is a time to spread their culture and history with their peers. BSU students gave presentations on Monday morning that reflected America’s slavery system and provided education on civil rights. A variety of colorful styles and clothing to show culture were worn by students in reconciliation with Black Pride on Tuesday. While BSU students wore hoodies and spoke in solidarity, students were united during lunches to say the names of 15 Black individuals who were unjustly killed on Wednesday. Finally, all students were invited to dress in all black clothing and stand together, unified, on Thursday.
Through Spirit Week and other events that BSU hosts throughout the school year, students at the ECS Middle School had the opportunity to immerse themselves in what BSU is all about: education, equity, unity, self-love, and making your voice be heard.
BSU students explained that they would like to spread what BSU is about to all of their peers, and they want the history and culture to be known and understood. Many misconstrue BSU as only being for Black students, but students of all races are welcomed to attend meetings. Several BSU students mentioned that the organization has several allies throughout the school, and it is simply a space for Black students to share experiences and cultures with their peers. It is a judgment-free zone where no one is put down based on the color of their skin.
“February is just as important for White students as it is for Black students,” Bridgette Perdue, BSU advisor said. “It’s about breaking down bias and racial thinking as well as learning about history and culture.”
BSU’s impact on the ECS Middle School student body can be seen throughout the school year, and it expands past Black History Month. As students learn more about each other’s cultures, their unity and voices will only continue to grow and flourish.