By Bryse Thornwell ’16

After three years of inactivity, the Black Student Union (BSU) is back. By their mission statement, the BSU is a club organization dedicated to “implementing a bond among one another and fostering a passion for success” within the school’s African American community. They strive to support one another in academic endeavors, mentor each other and stretch beyond solely the school’s community.

Co-presidents Ashley Nnabue and Naahmie Charleston made the decision to reinstate the union after noticing an unacceptable academic achievement gap between blacks and other races. Nnabue’s first intention was to bring the Minority Scholar Program, similar to the program at Walter Johnson, to Sherwood. However, after talking to Charleston, the two decided to combine the scholarship program under the Black Student Union umbrella. After speaking with guidance counselor Jamii Avery, administrator Sandi Williams, administrator Kathlyn Carroll, and their sponsor English teacher Peter Huck, Nnabue and Charleston officially reestablished the BSU organization.

The club has seen consistent participation numbers since its reestablishment and meets every other Monday. “We have 40 to 50 people coming consistently to the meetings, and that’s pretty impressive considering the meetings are during lunch and people have other commitments,” said Charleston.

In addition to the Minority Scholar Program, the club plans to hold tutoring and mentoring sessions, participate in the International Show, and organize a dance for Black History Month which incorporates Afro-centric expression including African, Jamaican, Hispanic, Latin and other influences. The club also holds debates and discussions about issues facing the African American community in today’s society. The discussion topics range anywhere from cultural appropriation to how black women are treated by black men.

Outside of school, the BSU plans to participate in multiple community service projects including a Thanksgiving food drive, visits to colleges, including many Historically Black Colleges and Universities, and even reaching out to similar organizations in colleges for advice and further mentoring.

Nnabue and Charleston’s ultimate goal for the club is to both bring awareness to people inside and outside of the club, which includes both students and teachers, and move away from stereotypes in all ways.

“This is such an important club to let students in the African American community know that they are not alone,” said Nnabue. “We really want the club to continue for years after we leave.”

Nnabue and Charleston specifically want to emphasize that although the Black Student Union stresses issues in the African American community, the club is open to all students regardless of race or national background.