Kara Westervelt for the Emerald
Mohammed Jalloh, Kawezya Hutchinson and Quincy Attaway (left to right) gather in the Black Student Union office in Suite 25 of the EMU.
On the wall of Suite 25 in the EMU is a work in progress: a mural depicting a brilliant sunset and a wide meandering river, with sharp black silhouettes of people standing out against the multicolored background. The vibrantly painted wall provides a backdrop for the lively conversation and laughter that fills the office of the Black Student Union.
BSU was founded as a resource for black students on the University campus. It “exists to encourage a positive image of African Americans and to support its members in achieving their educational goals,” according to the group’s mission statement, and its members say it gives them that support in a variety of ways.
For some, BSU provides a sense of comfort and familiarity.
“It’s a second home for me,” said Kady-Ann Davy, a freshman originally from Jamaica.
Etopi Fanta, a junior from Portland, agreed. “It’s a home away from home,” she said. “I can escape the anonymity I feel on such a large campus.”
Co-director Haben Woldu said the group offers a forum for students to “share stories and common goals. We give support and motivation to students.”
“It’s nice to be part of an organization because there are only 300 to 350 African American students on a campus of 18,000,” co-director Kawezya Hutchinson said.
According to the co-directors, the group has approximately 100 members, with at least 30 who are active on a weekly or monthly basis.
BSU also serves as a resource for new students. “Freshmen can come here for peer guidance. We offer information and advice for students on classes, career choices, everything,” Hutchinson said.
Fanta also described BSU as “a political force. … If you face adversity, it can help educate you about your rights.”
The co-directors expressed concerns about subtle racism on campus. “It’s difficult to address issues that people are unaware of,” Hutchinson said. Some comments that might be thought of as compliments can cut both ways. “People come up to me after class and say, ‘It’s really good that you participate in class.’” However, Hutchinson said, she doesn’t see white students being singled out for their participation.
One of the group’s goals for the year is “to branch out and make our services more well-known,” Hutchinson said. Woldu agreed. “A lot of students don’t know they can utilize our services,” she said.
Though the group’s name is “Black Student Union,” it welcomes people of all ethnicities.
“Anyone is welcome to join,” said Mohammed Jalloh, BSU’s program coordinator. BSU is a diverse group, Woldu added.
Member Jamie Offia, a transfer student, identifies himself as Nigerian and Japanese, and the group also has members of Indian descent. BSU is also home to students of diverse academic and personal interests.
“We don’t have a lot of representation from athletes, but maybe that’s because they don’t have a lot of extra time,” Hutchinson said.
Along with giving students a social and academic forum, Woldu and Hutchinson would like to see BSU take a more political stance this year. They envision networking with community groups and getting involved with the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People. They also have a mentoring program at a local middle school.
“We hope to expand our mentoring program to the high school level. We’d like to offer peer counseling to encourage high school kids to achieve their dreams,” Woldu said.
BSU also puts on a variety of programs on campus throughout the year. Its season of activities begins this year with the Fall Reception on Thursday at 6 p.m. in the Fir Room of the EMU. BSU also will be celebrating Kwanzaa in November. The group traditionally plans activities during February, which is Black History Month, and celebrates Martin Luther King, Jr. Day.
According to its Web site, BSU also is an umbrella organization for other black student groups on campus, including two sororities and two fraternities that have historically had black members or originated as black-only chapters. Alpha Kappa Alpha will sponsor the Black Heritage Fashion Show in the spring and Zeta Phi Beta will put on a Step Show later this year.
Some past events that BSU members have enjoyed include last year’s Honoring Black Achievement ceremony, said the group’s co-directors. It is traditionally held each spring to honor graduating seniors and leaders in the community. Last year’s keynote speaker was Democrat Margaret Carter, a state senator from Portland.
“She was very inspiring,” said Lijin Abraham, BSU’s outreach coordinator.
The group’s co-directors also have a vision for the group’s future.
“We’d like to work more with other student organizations and have a stronger presence in the community with community service,” Woldu said.
Kara Westervelt is a freelance reporter
for the Oregon Daily Emerald.