Photo courtesy: FSU BSU
As Black History Month approaches, students at Florida State University are excited for their Black Student Union’s annual month of events.
According to their mission statement, the Black Student Union at FSU vies to create a safe space for Black students to foster a sense of identity and social life on campus. They seek to develop unity among Black students so that they can express concerns and problems faced on campus.
FSU is a predominately white institution, so Black students feel that initiatives like these are essential in making Black students on campus feel seen and heard. MacKenzy Jordan, a senior dance major at FSU, shares how the Black Student Union played a pivotal role in finding her identity on campus.
“My first interaction with any organization on my campus was with the BSU after campus had opened up. I was excited to go to events with people who share somewhat of the same cultural experience as me,” Jordan said. “I think it’s important that FSU has the BSU because it identifies the issues we as Black students face on campus and actively changes them. The events are fun, but it’s a bonus on top of the real work they do.”
Zahria Harvey, a senior media communication studies major and the Black Student Union secretary, is working diligently beside her executive board to ensure these events effectively display Black culture.
“The Black Student Union has been working for months to ensure that these initiatives are thorough and meaningful to cater to the Black population on my campus,” said Harvey.
This year’s theme for the month of events for Black History Month is “Black Joy.”
Serena Petite, a junior political science major and the vice president of the Black Student Union, explains why the organization chose this theme and its expected impact on campus.
“For Black History Month, we have several events that are being put on with intention. Because of the constant injustice and mistreatment the Black community has faced in the past, we decided to focus on Black joy for this month,” Petite said. “We want to provide an escape for students to celebrate without being reminded of ‘our struggle.’ We want this month to encapsulate only positivity and what it truly means to be Black and happy in America despite all odds.”
For more information about Florida State University’s Black Student Union and its annual month of events, follow the BSU Instagram page @fsu_bsu.