The Soultown! Volume III: Issue 2 FEBRUARY 2019 | Page 16
CELEBRATING BLACK HISTORY
Jerrell Bates is a native of Waterloo, Iowa and a
freshman at the University of Northern Iowa studying
psychology. He has been a member of BSU since
October and he also plays intramural basketball.
He joined BSU because he believes it is a good
opportunity to link up with other Black students
across campus. “The most exciting part for me, so
far, is meeting different people and making friends
that come from all over the world,” Bates said. He
has attended the Black History Kick-Off and the Step
Off event. His plans are to continue to participate and
increase his network.
On Friday, February 15, UNI BSU is hosting a skate
party at the Wellness Recreation Center - Lower
Courts (WRC) from 7pm-10pm. The event is kid
friendly and family oriented and is open to the public.
Traditionally, the students from Wartburg College’s
BSU have shown support by attending the event.
Paris says, “This is one of the few times we can build
relationships with them. We have invited them in the
past and will continue to nurture our relationship.”
Skates are provided, but you can bring your own. DJ
TMax da Kid will be on the wheels of steel.
The purpose of joining clubs on college campuses
increase social awareness and joining an
organization is one of the best ways to build a bigger
network. One of the most important opportunities in
college is networking with people who share similar
interests because it offers an opportunity to explore
possible career opportunities and learn what it takes
to reach your goals. Paris admits, “I have grown as
a leader since I’ve joined the BSU and I’ve taken on
more responsibility. I enjoy working with the executive
team -- students that have been members for 2
semesters or more -- and learning about leadership.
Yakira Sanders, the former president, has been a
huge influence on me. She’s answered a lot of my
questions and encourages me to join leadership
conferences.”
The process of preparing for Black History Month is
rigorous. When selecting the events, committees are
selected. Previous executive members are invited
for feedback and brainstorming sessions. A list is
populated ranging from fun activities to sessions
on supporting mental health. Based on the list, a
determination is made. BSU hosts between 14-16
events during the month of February. The proposal
consists of details of the event, time, date and cost.
A budget is decided and approval is received from
the BSU advisors. Next steps include reserving the
rooms on campus and marketing the events.
Black Student Unions are not just for Black students.
The idea is to share the Black culture with all cultures
Paris and NeiAira display solidarity with a creative poster made by general body members.
that have joined and believe in the causes and
celebrations. Bates says, “It can be difficult being a
minority on a predominantly white campus. Joining
BSU is an opportunity to meet others who share the
same culture as you.”
NeiAira Burt is in the middle of her junior year.
She has been a member since she was a freshman.
Currently serving as vice president, she joined to be
an advocate for African American students on UNI’s
campus. She also believes it is important to bring
the Black culture and experiences to the campus.
Burt says, “BSU has seen some major changes this
year, but the executive board has adapted to those
changes. We are hosting 14 events during the month
of February and are looking forward to sharing in the
Black History Month Celebration. I am also looking
forward to the skate party. It’s a 1990 - 2000’s theme.
I’m looking forward to the music taking me back to
my childhood.”
The sponsors for the 2019 Black History Month
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FEBRUARY 2019 • CELEBRATING 2 YEARS OF CONNECTING OUR CULTURE TO OUR CYBER & CONSCIOUS COMMUNITIES • THESOULTOWN.COM