Sonoma State Star

Issue date: 2/22/06 Section: Student Life

Media Credit: Courtesy // Black Student Union

It's no secret that the Sonoma State student body is lacking in ethnic and cultural diversity. Sonoma State's website says that of the approximately 6,600 undergraduate students, approximately 4,400 self-identified themselves as "white, non-Hispanic." Sonoma State's Black Student Union is a group of people who work together to promote awareness and knowledge of the African American culture, as well as diversity on campus.  


A common misperception among students is that the Black Student Union is just for African Americans, but that is not the case. "The BSU is not just for African American students, because we do have several members that are not African American," said BSU President Lauren Jack, a junior. "It's for anyone who wants to enhance diversity on the campus and promote it." Junior Lolita Reyes, the club's secretary and historian, agreed. "The Black Student Union name has always a negative connotation put on it because it says 'black.' And black people are not the only people that can be involved in our club. We promote diversity for all people." 


The Black Student Union is committed to excellence among its members. The approximately fifty members focus on academics, interaction with the community, awareness of diversity and issues involving diversity. "We not only provide a supportive network for African-American students, but for the student body in general," said Reyes. "We promote academic success, community involvement, and uniting with positive people to maintain diversity here at Sonoma state." They also have fun getting to know one another. Through a variety of socials and programs that the BSU puts on, students can make friends and connections with other members of the club. "It's also a support system for students, and we put on programs and socials," said Jack. "Especially for freshmen who come in and don't know a lot of people, they end up making a lot of friends in the BSU." 


The Black Student Union also works with other clubs and organizations on campus to put on events and programs. They have worked with M.E.Ch.A., JUMP, Lambda Theta Nu, Kappa Alpha Psi, BIGLASS QTS, and Associated Students. In honor of Black History Month, the BSU worked with Associated Students and the Intercultural Center to bring Randall Robinson, political activist and advocate of human rights, to lecture on campus on February 10th. The BSU also hosts the Gospel Extravaganza and the Black Comedy Jam, two of their signature events. 


"We are like a family, we are definitely like a family. We support each other 100%," said Reyes. Jack and Reyes agree on an important fact: "We are not a separatist group. We are not exclusive of anyone. We exist to unite people." Says Jack, "We want people to know we exist and to not be intimidated by the name. They will gain a positive experience from coming to a meeting and becoming a part of our organization."  


Everyone is welcome to attend meetings of the Black Student Union. They are held every Tuesday at 7pm in the MPR of the Student Union.

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