Black Student Union of NGU: A safe space for students of color on campus
Sadie Beaumont, Staff Writer
During the 2021-2022 school year, a student named Paul Scotland decided to step up and make a change for NGU’s campus. He founded a club now known as Black Student Union (BSU), which is currently in high gear this year.
Vice President Tiara Cox said that he gained members by “going around collecting students of color and asking if they wanted to be involved, and them going around and asking their friends.”
The organization now consists of 29 members, plus the five cabinet members: President Trinity Adams, vice president Tiara Cox, social media manager Jada Wilson, chaplin Kenuel Chavis and treasurer JoAnn Smiling.
Their mission is to “create a space on campus where students of color are seen, heard and valued,” said BSU’s Instagram page, @ngu.bsu.
“BSU is a group that was created for black students to be able to connect with other black students and to freely express themselves, and to talk about issues that happen with black students at NGU,” said Cox.
Cox also shared the organization’s current impact on campus and some future events that members can expect.
She said BSU’s impact and goal is “to create that safe space and connection we can make. Some things we want to have are bible studies, game nights, discussion nights, alumni connect events to be able to connect with other alumni, and we want to do community service type things as well. And we are going to have a gospel choir.”
Club meetings are held every second and fourth Wednesday from 7:30-8:30 p.m. Their kickoff meeting was held September 28. There, they shared their mission and gave important information regarding their scheduling and future meetings.
Their most recent get together was titled “Let’s Talk About It, life at a PWI.” It was held October 25 and consisted of an Uno Tournament.
BSU is also a safe space for worship. An example of this is shown on their Instagram page, with a post titled “Monday Motivation.” It quotes Psalm 119:50: “This is my comfort in my affliction, that your promise gives me life.”
“No matter what you’re going through, remember that the promises of God revive us,” Chavis said on the post.
Black Student Union’s main goal is for the connection of students of color to grow within North Greenville University. Whether it be through meetings, game nights or community service, it is a great way for these students to feel comfortable and free to express themselves. It is also another perfect opportunity to increase worship and fellowship.
