Celebrating Black History Month

As many may have noticed, events in observance of Black History Month have taken place over the last few weeks. Flyers have been posted all around campus in an effort to get the word out about there various programs. Current members try and generate interest by spreading information about their organization in person.

Black Student Union, a student ran organization “facilitate[s] community service projects, hosts peaceful protests and provokes dialogue that creates more mindful and conscious student leaders,” said Tye Bridgeman, the president of this organization. There are 10 active members as a part of their organization but they are always looking for interested students to come and learn what they are all about.

Freshman member, Immaculate Nyaigoti said “I joined because it was an opportunity to spend time with great people and learn more about black culture and history. It’s not often that I get the chance to just sit with a group of people and talk about the past and just how far black culture has come.” She also added that the meetings have a really great and inviting atmosphere.

The Black Student Union was brought to this campus in 2012. The founders wanted to establish a safe space for students of color in which they could discuss the black community and race related issues that surround it. Since then they have become an inclusive organization for anyone interested in learning about subjects that surround the black community: black culture, Africana Studies, and many different social issues.

Many sensitive issues involving the black community are addressed at the meetings. Members are challenged to talk about injustices in society regarding social, political, and cultural issues. Controversial topics that are generally pushed under the rug by society are also brought up during meetings. These topics range from race, gender, and sexual preference, to religion and culture. 

The Black Student Union believes in social change and “feeding our brains with a history that isn’t taught in the majority of the classes here at Plymouth State University and shedding insight of what it means to be a student of color at PSU,” said Bridgeman.

One of the events that the organization is looking forward to presenting is “This Is My Truth.” Alumni Allison Browne created this event in the hopes of trying to increase peace and unite both the black and law enforcement communities because of the incidents like that of the shooting in Ferguson, Missouri, that have filled the news as of late. Swing by Hyde 220 at 7pm on February 24th to join in the conversation.

For interested students, the Black Student Union meets every Friday night at 6pm in the HUwB Tower room. Bridgeman also encourages those interested to join them in celebration of Black History Month on Thursday, February 26, at 7pm in the HAGE Room. The event will include “music, dance, poetry, ethnic food, and a powerful alumni keynote speaker,” said Bridgeman. The event will honor achievements of people of color and highlight the history that enabled those accomplishments.