For over 50 years, the Jackson-Reed Black Student Union (BSU) has been bringing African American students together, cultivating a safe space where students feel free to express themselves. Aimed at celebrating Black culture and history, senior president Kailynn Jones works to create an environment “where you can find true culture and meaning behind every Black person at JR.”
Fellow BSU president and senior Khari Bell expressed that her and Jones see the club members as a unit that works together as one. Instead of independently controlling every aspect, the presidents communicate with club members to discuss the group’s desired outcomes. At their weekly Wednesday meetings in the library, the BSU talks about topics ranging from politics to economics to beauty and, as Jones puts it, “anything under the sun.” They also take time to learn about Black history, including field trips to various museums and historical sites around DC.
The BSU has specific plans for Black History Month. Each year in February, classroom doors across the school are adorned with decorations representing different Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). Highlighting another aspect of HBCU culture, the club intends to have a day solely focused on the Divine Nine fraternities and sororities, which are historically African American Greek life organizations that are governed by the National Pan-Hellenic Council. Bell noted that many students within the Black community at JR are considering HBCUs for college.
The BSU is also planning an arts fair where Black students can write poetry, present their music, and display their art. The fair aims to bring together the work of Black students and highlight them for the general JR population to see.
Lastly, for the upcoming pep rally, the BSU will help introduce the winter sports teams as they run into the auxiliary gym. Students can also enjoy line dancing at select lunches in February, which the BSU will sponsor in the atrium!
The BSU has a variety of exciting plans lined up for Black History Month, offering something for everyone. Don’t miss out on these opportunities to get involved and celebrate!