Laney Black Student's Union reorganized

Support group formed to build community on campus and encourage academic success

After a nearly eight-year absence, the Black Student Union was recently restarted at Laney College. Organizers felt there was a need for Black students to be empowered, inspired and to feel a sense of community on the campus.

Students in Dr. Lawrence Van Hook’s Black Male/Female Relationship course in the summer realized that the end of the class would not be the end of their friendship or their mission.

We felt there was a lack of unity with the Black students on campus.
BSU member Sista Ariana

The group decided that the Black students of Laney needed a support network for academic success, and dealing with life’s daily
stress.

“We felt there was a lack of unity with the Black students on campus,” says BSU member Sista Ariana. “If you look at other races, they study and hang out together, but sometimes, Black students don’t even talk to each other.”

This year, the BSU plans to organize poetry readings and open mics, guest speakers, a talent show, a film series, forums and more to “unify the campus academically and socially.”

When people work collectively it builds esteem and confidence that you can accomplish goals. You have more power as a conscious collective than as individuals.
BSU member President L. Davis

The BSU also plans to help students resolve their issues on campus.

“When people work collectively it builds esteem and confidence that you can accomplish goals,” says BSU member Brother President. “You have more power as a conscious collective than as individuals.”

The BSU meets every Thursday at 3 p.m. on the fourth floor of the Student Center and also has holds different study groups in the “Liberation Lounge,” in Room 403 of the Student Center.

Joining the BSU will give you companionship, a sense of identity and purpose.
BSU member President L. Davis

“Joining the BSU will give you companionship, a sense of identity and purpose,” says Brother President.
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Back to Laney Defender's September 2007 issue.