Audrey Tchaa-

The Black Student Union, otherwise known as BSU, is a multicultural student organization here at the University of WisconsinStout. This student org creates a cultural and social interaction environment for all students. Their mission is to promote academic excellence, cultural awareness and social unity among our student body and community.

 

BSU helps to promote, celebrate and bring awareness to black culture,” says Mary Daye, president of BSU. The student org is also an affiliate of the National Black Student Union (NBSU), which is a branch of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP). NBSU’s mission statement for all Black Student Unions is “to enhance the quality of life for undergraduate college students.” It provides a great way for all Black Student Unions to communicate and network with one another nationwide. As for BSU, the org focuses on communicating freely and networking throughout and beyond the org. They do this by being involved around the community.

 

BSU is very involved with our Stout community. They encourage members to join other student organizations, committees and social groups, as well as assist other orgs whenever they can. Anyone is allowed to be a part of BSU; they welcome all genders, races, and sexual orientations. “We hold events, activities and fundraisers to help promote, and we open it up to everyone,” said Daye. Within the next few weeks, the BSU will be hosting two fundraisers.

 

 BSU will be selling cake pops from Oct. 24 to the 26. All of the proceeds from the event will be going to BSU’s Winter Dance in December. “The theme is Black and White. It’s a formal dance, and everyone is invited,” Daye said. 

 

Along with fundraising for campus events, BSU also fundraises for larger causes. This semester, BSU and the Latinos Unidos org will be fundraising money to help Puerto Rico recover from Hurricane Maria. Together, they will be selling pre-made hot chocolate mason jar mugs. This fundraiser will be happening in the middle of November, right before Thanksgiving. “We want to show campus that we can make an impact,” said Daye. “All of the profit will go to Puerto Rico; we’re not keeping any of the money,” she added. Students can either buy a mug or even donate money directly to the cause.

 

BSU says they are a group of students who believe in helping others and being involved with the community inside and outside of Stout. They have open events and activities for everyone, and even attend other student organization events. BSU never fails to address serious situations or current events around campus, and they are determined to make a difference. To find out more about the Black Student Union, check them out on OrgSync, or go to one of their meetings at 6 p.m. in Jarvis Hall, room 114.

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