More than 25 new students of all races and backgrounds have joined the Black Student Union (BSU) this year, after its inception and much advertising last year.

Every Thursday, students get the chance to speak their mind about subjects that go beyond the school, and make attempts to be proactive by planning trips to nationally known BSU college campuses and including themselves in the high school community by organizing events to raise money for their future club trips.

“We are here to change the whole community,” said BSU advisor, Paul Blair. “We are trying to bring a light to not just us but everyone. I want to make a change and help all students become successful in life.”

Blair said that the club is full of motivated students of all color, race, and creed that want to do better in life. Club members have the responsibility of maintaining a 2.0 grade point average, 25 hours of community service, making it to every meeting, and vowing to do something of significance for another person every day.

Lisa Magee, BSU administrator, said the students have been discussing involvement in the Martin Luther King Black History Month parade, hosting a dance at the school, and fundraising for their end of the year field trips.

The club discussed national and state issues during every meeting. They came together as a group and conversed about Hurricane Harvey and conjured up ideas on how they could aid to the situation. BSU members donated bags full of clothing and house supplies to Texas, offering as much as they could to help those affected by the cause.

“It’s a high energy, inspiring, yet welcoming atmosphere,” said BSU member, Emilyne Harper. “We discuss serious topics that we feel passionate about and motivate each other. We welcome everyone to come as they are.”

While the club is called “Black Student Union,” people of all backgrounds have included themselves and joined to become increasingly educated on all cultures as well as contributing to the positive environment that the club elicits and promotes.

“Black Student Union gives people with other backgrounds the opportunity to learn about other cultures and topics outside of the textbook,” said Joeseph Bazezew, a BSU member. “It would enhance their knowledge as both a student and a person.

Eyouel Tefera, BSU member, said that being in the club has been a positive impact in his life because it allowed him and other students to create conversations with other like minded indiviuals about certain topics that school won’t discuss in class.

“I think the club is important because it allows for the community to come together, it allows for discussion on what is happening in the country and the world, and it also allows for creating improvement in the community,” said BSU member, Ariana Torkaman. “It’s important to be knowledgeable about what is happening and I know it’s going to help me become more aware of what is going on around me which makes me engage myself further.”