Story by Melissa Alejandres
San José State students and the Black Student Union (BSU) had an educational discussion on the topic of identity, “What does your blackness mean to you?” on Tuesday night in the Student Union.
Bryan McCray, a political science major and president of the Black Student Union Club, said BSU encourages students from the Black community, as well as other groups, to embrace their culture and identities, voice their opinions and feel comfortable in a safe community.
Seyahmi Currie, a political science senior and co-president was partially in charge of moderating the conversation in a Socratic seminar-style.
Currie said one of the club's main focuses overall is to build the community according to Currie.
“We don't discriminate, anyone is welcome,” Currie said”.
Currie said the club helps foster engagement on campus and brings a safe place for students to express their opinions, especially within the community.
McCray said he originally wasn't interested and was only doing photography at the moment.
“I feel like BSU is a place where people can just be themselves and express themselves freely without fear of being judged for what they might say,” Currie said.
McCray said he didn't know much about the Black Student Union, but some of his friends convinced him to attend one of the club's meetings.
He said he ended up enjoying joining the Black Student Union because “it felt like a community.”
“There has never been a BSU event where I haven't felt welcome or accepted or at home,” McCray said.
McCray said as president one of his roles is to organize discussion events like “What does Blackness mean to you?”
He said without the teamwork of everyone on board, BSU events would not be successful.
“I enjoy it because my biggest thing is always community,” McCray said.
The Black Student Union tries to keep students engaged and involved by hosting weekly events.
McCray said the entire board is involved in putting together events. Events range from discussions, guest speakers, cultural show meetings, and more.
“Black culture is just being you,” Currie said.
Humanities freshman Dominique Thomas said she recently joined the club after being connected with it by BLOC “I was given many resources to connect with more Black clubs on campus,” Thomas said. “I think these discussions help me and other people because they give insight to not only how we think ourselves, but how other people in our communities think as well,” Thomas said.
Thomas said the club has grown since more people have joined it.
“My favorite part of this club is the discussions because of (the) insight and it is good to learn and connect with other people,” Thomas said
Currie said even though each student has a different opinion in the discussion, they still connect as they did in the identity discussion which is an opportunity for students to speak openly of their struggles or thoughts.
Thomas said the amount of people who show up to the club’s events is evident since she joined last year.
McCray said the club is always looking for more people to join, help organize events, and help with funding.
“We have to figure out the logistics of things and make sure everything is organized,” McCray said.
McCray said not only does BSU focus on discussions, but they are trying to move forward politically. The club discusses a variety of topics that might interest students.
Currie said the Black Student Union offers a great quantity of diversity within getting involved in the community, building connections with others, and embracing your Blackness.
“Yes we are going to be working towards more political things and creating change, but we also still want to maintain that safe space for Black students on campus,” McCray said.
