Black Student Union: Promoting Unity & Inclusivity at Mountain View

In 2021, a young man named Reggie Annor founded the Mountain View High School Black Student Union. His goal was to establish a space in a school setting where individuals of color could assemble and express themselves. An optional organization run by students is the Black Student Union. James Garrett and Jerry Varndo developed it in the 1960s to promote development and progress via community service, education, and diversity. 

The Step Team is only one of the many clubs and organizations with which the BSU club collaborates. At Mountain View, the BSU is essential in helping students feel empowered and like they belong. The club joins every month to talk about various issues and challenges facing modern society. They discuss their ideas and points of view on many topics. 

They have several themed days for a week in February to commemorate Black History Month. The BSU's primary focus is to provide a support network for its students. Both academic achievement and personal development depend on having a sense of community and belonging. They host several events and parties to promote the culture and encourage students to form enduring friendships. The Mountain View community has contributed to the club's growth in both size and secrecy. Having a space where you can express yourself without restraint is crucial, and the BSU offers many students just that. 

"As Historian of Mountain View's Black Student Union, I've witnessed and appreciated how the club encapsulates the beauty of intersectionality: within BSU, the black community and even other groups really come together to foster a community where [somebody] can cultivate meaningful discussions, fun cultural activities, and a sense of camaraderie," Prince Boatang explained.

"For example, seeing how problems of conformity have plagued the Black male community specifically, being able to be a part of and managing a space where these types of discourse can become a topic of conversation, especially as a Ghanaian/Nigerian-American man myself, is really why I enjoy managing this club," he continued. 

The club offers field trips as well to its members to develop deeper understanding and connections as well. 

"Our trip to the Black History Museum in DC last year is where we really saw this sentiment take place, as many in our club were able to generate conversations about their roots and experiences in a place where it was actually showcased," Boatang said. 

While it first began to offer support and community for Black students, the club is inclusive and open to anyone. 

"Mountain View's Black Student Union isn't just a club for those in the black community to gather, but for all who may want to be included in conversations and activism related to issues of underrepresentation, identity, advocacy, and most notably, the celebration of Black Culture," Boatang explained. 

With this being said, having that sense of belonging is very important. Being with others who understand and appreciate your culture is vital to the Mountain View community. With the help of the faculty and various students, the Black Student Union can continue to thrive and allow students to engage in fellowship. The legacy of the Black Student Union continues to resonate, reminding us of the power of unity.