“The Black Student Union creates a space on campus that inspires our students to work together toward equity and justice for all,” began Tarik Smith, Director of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Self-Awareness (DEISA) and the Trinity-Pawling Head Basketball Coach. Smith also serves as the faculty advisor for the Black Student Union on campus.
The Black Student Union (BSU) was founded at the School in 1993, originally named the Minority Student Union. One of its founding members was Osei Mevs ’94, who is currently a trustee at Trinity-Pawling and chairs the DEISA Committee. Now 3 decades later, the BSU’s positive presence and unified voice on campus continues to enrich life at Trinity-Pawling for students and faculty alike.
Emeka Nwogugu ’24 serves as the BSU President this year. With the support of faculty advisor Smith, Nwogugu leads the group’s 12 members in bi-weekly meetings and helps to spearhead various DEISA programming and all-school presentations that focus on education, advocacy, and connectedness.
“Our mission in the Black Student Union is to promote unity and beneficial change on campus,” Nwogugu shared. “We want to advance political and cultural awareness of the issues that affect the Black community, which is why we encourage students of all races to attend our programs.”
In honor of Black History Month this year, for example, Nwogugu shared a presentation with the School community celebrating 10 important Black trailblazers in American history, shining a spotlight on their accomplishments, contributions, and lasting impact on the world. Earlier this month, the BSU also led discussions of the book Our PSA: A Public Service Announcement on Mastering Your Personal Evolution by Terrance ‘Munch’ Williams — an interactive guide on how young men and women, especially people of color, can navigate their everyday lives, from school and relationships to dealing with adversity. Members of the BSU also work together to organize off-campus DEISA events with neighboring independent schools. Through all of its activities and programs, the group focuses on unity and fosters an open and encouraging environment on campus.
Proud to continue the legacy of Trinity-Pawling Black Student Union and its inspiring mission, Nwogugu concluded: “My favorite aspect of leading the BSU is allowing not only my voice, but the voice of so many students to be heard.”
by Emma Quigley