As the school year comes to a close, McLean’s Black Student Union (BSU) reflects on a year marked by significant achievements and community impact while preparing for next year’s planned events.
As most of BSU’s leadership was composed of seniors, the union has begun the process of recruiting underclassmen for leadership roles.
“So far we messaged our group chat to see who’s interested in leadership,” senior BSU outreach officer Jaren Tennort said. “Later, we’re going to post [a message] to Schoology so more people can apply for positions. Currently, Layla Carter and Sidona Asmelash are included in the new leadership team.”
One of the year’s most notable achievements was the hosting of the BSU’s first annual cookout. This event allowed students from both McLean and Langley’s BSUs to connect, having served as a platform for students from diverse backgrounds to come together, share experiences, and celebrate their cultural heritage.
“[BSU] most definitely will hold the cookout again this coming year,” Tennort said. “It is a must. It was so fun eating all the good food and seeing people enjoy it. I think people would like to see it revived next year and I’m hoping it is.”
Additionally, leadership is hoping to continue their tradition of painting the rock and adorning the bulletin board during Black History Month in February.
“The rock painting [this year] was also the best out of my four years at McLean, and decorating the board in the blue hallway was very fun,” Tennort said. “It was amazing in the end. Sharing our culture, music, etc. through painting the rock [and the board display] with the school is very special.”
As for this coming year, the union hopes to reestablish more field trips for members as they provide crucial insights and experiences for the group as a whole.
“It’s important to visit the National Museum of African American History and Culture [located in Washington, DC],” Tennort said. “[BSU] did not [arrange the field trip] this year because of hiccups in planning but it would be fun to organize.”
Overall, BSU’s top goal is to improve on increasing both membership and leadership engagement and contribution.
“I think leadership participation was less than it could’ve been,” Tennort said. “This led to us doing way less than I would have liked.”
Nevertheless, the union encourages all interested members to attend a meeting or event and consider joining.
“[I’d say to anyone considering joining BSU] to do it! It’s super fun collaborating on big events like the cookout and hanging out with friends,” Tennort said. “It has helped me make a lot of the connections I have now.”
