A closer look at an organization risen from the ashes
BY: RYAN WINZEN
Staff Writer
The Black Student Union (BSU) is an organization at St Louis Community College-Meramec.
“The BSU is basically an organization that we bought up because we want to unify everything culturally about black people and celebrate,” said Muthinji Mwaura. The club’s current President is Morgan Daniels, who is also a staff writer for The Montage.
Vice President Samuel Wakapa joined the club because he participated in a similar group at his alma mater.
“I became a member because I was a member of a similar group in high school, The Marquette Academic and Cultural Club,” said Wakapa.
Wakapa talked about why he decided to join BSU at Meramec.
“Whenever I’m in a group of people similar to me, I feel like I’m prone to be successful,” said Wakapa. “I feel more at home and more part of a community. I love Black Student Union.”
Wakapa also mentioned the types of responsibilities he takes on as vice president.
“Picking up wherever the president needs help. When it comes to organizing different events for Black History Month, I’m organizing some events. We have a social media director and someone who makes the pamphlets. I’ll say the designs should include this and that, then they add their own specialty,” said Wakapa.
The Black Student Union is currently planning an out of state trip for later this semester.
“At the end of the semester, we have an out of state trip planned,” said Wakapa. “We see this trip as a chance as an opportunity to open our club up to new experiences and see things outside of St. Louis.”
Secretary Muthinji Mwaura talked about how he decided to join the BSU.
“I just wanted to get the most out of my freshman year. I’m in a pretty good position, where I can go further,” said Mwaura. “I have a path I’m trying to carve out and the BSU seems like a club I wanted to be a part of.”
Mwaura explained how the meetings are structured.
“We hold bi-weekly meetings,” he said. “We think about certain activities and do team building exercises in order to build a community.”
Mwaura talked about his duties as the secretary for the BSU.
“I’m in charge of dealing with the documents when it comes to booking a room for an event,” said Mwaura. “For planning out a trip, I’m the one who reaches out of campus life. I keep track of everything we do.”
Mwaura explains some of the future plans for the BSU.
“We have our kickball tournament this spring. We are also planning a trip to DC for a weekend later on in the spring. There are a lot of museums in DC that promote black history, but the trip is still in the baby stages,” said Mwaura.
All the members of the BSU are working hard to reach their goals and to cement the organization at Meramec for years to come.
“We’re just hoping that it becomes a staple of STLCC,” said Mwaura. “I heard that it’s been attempted before. We are hoping this will last and people will find a community and make new friends.”
