Many organizations in colleges are what help keep the student body busy and actively involved in positive achievements. One crowning glory in campuses across the U.S. are the Black Student Unions, and yes, MATC has one.
The BSU welcomed the MATC Times for an in-depth interview here at the main campus to give insight into what they stand for, how to join, and some of the benefits of upcoming agendas. It was also imperative to get the opinion of each member who spoke at this interview.
One is the Open Mic event. The Times asked Alex James, a student and member, what he thought of this opportunity. “I am the head of the Open Mic event and the BSU is not just open for black students, but for any race of ethnicity. We do a lot of events in the community and on campus to try to get students involved.”
Another gathering, called, Vendors Week is geared primarily toward African American vendors, vendors who wish to sell anything from clothes, to perfume, to accessories, but is open to all vendors.
Devon Evans, a Marketing major here at MATC, is Sergeant of Arms of downtown campus’s BSU. He also has taken the lead for Vendors Week has been contacting those in the community to participate.
Evans adds, “BSU was formed by Rose Massey Freeman to advocate for African Americans. BSU organizations aim for positive social justice for African Americans among the student body. We are always looking for new members, and you do not have to be black to join.”
Ron Fancher, an advisor to BSU, relates that there are certain academic advantages to being a member. “There’s a tremendous growth opportunity as a result of being involved in student organizations, and namely, BSU.”
They have been focusing on academic structure improvements in G.P.A., and have been working toward having study groups help with raising grades. They also put the students in charge of important tasks for critical, professional grooming.
For Black History Month, student members are in place who are chairing each of the events.
For instance, Devon Evans is a perfect example of a student being able to practice in his future craft by chairing for Vendor’s Week. Fancher also states, “The students have done their homework related to the prospective events, and have put together program agendas accordingly.”
They have the opportunity to speak at the gatherings, they gain exposure to public speaking and articulating before the masses. Members learn how to run meetings and conduct themselves in a professional manner.
When asked if there were any monetary opportunities when one joins the BSU, Tennita Magee, another advisor for BSU, stated, “The African American Network, which is an employee organization here on campus, is giving out two $500 scholarships to African American students.” Those scholarships were awarded at the ‘Soul Food Celebration’ which was held on February 25.
Nationally known Judge Glenda Hatchett was the keynote speaker. This event took place at the Woodland Dreams Ballroom at Potawatomi Bingo Casino, as a way to raise proceeds for MATC’s Black Student Union.
Thinking about becoming a member?
Carmen Sellers, the BSU President says, ” It’s a certain day to be here. That’s every Wednesday at noon when we start our meetings, but students really can come by anytime during the week if they want to, if they’d like to get started.”
There is a membership fee of $5 per sememster. Academically, you have to be in good standing with MATC and a participant of some events. One does have to be present at the meetings and contribute to projects in order to stay a member. You can be a part of other things when you become a BSU participant though. Japhet Banda, a graphic design student, says, “I’m currently taking four classes, coming up to 13 credits, and I’m a part of other organizations surrounding MATC. I’m able to be effective in all of them by managing my time.”
They do have an annual event usually held in late November called The National Black Student Union Conference in Lincolnshire, Illinois.
They exchange information from one BSU to another to learn what great things the other chapters are involved with. You can check www.nbsu.org for more information.
Those interested in joining this organization please contact the Office of Student Life for the BSU at the Downtown Milwaukee Campus, Office of Student Life, room M332, 414-297-6870.