Luther students have had the opportunity throughout the last month to engage in film screenings, book signings, trivia nights, performances and more, in honor of Black History Month. These events, however, would not be possible without the efforts of Luther’s Black Student Union.
BSU has been busy planning 12 events throughout Black History Month. While COVID-19 has limited their events these past few years, BSU president Jasmine Studer-Sarjeant (‘25) has made strides to revamp their attendance, membership, and events. Studer-Sarjeant hopes Luther students this month will show students what BSU is all about.
“[It’s about] awareness, but also being able to provide a space for Black students on campus but also providing that space to have conversations between Black students and other students on campus,” Studer-Sarjeant said.
Studer-Sarjeant’s mission for the organization is to be there for Black and non-black students alike. She expressed that in a smaller college community “it can be difficult finding and building communities when you feel you don’t have anyone,” and BSU was an organization that created connections for her. Studer-Sarjeant became involved with BSU after some friends pushed her to join.
“I am really thankful that I went because it created another community of friends, but also just being able to meet other people from different backgrounds, because obviously BSU isn’t just for African Americans,” Studer-Sarjeant said. “It just kind of provides another family space. But this is just another way for people to gain some friends, gain a little family.”
Studer-Sarjeant hopes BSU can be that bridge that connects and brings people from all kinds of different backgrounds, not just Black students, together. The events centered around Black History Month were built with that in mind.
“Spread the awareness; that is my biggest thing. We want more people to be attending,” Studer-Sarjeant said. “BSU isn’t just for Black individuals. It’s also about engaging allies and being able to know people are here for us and want to know what we are struggling with.”
Studer-Sarjeant noted that Black History Month is about bringing in Black representation to educate the campus. They want to engage the interest and educate all students across campus, like with the Black History Month Keynote Address on February 21 that featured Reverend Lamont Wells, or the upcoming Afrobeats/Amapiano dance party on February 24. Studer-Sarjeant wants these events to be about making friends, reaching new people, and branching out while learning about Black history and culture, while also ensuring that these events are what students want to see.
“With the Afrobeats party for example, [it’s about] letting students be able to pick their own events they want to be made,” Studer-Sarjeant said. “A lot of these events were actually made by the students; it was their ideas, giving them an opportunity to just only show their own creativity but also learn to plan things and get involved. I think it’s really important for students to get more involved.”
Overall, Studer-Sarjeant believes this month has been successful and hopes this will continue to grow BSU and its future. She stated her favorite part of the month has been interacting with other students and that she is planning on organizing similar BSU events in the future.
“Definitely being able to meet students I have been able to engage with closely before & knowing I have the community now built with them especially during events such as the BSU bowling night,” Studer-Sarjeant said. “Looking forward I think being able to keep the ball running with building events for students so they feel they have a community on campus they can come to whether it be to just hang out or to educate each other.”
Beyond this month, the BSU is planning more events and programs to increase involvement and outlets in and for the campus and community. Events they are planning this spring include the BSU Gala and a campus-wide talent show. They are also hoping to connect Black and non-black students to high schools around the area to participate in BSU, provide ride services and connect students with proper hair stylists.
“We are looking for more attendance and more voices to help make these things possible,” Studer-Sarjeant said.
If you are interested in BSU and their goals, they meet regularly every other Thursday at 7 p.m., or you can email Studer-Sarjeant at [email protected]. Remaining Black History Month Events include the Afrobeats/Amapiano Dance Party on Saturday 24 at 8 p.m. in Marty’s and the Black History Month Meet and Greet on Tuesday 27 at 4 p.m. in Peace Dining Room.
