Photo courtesy of Black Student Union
Black Student Union (formerly known as the African People’s Organization) has been a presence on campus since the 1980s and acts as a welcoming organization and social club to Black-identifying students and allies. The organization has and continues to strive to create a safe communal space by promoting social, cultural and political consciousness amongst the student body of Hofstra. There are no barriers to joining the organization, and all students are welcome to join Black Student Union.
Kayla Stadeker is a senior at Hofstra majoring in global studies and geography and serves as the president of Black Student Union. She has been involved in BSU since the fall of 2020. Stadeker highlighted how the organization appreciates significant engagement during Black History Month, yet she encouraged event participation throughout the year as well.
“BSU can be a warm sense of home for Black-identifying students and allies, and the club operates 365 days a year, not just during February,” she said.
Stadeker also expressed excitement about the Valentine’s Bash, which was hosted in tandem with other cultural organizations on campus, such as the Caribbean Student Organization, African Student Organization and National Association for the Advancement of Colored People. The event was held at HofUSA on Friday, Feb. 10, and acted as a welcoming event for students to interact socially and meet other people.
“I’m always excited to work with other cultural organizations on campus, and this is going to be a great event,” Stadeker added.
Black Student Union highlights both cultural experiences and events throughout the year to open civic engagement and a sense of community and inclusion for Black-identifying students and allies. Some previous events have included Real Talk – Navigating Your PWI As A Black Student and Discussions On Women of Color in the Health Field, as well as game and trivia nights, themed parties and mixers. The variety of events tackles serious topics on the Black experience, while also providing a place for students to gather and create their own social networks and connections.
The organization has been part of significant Hofstra events throughout the years, including participating in events like the presidential debate in 2016, Relay for Life and community service. Black Student Union offers both information on its events and how to get involved on campus through social media posts via Instagram @hofstra_bsu and welcomes outreach through its email: [email protected].
