Walking into LGI 2 on a Thursday afternoon, 46 students are greeted by the smell of food. A slideshow on the wall showcases fond memories of yesteryear. Attendees gather and greet one another, each of them unique, but united by their shared experience as Black students.

The Cy Creek Black Student Union (BSU) was rebooted last year by English teacher Rachel Weathers in an effort to unite Black students at Creek. Despite its growing size as a student organization, some people outside of the club are unsure of its purpose but BSU members are eager to share their experiences.

“BSU is a community for Black students at Cypress Creek High School to just come and be themselves,” BSU member and junior Christian Oliver said. “Talking about social issues, they’ve been through their experiences at school of being a Black student, being a Black honors student and Black athlete, so it’s really just a safe space for Black students.”

According to BestColleges.com, Black Student Unions have been a part of American college culture dating back to 1966 when the first BSU was founded at San Francisco State University. The BSU at Creek has a bit more complicated of a history.

The Intelligent Minorities Association of Greater Ethnic Success (IMAGES) was the precursor to BSU. According to a yearbook article by Holly Darsey, IMAGES was started in the spring semester of 1997. Its mission was to promote, “brotherly love and concern through ethnic cohesiveness and ultimate success in ourselves, our school, our community, and our world.”

Both BSU and IMAGES welcome anyone, regardless of skin tone. However, BSU caters specifically to a Black audience.

“BSU means like a safe space for anybody, but the title is Black Student Union, so that’s predominantly what we have,” BSU Co-President Victoria Okoli said. “We have Black students in our club because it’s just a safe space, a space where they can, like, let loose and, you know, socialize with other people that look like us. Whenever we are around other people we kinda censor what we say.”

BSU provides a platform for discussions on issues impacting the Black community. From Chris Rock and Will Smith’s altercation at the 2022 Oscars to conversations on dating while Black, BSU gives students a place to express their uncensored opinions.

“The first meeting I went to was great,” said senior Riley Johnson. “It was everything I expected it to be. I think we were talking about interracial relationships and the stigma between Black men and white women. As a person who values others’ opinions, it was a really good experience.”

BSU also gives members a family at school. BSU events with the highest attendance are those which support this connectedness.

“The thing I love most about BSU is the cookouts that we have,” said Oliver. “At the end of every semester we do a wrap up, where like a little family and community kind of get together. We bring food, listen to music, and just basically reflect and go over the accomplishments that we’ve made for that semester.”

Many students in the club believe that a BSU is necessary to support our diverse student body, a sentiment shared by some non-members.

“I view [BSU] as a necessity in a community that primarily consists of people of color,” senior Kaden Shute said.

One of BSU’s primary objectives this year is to increase the reach of the organization. BSU officers hope to expand the impact of the club beyond the walls of the campus.

“BSU is important because good communication within your community is one of the most valuable assets you can have,” Johnson said. “Communication in your community is the best way to ensure success.”

BSU can be contacted via their Instagram, @cycreekbsu, or by texting @bsucy to 810810 to join their Remind.