After a short sabbatical Delta’s Black Student Union (BSU) is rising again on campus.
BSU’s is in its infancy and all members, advisors and potential leaders are putting an emphasis on any person having the opportunity to join.
BSU advisor, track and cross-country coach, Lauryn Seales, is working alongside history professor and chair of the social justice studies department Evan Wade, dance instructor and department chair Valerie Gnassounou to ensure the rise of BSU is meteoric.
“We really want to make a better and stronger BSU. Black student enrollment is down, and we really want to push students in the direction they want to go,” said Seales.
Among those looking to become leaders are potential BSU President Davis Dotson and possible Vice President Oyindamola Sanni.
Dotson, 34, has been homeless for twelve years. He believes his knowledge of Delta’s resources is something that he can pass on to Black students.
“My mom always taught me to utilize resources, and to always try to succeed. All these programs will help you – dreamers success program, EOPS, they offer book vouchers and laptops for all your basic needs. I can help students get there,” said Dotson.
Dotson has a lot of plans for the future of BSU: movie nights, basketball, and formals.
“I want to make BSU popping again; unique for the whole year,” said Dotson.
Sanni moved to Stockton from Nigeria two years ago. She’s a nursing major at Delta and joined the club to get involved with the Black community. Sanni is currently part of EPIC club and is excited to be a part of BSU.
“I hear about other colleges that have a Black union; I know UCLA has an all-Black dance group and I think it’s great that Delta is doing something like this. Only EPIC and Pride come up when you search for pro Black. I want this to be well known, petition for a club room and things like that,” says Sanni.
Even though nothing is set in stone yet, Seales loves the enthusiasm coming from the possible leaders.
“There’s a lot of things people want to do,” said Seales.
The BSU will have its first meeting Thursday, Oct. 19 where members of the club will vote for leadership roles as well as discuss future events.
“We just started last week so people will continue to join, and positions will shift. Maybe it’ll be Davis because he was the first to step up, but we have other students joining us who were part of a black union at their last schools, and they deserve their shot too,” said Seales.
This Thursday’s meeting will feature a visit by a campus police cadet who is exploring ways the academy can be better for the black community, said Seales.
According to the Campus Climate survey from earlier this spring mental health and wellness concerns for Black students Delta was at 55 percent.
“We Want black students to feel more comfortable, and get the most out of their education,” said Seales.