Club Spotlight: Louis Stanley Brown Black Student Union
In an occasional series, Royal News spotlights clubs from the university’s 100+ student organizations on campus, speaks to members and offers information on how to connect with the clubs.
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Club: Louis Stanley Brown Black Student Union
Meet: Gabrielle Jamieson '25, shown below, a psychology major from Bradley Beach, New Jersey
Role in the club: Internal Outreach Manager
Connect: @bsuscranton
I read that you are co-sponsoring a few events this month on campus.
Sure! BSU is hosting a variety of events in February to celebrate Black History Month. This year’s Black History Month theme is “African Americans and Labor,” so we are aiming to commemorate Black pioneers and visionaries who have promoted innovation.
In terms of specific events, Freedom Fest is our annual event that honors Black History Month, showcases Black excellence, and celebrates Black culture. Occurring on Saturday, Feb. 22 at 8 p.m., the event will feature an open mic, a dance performance by Urban Beats Crew, informational poster boards and delicious food. People can get involved by registering for the event on Royal Sync.
The “Who Built That?” is a collaboration between BSU and the Jane Kopas Women’s Center. This event seeks to highlight the contributions of Black inventors, entrepreneurs, and labor leaders through trivia and other interactive games. Anyone interested in attending is welcomed to join us on Feb. 26, at 6 p.m. More information is available on Royal Sync.
Tell us about other annual events.
In the fall, BSU annually hosts a field day where members can get outdoors and play games like kickball and flag football. We also hold a Homecoming event that features a night of dancing, delicious food and amazing raffle prizes. In the spring semester, BSU has an end-of-the-year cookout. The cookout is my favorite event, as it provides the chance to unwind and celebrate a successful semester with friends.
Any upcoming plans?
On Thursday, Feb. 20, BSU will be holding a game night at the Gonzaga House from 8 - 9 p.m. This meeting provides a great opportunity to bond with other members while playing board games. On Monday, Feb. 24, we will be partnering with the Black Studies program and Weinberg Memorial Library to screen the movie Beauty Shop. The showing even includes a free dinner (plus popcorn and candy), creating a true cinematic experience. There will be plenty of other exciting events in the coming months, so people should be sure to keep an eye out for future announcements.
Why would you recommend someone join?
I would recommend joining BSU because it is a welcoming community that fosters true connections between members. The club allows Black students to make their voices heard, advocate for what's important to them, and celebrate their culture. BSU is open to all students and we encourage people from diverse backgrounds to join and help our club grow. If you are searching for a community that values diversity, social justice and cultural collaboration, BSU is the club for you!
Why did you join the club?
I joined BSU as a freshman because I was searching for a sense of community as a student of color attending a predominantly white institution. I found that community in BSU and formed friendships that I maintain to this day!
When and where does the BSU meet?
We meet biweekly on Thursdays at 8. The location varies, but we commonly hold events in the Gonzaga House. Anyone interested in joining the club should be sure to follow our Instagram @bsuscranton to receive the most up-to-date information.
