This week Black Student Union held their “New Members Social” with food and great conversation.
Long story short, the social was extremely successful. The success of this event further pushed the narrative of the need and importance.
Basically, these types of organizations that focus on empowering specific cultures are needed because they create a safe space for marginalized groups to come together and discuss situations we’ve experienced on Saint Xavier University’s campus and off-campus in our lives outside of school.
Black Student Union, according to the Den page, describe themselves as an organization that “gives students the ability to learn and enjoy the studies of African American culture. We as a group, want to share the African American culture with the student body in an enthusiastic and insightful way.”
This organization doesn’t close its doors to non-black people, we welcome everyone on campus to learn about our culture to work towards a better relationship with each other.
Organizations like Black Student Union, the Association of Latino Professionals for America, Muslim Student Association, and the Polish Student Association are important in college because, during this time, a majority of students are trying to find their identity. We are trying to find our place in the world and we are learning the tools to help us better navigate our lives. It’s better to grow as a person and become more of yourself around people that have had the same cultural experiences as you.
Aside from seeing familiar faces on campus that you develop cultural connections with, the discussions during the meetings are key.
The details from the discussion don’t have to broadcast across the campus, but after having an intense conversation regarding walks of life that aren’t examined, you often feel a sense of pride. I continued to think about our conversation and spoke about it with my parents and other friends from different campuses.
Cultural organizations give students an open floor to speak freely. Because of the comfortable environment, conversations flow easily. People are more open to listening to new ideas. Disagreements are sure to arise, but it becomes a well-structured debate instead of a heated argument without any solutions.
In addition to having conversations with fellow peers, students have a faculty advisor there. A staff member who is actively involved in the conversations gives me more security when walking around the school. Knowing that their are individuals who work in the offices that I can talk to whenever I can.
I don’t see any of these organizations disappearing any time soon, but that doesn’t mean we can’t voice how they make us feel and how they make attending Saint Xavier University during this political climate a little easier.