West’s Black Student Union is a club that meets once a month to celebrate black culture. 

There is a board that meets once a month to plan and prepare for the meetings with the whole club. At the meetings with the whole group, the board members lead discussions of different aspects of black history. They also have meals and play bonding games to better the community-feeling of the club.

For Black History month, the club went to DuSable Black History Museum and Education Center, where they got a tour by a museum curator. 

On the trip the BSU looked at artwork and different stages set up that showed history starting in Africa and working through the timeline when migration started in the US. 

The club ate Raising Cane’s before heading home. 

Mrs. Jennifer Hamler is the current sponsor of BSU, and it is her first year.  When Hamler saw the opening for the sponsorship, she decided to take it.  As a Social Studies educator, Hamler specifically noted her Multicultural Studies class  as one that she connects to BSU. This course specifically specializes in teaching about diversity and inclusion. She also loves to incorporate Black History in her US history classes as much as possible. 

In general, she enjoys creating a safe space for all students and a community for students of color.  

Senior Naya Shelvin is the president of BSU. She has been involved with the club all four years of her being at West. 

“In my opinion, BSU encourages black students to stand up for themselves and gain the confidence and leadership skills needed to be successful,” Shelvin notes.

She believes that the club has made her more comfortable at school and able to be an active wildcat.

Senior Vice President Sahara Williams also believes that the club gives members critical life skills such as leadership and communication skills.

“BSU gives people a safe space  to share their opinions on what’s going on in the world,” Davis adds.

This is very important for the students who feel their voices are not being heard. If this is you, you should definitely consider joining Normal West’s BSU. 

If you are interested in joining, contact Mrs. Hamler at [email protected].