The Black Student Union (BSU) at West Chicago Community High School has been revived this school year, led by student president Zuriah Adams-Garner, who was inspired to bring the club back after visiting Howard University.
The revival of BSU began after Adams-Garner experienced a strong sense of community and cultural representation during her visit to the historically Black university. After returning, she reached out to staff to begin rebuilding the club, with the goal of creating a space for connection and support at West Chicago.
“What initially drew me to restarting the Black Student Union was my visit to Howard University, an HBCU in Washington, D.C.,” Adams-Garner said. “I experienced a sense of community and cultural representation that really stood out to me.”
Adams-Garner said the club was brought back in response to a growing need for representation among African American students at the school.
“Many students, including myself, felt that there wasn’t always a space where we felt fully seen, understood, or supported,” Adams-Garner said. “BSU is a response to that—it’s about creating a space where students can feel comfortable, heard, and valued.”
The current version of BSU is designed to be inclusive and open to all students, not just African American students.
“BSU is not just for African American students; it is open to anyone who wants to learn, support, and be part of a community,” Adams-Garner said. “We want to create a welcoming environment where no one feels excluded.”
Staff members have also supported the club’s return, noting its importance in building community within the school.
“It gives students a space where they feel seen and heard, and that’s something every school should have,” speech-language pathologist Jori Jones said.
In addition to building community, Adams-Garner said the club provides opportunities for leadership and personal growth.
“For me personally, being president has had a huge impact,” Adams-Garner said. “It has helped me build confidence, improve my communication and speaking skills, and prepare for college and future leadership roles.”
Looking ahead, Adams-Garner hopes the club continues to grow and reach more students.
“My hope for BSU is that it continues to grow and reach more students who may feel like they don’t have a place where they truly belong,” Adams-Garner said.
