After serving Binghamton University and the surrounding community since 1968, the Black Student Union celebrated its 45th anniversary on Saturday.
BSU is BU’s oldest multicultural organization. In collaboration with other campus groups and organizations in the city of Binghamton, the club aims to promote diversity and provide assistance for those in need. The club celebrated the 45th anniversary with a banquet at Tioga Room in the Hilton Holiday Inn.
Derrick Conyers, the vice president for academic affairs and a member of BSU, defined the event as more than just a celebration of the organization’s 45 years.
“This banquet is shining a light on black students’ achievements throughout the years here at Binghamton,” said Conyers, a senior double-majoring in political science and philosophy. “We are not only celebrating [black students’ achievements at] Binghamton University but America and the community as well.”
The room was adorned with black tablecloths as well as red, black and white balloons. A large screen inside the room was playing videos featuring the different programs with which BSU collaborates.
One of the community projects mentioned at the banquet was the BSU Youth Program, which brings local children to come visit a college campus. The program aims to give those children positive role models and friendship through the mentoring of volunteers.
BSU partner and civic organization U-Turn was also featured. U-Turn is a mentoring program for imprisoned teenagers that focuses on fostering responsibility.
Nayemai-Isis McIntosh Green, the vice president of multicultural affairs, was impressed by the guests present at the event.
“You have people who were the president of the Black Student Union from the year 2002-2003 speaking,” said McIntosh Green, a sophomore double-majoring in history and human development. “You have motivational speakers coming in who actually impacted the campus, letting us know that we’re doing the right thing and how to move forward.”
Mariana Moriello, the vice president of programming for the Student Association, said she was honored to be invited to the banquet, and she praised the work of BSU in general.
“A lot of people know who they are and what they’re about so [BSU] is great,” said Moriello, a senior double-majoring in anthropology and psychology.
BSU President Ese Olumhense, a senior majoring in English, said she has high hopes for the organization’s future.
“I hope BSU continues to be active in the community and to work with other organizations to put on bigger and better events and programs,” Olumhense said. “I think that diversity is one of this institution’s highest selling points, and I hope that BSU helps to promote understanding and appreciation of this diversity.”