Senior Zane Bracken said joining the Black Student Union (BSU) helped him find a space where he could connect with other students of color and feel seen.

He said, “I had been wanting to join BSU since freshman year because I wanted to find community and connect with more POC. When I first started going, I never went by myself. Then, the first time I did go alone, I realized it was such a welcoming and inclusive space. The leadership team was running it so well, and it was a really fun time.”

According to a 2023 study from the American Council on Education, affinity spaces for minority students in predominantly white schools can significantly improve students’ sense of belonging and identity development. Students who participate in cultural organizations like BSU report higher engagement with their peers and feel more supported by their school environments.

Senior and BSU president Anneliese Afari-Alkins said building that kind of space is what drives the group’s mission.

“Our main goal is to create a safe environment for students to come together and feel included,” she said. “Even though we’re a minority here, BSU is a space where you can be your full self regardless of your race and that your culture and identity are all valued.”

Afari-Alkins said she is always trying to provide its club members with fun events and meetings and occasionally organize impactful field trips but sometimes it can be an issue to plan these events because of the struggle to navigate institutional resistance. 

She said, “Typically in a school like CHS, it’s not always easy to gather support for combating racial hostility, funding and approval for our events.” 

For many students, BSU also becomes a stepping stone into leadership. While the club faces challenges, as described by Afari-Alkins, these very struggles can become a great way for growing character. 

Bracken said the club has helped him grow more confident and passionate. He attributes his development to the experience of navigating the complexities of institutional support while also fostering a sense of community.

“I think the BSU has impacted me only positively. It’s strengthened some really great friendships and put me in a position of leadership for something I’m passionate about,” he said. “In a majority white school, clubs like BSU focus on culture and identity which are really important because it creates representation and a space where people can feel seen.”

Afari-Alkins said her experience leading BSU has shown her the importance of building a community and communication.

“You can’t just throw people in a room and expect them to bond,” she said. “It takes intention. We try to plan meetings that are meaningful but also fun like movie nights, open mic events, or discussions around Black history or current issues. There’s a balance of culture and connection.”

CHS’s Black population remains a minority, making clubs like BSU a crucial space for students navigating life at a predominantly white institution. According to the National Institute of Health (NIH), students of color in majority White schools often face isolation, aggressions, or pressure to assimilate.

“Sometimes you don’t even realize how much you’ve been holding in until you’re around people who just get it,” Bracken said.

Afari-Alkings echoed this sentiment, saying that BSU isn’t just about events but about emotional support.

“There are days when people come in just needing to vent or feel heard,” she said. “And we hold that space for them. That’s what community means.”

As the BSU continues to grow in attendance and visibility, both Bracken and Afari-Alkins said they hope new students don’t wait to get involved.

Bracken said, “In a predominantly white institution, it’s key for Black people to find a space where they feel safe and not judged by others.”

Afari-Alkins said one of her goals as president is to make sure BSU remains a space that lives beyond her and makes CHS Black students feel like they are at home every time there’s a meeting where everyone can share their thoughts and feelings.”

“I want the next group of leaders to take what we’ve built and make it even better,” she said. “BSU isn’t about one person or one year, it’s about creating something lasting. A legacy of support, celebration, and strength of Black people here in CHS.”