Organizers of the Black Student Union Soul Food Dinner pose for a photo during the event in February 2020.
Penn State Beaver continues to enhance its student activities and currently offers more than two dozen clubs and organizations on campus. One of the newest and most popular clubs is the Black Student Union. With a mission to educate future leaders about issues African Americans face, the organization is the largest on campus, with 50 members.
The Black Student Union has quickly gained a presence in the Penn State Beaver community. The organization hosts informative programs and events throughout the year and has a strategic focus during Black History Month. Previous events have included Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service, Black History Trivia, Black Light Bowling, and painting events with inspirational black history quotes. One of the most memorable events the club has held so far was its Soul Food Dinner, held in February of 2020.
Recently, the club sponsored a virtual presentation with Chris Singleton. Singleton is a former professional baseball player and son of the late Sharonda Coleman-Singleton, who was murdered during the 2015 church massacre in Charleston, S.C. He shared his story of grief, loss, and forgiveness with intent to inspire others to teach with love and unify those who come from different backgrounds. The presentation was well attended by students, faculty, and staff.
Like Singleton, the students who makeup this organization are leading by example, with empathy and with intention to make a positive change in the world. The club continues to gain momentum and is excited about more personal engagements and in-person events that can take place in the next academic year.
This student led organization is advised by two Penn State Beaver staff members. Romina Vidal Martinez, Residence Life and Student Activities Coordinator, and Renee Brown, assistant athletic director, are both devoted to the students and their ambitious mission.
If you would like to learn more about how you can help support the Black Student Union, please contact Lyndsie McPadden at ldm5020@psu.edu.