For 40 years the Black Student Union has helped many of its members not only in their lives here at UNC Charlotte but in making a better future for themselves.
The BSU was approved by SGA on Nov. 26, 1969. It was started by 21 black students that believed in “creating an authentic understanding of the significance of Black people and promoting a spirit of love and unity among Blacks that would enhance the development of the community.” But this achievement was not easy to obtain.
They first presented their proposal for the BSU on Feb. 24, 1969, to the Judiciary Committee of the Student Legislature. Their proposal was denied by the committee because the student body president said that the constitution had not been introduced properly.
The students then proceeded to present Miss Bonnie Cone, vice chancellor of student affairs, with 10 demands for establishing the BSU. She replied by telling the students that she had no power over the situation, but she then forwarded the demands to Dr. Hugh McEniry, vice chancellor of academic affairs.
Dr. McEniry refused to act because his confrontation with the students had been leaked to the local media, although the reporter said that no one black had informed him of the meeting. This then led to a protest rally.
After the rally the Black Studies Committee was formed, consisting of 15 white faculty members from many different departments. From this committee the BSU was formed on Nov. 26, 1969.
The BSU is one of the oldest organizations here at UNC Charlotte, and has been a home away from home for many of its members. It helps its members with time management skills and preparing for the future, said Amber Timberlake, the 40th anniversary chair of the BSU.
They are now celebrating their 40th anniversary and have many events planned for the celebration. They will have a 40th Anniversary Gala on Oct. 16, and from Nov. 15 to Nov. 22 the BSU will be celebrating founder’s week. There will be a different event planned for every day, ending with the Mr. and Miss BSU pageant.
The BSU has been helping minority students for 40 years. Without this organization we would not be the university that we are today. This is not only an accomplishment for the BSU but for our university as a whole.
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