Treasurer for BSU working for cross-cultural unity
Black Student Union treasurer Charne Gill came to University Park from the Mont Alto campus wanting to meet new people, but still stay involved in the Black community. It’s not as easy as you would think even though Penn State is a very larger and diverse campus. Inter-cultural events aren’t common and most of them arent on the campus calendars, even the fraternities are separated by race.
So Charne joined the Black Student Union, often called BSU, her junior year when she recieved an email from all the black and multicultural clubs on campus. BSU is a group where people of all different cultures come together to encourage unity within the black community, but also with other cultures and groups here on campus . It’s a way for students who feel like they’re a minority to have their voice stand out among the thousands of other students and start making changes.
BSU throws several events throughout the year to bring people together, socialize and network professionally. Throwing events like date auctions to raise money for THON and Black Girls Rock to honor and give awards and honor students, teachers and staff working at Penn State. All these social activities are ways they bring together black people who otherwise might not see each other on campus because they live off campus, or in dorms or even the neighboring universities.
They also meet with other groups to end stereotypes and start conersations that people probably aren't having individually. One event that took place this year happened with the Republican group on campus during the election, as well as meeting with the LGBT group on campus, all aimed at creating dialogue and improving relations especially since the blakc community is known for supporting liberal causes and thought to be homophobic. Professional events are also put together in an attempt to help students network and see what options they have available for them when they leave the campus. Meetings with big corporations, advisors and alumni to give insight and materials to start the way for the students.
Penn State's Multicultural Clubs
Other Black organizations on campus that work together and all share the common goal of uniting the Black and African American community campus. Right now they're currently forming a committee to coordinate their events to increase thier attendence.
