Unity in Diversity: How CSU’s Black Student Union Engages Our Students

Cleveland State University's Black Student Union was founded in 1992 as a voice to empower and uplift the black student body. The Black Student Union (BSU) is a community focused on promoting academic, social, and spiritual programs that benefit students of African descent. The president of BSU, Kalyn Sweeny, was excited to showcase their upcoming 2025 events. She mentioned that weekly events would range from physical activities to virtual gatherings, including collaborations with organizations like the Black Leading Arts Culture Club, Cleveland State Vikingettes, and the Department of Africana Studies.

Black Student Union Members, CSU Student Center

   BSU’s upcoming events highlight their intentionality to engage their audience. Events honoring Black History Month, Women's History Month, and a Valentine's Day event featuring Black love. BSU plans to think outside the box with more creative events, ensuring they are both impactful and relational. BSU will also be more hands-on with the student body this semester, so be on the lookout for them during common hours. “We are going about it with a different approach, we’re going to do more word of mouth instead of just doing digital marketing,” Sweeny said. “We want to go out and engage with students.”  

Black Student Union Members

Derrick Williams Jr. can attest to that statement.  Williams said he found BSU through the African Student Association, another organization at CSU. Williams shared why he joined and why he likes BSU.

 “It is a very welcoming place that allowed me to talk to people that helped me elevate myself to a different level, it helps me elevate myself being around people like me, but also in general it is just a great organization,” Willams said.  

BSU encourages students to get involved this semester and attend their events. For more information you can follow their social media pages,  @csu_bsu on Instagram and @_csu_bsu_ on TikTok.