New BSU Freshman Council Outlines Goals For Class Of 2030

Sharing goals of building community and generational wealth, the University of Maryland’s Black Student Union enters the new school year with a new freshman council. 

The 2026-2027 freshmen executive board was announced Oct. 6 with the TV show “iCarly” themed Instagram post called “iFreshly.” 

A total of 23 candidates ran for the following positions: historian, marketing chair, communications chair, secretary, treasurer, vice president and president.  

“They put a lot of time and effort into their application…their campaigning and their speeches,” BSU Speaker of the House Alisa Davis said.  

This passion is reflected in the ambitious goals of the new council members. 

Lailah Chapple, newly elected president and a double major in criminal justice and government and politics, is determined to unify Black students on campus. 

“As Black students at a PWI we are hardly ever the familiar face, often we walk into rooms and we’re the only Black person there,” Chapple said. 

Chapple exclaimed that the Black student body at the university shouldn’t feel divided. Her vision is to bring commuter students and those who live on north and south campus together to create more opportunities. She intends on achieving this through social events, cultural experiences and creating more spaces to connect. 

“I hope to leave a legacy that is lasting, I know there’s previous classes that no one will remember, but I want our class to be remembered,” Chapple said. 

Zora Williams, the incoming vice president, shares a similar passion for strengthening the Black community on campus. 

“The students before us built a community that has lasted for almost 60 years, now it’s our turn,” Williams said. 

Williams stated that at a time when programs and organizations supporting Black students are facing new challenges nationwide, she doesn’t take spaces like BSU for granted. As a Banneker/Key Scholarship recipient she will have opportunities to be in rooms with university President Darryll Pines and other campus leaders. 

“When I enter those rooms, I don’t want to enter them thinking only about myself, I want to bring my community with me,” Williams said. 

Treasurer Akeyla Gregory, a dietetics major, intends on contributing to the community by helping Black students build generational wealth. She plans on hosting events dedicated to teaching students about budgeting, credit cards and loans. 

“My goal is to set my brothers and sisters up for financial independence and success after college because that’s Black excellence,” Gregory said.  

Film studies and business major Tristian Wallace-Smith, won the vote for secretary. Wallace-Smith strives for BSU to be seen as a formidable student body who fights for change, instead of a social group. His primary focus is effective forms of communication and organization. 

“We are the minorities—no event, no accomplishments, no skillset, no high school accolades will change that,” Wallace-Smith said. “What will is the unbreakable community built on unity.” 

Natalie Stokes, a neuroscience major and the new communications chair plans on using her platform to keep the community informed and connected. Stokes believes that being involved shouldn’t depend on who you know or seeing an instagram story on time, opportunities and announcements should be attainable for students. 

“I’m Natalie, and I’ll keep you in the know even when you don’t know where you’re going,” Stokes said.  

New marketing chair Ky’liyah Newsome, an environmental science and technology major wants to honor the creative values of everyone involved in BSU. Her goal is to produce content that is entertaining while still ensuring students are seen and heard.  

“I want our plans to be connected, we’re already in an environment where we’re seen as the minority,” Newsome said. “I think Black students sticking together matters now more than ever.”

The final member of the 2026-27 Freshman Council and new historian is Zuri Shepard. Shepard’s top three priorities as the new historian include making sure students are comfortable being photographed, planning creative photo ops and being seen as a friend instead of only her title. 

“I’m a fellow freshman, so you can always come and talk to me,” Shepard said.