Black students find time to be themselves at PWI
UMD students attending a discussion about the latest events during a town hall last semester (Nene Narh-Mensah/The Black Explosion)
Mason Minus came to the University of Maryland as an introverted freshman four years ago. Now he personally impacts the Black Terp community as president of the Black Student Union.
Minus, a junior government and politics major, said he saw the opportunity as a calling from God and wanted to give back to his community in ways that he had not done before.
“I want to make them feel welcome and at home when they’re on campus,” said Minus.
This is Minus’ second year as president and he enjoys being a mentor to other Black students. He insists on bringing students together to have a good time.
Minus said it is important to have this space on a predominantly white campus because it gives Black students an outlet.
“BSU is essential in cultivating relationships for Black people at a PWI,” said Cyan McDonald, vice president of programming.
The BSU holds general body meetings open to all on Mondays at 5 p.m. in the Nyumburu Cultural Center. These meetings foster a wholesome community where students enjoy decompressing from both academic and social stressors.
Music was playing in the background as students laughed and joked about their days and different topics of discussion.
The BSU executive board meets every Wednesday to plan the ins and outs of their meetings with the goal of meeting each students’ needs for that week. Most days this is a joyous community free of academic burdens but this is not always the case.
Minus recognized the need for rejuvenation following the news of the tragic passing of a fellow Black student. The BSU’s meeting on Monday enabled a mental health theme to give those impacted an outlet.
Jodi Aryee, who serves as the organization's vice president of programming, led a DIY face mask station. She entertained attendees as they crushed avocados to relax and take a deep breath amidst the hardships the campus is currently experiencing.
Therman Hawkins III, vice president of fundraising, said other meeting agendas have been karaoke days, Black hair and Black love during February for Valentine’s Day.
Minus said the BSU hosts an array of events outside of meetings, including block parties, Freakniks and a partnered silent disco event with UMD’s National Panhellenic Council.
Black Student Union president, Mason Minus, enjoying a face mask made at a general body meeting (Nyla Cherry/The Black Explosion).
The executive board first decides on a place that people would want to go and Hawkins said he is responsible for overseeing the funding of the event.
Various BSU members said they enjoy embracing their culture and feeling the support of their community. The BSU helps its members to feel less alienated as minorities on campus.
“It is important to know you are not alone on campus and there is a community with people who look, dress and think like you,” said Lloyd Richards III, senior information systems and business management major.
Members said being a part of the BSU and consequently surrounded by like-minded people made it easier for them to make friends on campus. Richards is still connected with the friends he made at a BSU event during his sophomore year.
Minus hopes the BSU will continue to be a place of fellowship for his community and encourages people to follow their Instagram @blackterp for more information on their next events.
“I hope to always continue giving back to my people,” Minus said.