With a mission to foster a sense of community among students, particularly in a school where Black students remain a minority, The Black Student Union (BSU) provides a space for connection and empowerment at Pinnacle High School (PHS). The club welcomes everyone, regardless of their background, to learn, grow, and celebrate black culture and history.
The BSU educated the school community about Black history and culture, moving beyond the familiar historical figures. Through engaging morning announcements during Black History Month in February, the club shared stories of lesser-known Black historical figures across various fields within sports, arts and activism, broadening the understanding of Black contributions and history.
“Whenever I ask people about their favorite Black historical figure, it’s always the same three names: Harriet Tubman, Martin Luther King Jr., and Rosa Parks,” said Kylin Green, president of BSU. “I want people to know more history — like if you’re into football, here’s a good football person who started this. Or if you’re into baseball, there’s Jackie Robinson, the first Black male in a pro baseball league.”
BSU meetings kicked off with a warm welcome and a curated playlist that set the tone for the day, followed by discussions on key topics and activities. The club brought in guest speakers to share their experiences and insights, providing students with real-world perspectives on the Black community. And yes, food often played a role, from pizza to donuts, but the sense of belonging and the rich discussions kept students coming back.
“We make sure everyone has provided lunch, like, usually, pizzas. We also do donuts,” said Jiraiya Marchan, the other president of the Union.
BSU meetings don’t just offer food and socializing, they primarily serve as educational spaces where history and culture take center stage.
“A lot of kids think it’s a joke when we’re talking about the things that happen, like how Martin Luther King Jr. said more than just one speech,” Marachan explained.
“They didn’t believe us at first, so we showed the video and gave them evidence that he did make more speeches than just ‘I Have a Dream.’” The club leaders utilized PowerPoint presentations and guest speakers to enrich these learning experiences.
Despite the enthusiasm and growing participation, the BSU encountered challenges, such as the misconception that it exists exclusively for Black students. Club members and leaders stressed that BSU welcomes everyone and that learning about Black culture benefits the entire school community.
“Whenever I ask some of my friends… they’re always just like, ‘I’m not Black.’ I’m just saying, like, you don’t have to be Black to join the Black Student Union,” Green said.
The club’s mission emphasizes participation of everyone in order to promote cultural understanding and unity within the school community.
Collaboration with other clubs remains a key focus for the future. Ideas include working with the Medical Club to support Black students interested in healthcare careers and partnering with Christian clubs to explore the historical intersection of faith and Black history.
“I was just accepted into ASU to study health science and get my healthcare admin degree,” Marachan said. “I wanted to invite the Med Club because, you know, for the Black people who wanted to become nurses or doctors and surgeons, I thought that would be great to help them collaborate and talk to each other,” says Marachan.
Faith-based collaboration also sits on the table for the future.
“I feel like we could definitely do one of the Christian clubs… because God has always been with everything in Black history,” Green said. “There’s always some miracle or something that happened that always has to be related to God. We’re very inclusive. We want to reach out to all the clubs that want to collaborate with us,”
The club also pushed for community outreach by supporting Black-owned businesses. They planned a field trip to visit Sugar Jam, a Black-owned restaurant known for its lively atmosphere and delicious brunch.
“It’s a great atmosphere and really good food,” Mr. Parries, the club advisor said.
Reflecting on the impact of the BSU, many members shared the comfort and understanding they found within the group as impactful for them.
“I’m half African American and half Caribbean, and talking about both parts of my identity and feeling understood really helped me,” Marachan said.
As BSU grows, its leaders focus on ensuring its longevity and impact, inspiring future students to continue the club.
“We probably should have around, like, May or March… [to] do like a new council, have some voting, and have everything coming up for next year,” Green said.
The club hopes to start earlier next year to have even more meetings and engagement with students.
“We started late this year because I got added on… but I think when we start like in August or September, we’ll just hit the gates running,” said Coach Reynard, the other advisor of the club.
The club also plans a mentorship program, connecting underclassmen with upperclassmen to foster leadership skills and ensure the club’s future remains bright.
The club’s vision stays clear: create a more inclusive, informed and connected school community where every student feels they belong. For those interested in joining or learning more, BSU meetings welcome all. Whether you come for the history, the culture, or the community, you’ll find a place in the union. Follow the BSU on Instagram @phsblackstudentunion25.
