Quarterly Support for essentials

Kitsap Black Student Union (KBSU) has a general goal of promoting unity and advocacy for marginalized students. Some of our other goals include the following;

• Provide a safe space for students to express themselves and share experiences.
• Foster community engagement through cultural events and activities.
• Advocate for equity and inclusion within local schools and the broader community.
• Offer resources and support for academic success and personal development.
• Collaborate with other student organizations to promote diversity and understanding.
• Raise awareness about social justice issues affecting disenfranchised communities.

Some of the ways we support these goals are constant programs, opportunities, and pathways of support through youth-led social justice workshops, civics made fun, cultural sharing, and celebrations, community service, and promoting mental health wellness.

Over the last year, our students have led and participated in joint bilingual workshops with other community organizations. Helped other youth organizations grow their own youth programs, specifically around building confidence and self-esteem. Our youth explored their second year in our community garden, where they learned fundamental basics of gardening, but also how to cut back plants for re-growth and seed preservation.

Over the summer, a select group of students participated in our first Student Ambassador Cohort, a fast-tracked leadership project that focused on public speaking, building self-esteem, belonging, and goal-setting. The project also had a strong commitment to community service. Students graduated from the cohort with certificates, and several of them received special incentives for perfect attendance. 

While we are experiencing unprecedented times, it is important to remember that Black Student Unions were among the first ethnic student organizations at colleges to be established. A group of students started the first Black student union in 1968 at San Francisco State University. Over time, it was acknowledged that the same hardships at the college level were also being experienced at the high school level. Kitsap BSU has taken it a step further and started at the middle school level to provide support sooner, but also build our next leaders as well. KBSU covers all of Kitsap County and provides a larger base of support for our students. The initiaves have not changed, we are still focused on the following;

• Provide a safe space for disenfranchised students to express their identities and experiences.
• Foster community and solidarity among students facing similar challenges.
• Promote cultural awareness and education within the broader campus community.
• Advocate for the needs and concerns of students to the administration.
• Organize events and programs that celebrate Black culture and an inclusive American history.
• Facilitate networking and mentorship opportunities for personal and professional growth.

As we continue to support our student membership, which continues to grow tremendously, your support is paramount.