In light of events regarding #BlackLivesMatter, students at Athens Drive have formed a new black student union (BSU). The first club meeting was held Mar. 14 in room 822-10. The club focuses on issues pertaining to the African American community and black affairs. Members also touch on sensitive subjects such as cultural appropriation, stereotypes and police brutality.

The club highlights the issue of  #BlackLivesMatter and hopes to raise awareness of black culture.

“The goal of BSU is to inspire and uplift the community, unifying blacks and raising awareness on black issues,” said Desiree Hilaire, senior, an organizer of Athens Drive’s BSU. “Black students are commonly underrepresented in public schools and universities. Why aren’t there more black prom kings or gradman players? Why do blacks get labels?”

Minu Thompson, junior, also believes African-American students need more recognition in their high schools.

“There should be more programs for minorities; programs similar to NAACP are beneficial for black students,” Thompson said.

As of 2014, Athens Drive has about 24 percent of students that make up the black student body.

“I don’t think black students have an adequate representation in school; the only type of representation discussed in the school’s curriculum is slavery and the civil rights movement,” Hilaire said.

To make up for lack of representation, many students form black unions; they are commonly known for activity promotion and interest, as well as cultural benefits for African Americans. University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, North Carolina State University and East Carolina University are nearby universities with black student unions.

ECU’s black student union recently spoke out about racist graffiti targeting black students. Arrests were made, but the FBI concluded that the graffiti was not a hate crime nor ethnic intimidation. The lingering idea of racism so close on the campus frustrated many.

According to witn.com, ECU black student union member Nichole Currie said, “I used to live in Jones Residence Hall. If I was to walk down one morning and see that, I would kind of be frightened.”

Around the time that racial friction at ECU peaked, anonymous death threats targeting blacks at University of Missouri became top discussion in social media. As a result of racially-fueled Mizzou events as well as their own, ECU’s black union organized an event called #ECUStandsWithMizzou.

“While Athens Drive’s school curriculum is limited in black history, Athens’ BSU does not limit its voice to African Americans. There are many other things that blacks have accomplished  all over the world and there are many more cases of unjustified mistreatment of blacks,” Hilaire said.

Students want to see the BSU take more active roles throughout the school and surrounding community.

“Plans that we have for outside of the school are community services and visiting other campuses that are hosting black events,” Hilaire said.

Students pursuing to uplift black communities want to see BSU as more than just a school organization.

“If I was a part of the black student union, I would most likely look forward to participating to help raise money that would go towards African- American schools,” said Zaid Jones-Neal, student at Wake Stem Early College High School.

Overall, many students at Athens Drive are encouraged by the increase of minority representation.

“I hope BSU brings black unity to light and helps eradicate stereotypes in our school and community,” said Yusrah Oyewole, freshman.