快活视频

From a young age, Anaya Womack felt called to support others and create change. In her new role as the president of the , Womack hopes to build upon the kindhearted and passionate community the BSU offered her when she first came to TU.

鈥淚t felt like something I was always called to do鈥攖o be there for people, to help them and make a change鈥攚hatever form that may be,鈥� Womack says.

The BSU is a hub for intersectional thought, cultural collaboration and community. Established in 1970, it set the standard for many Black student-run organizations and is among several others that received significant backing from the late Julius Chapman, the first dean of minority affairs.

Celebrating its 55^th founders' day on Feb. 25, the BSU has long served as a safe space and beacon of progress for Black students at TU.

Finding Community

Womack first learned about the 快活视频BSU in professor Donn Worgs' African American studies class. The BSU vice president at the time approached Womack and admired her involvement in the class discussion and encouraged her to join.

Finding her footing as a student in the psychology and deaf studies majors respectively, she knew that she wanted to get involved on campus鈥攑articularly with an organization that aligned with her values. After attending her first meeting, Womack knew she鈥檇 found a supportive space to call home.

鈥淲e want to make sure we鈥檙e being heard and seen in our community. We want people to know that we're here,鈥� says Womack, 鈥淎 lot of students come to a predominately white institution and may not feel like they鈥檒l be seen or heard, and we want our students to feel like part of our family.鈥�

Building Confidence Through Leadership

Womack first joined the leadership board of the BSU as the director of community outreach, where she coordinated community service activities and events on campus and in the greater Towson community. She later transitioned into a role as secretary before running for president.

Stepping into these roles and having the constant support of previous president Njideka Onyekwere helped Womack come out of her shell and moved her to lead with confidence and pride.

While initially hesitant about running for president due to imposter syndrome, collaborating alongside other passionate students reminded Womack why she wanted to be involved in an organization like the BSU.

鈥淒ealing with imposter syndrome is so hard. You can never really be prepared for something you鈥檝e never done before鈥攕o you just have to jump in. I had to fill myself up with confidence and tell myself. 鈥榊ou always had it. You can do it,鈥欌�� she says.

Creating Space on Campus

鈥淏SU鈥檚 role on campus is to foster a supportive environment that assists Black students in navigating challenges and shared experiences, promote and celebrate cultural awareness, and galvanize and advocate for their community鈥檚 needs and concerns,鈥� says Keiwana Perryman, director for the Center for Student Diversity and advisor to the BSU.

The BSU meets weekly on Wednesdays at 5 p.m., and their office offers a community space where students can unwind and unmask. The office is also a space where students can network, generate new ideas and continue to promote academic and career excellence.

In addition to their weekly meetings and events, each year the organization hosts a founders鈥� week to celebrate Black history and to honor alumni, trailblazers and Black History Month. Students can participate in Ebony Lounge鈥攖he BSU鈥檚 talent show鈥攈ear from alumni, give back to the community and more.

Inspiring Pride

Black student unions are invaluable sources of community, growth and pride for students in higher education, and Womack couldn鈥檛 be more excited to continue building on the legacy of the BSU.

鈥淭here鈥檚 something about Black student unions that create that family feel. They promote success and growth and give you the tools you need later in life,鈥� says Womack. 鈥淲e鈥檙e made by us, for us. It鈥檚 amazing we can place the spotlight on us. We may not have been able to do that if it weren鈥檛 for our founders.鈥�