On Monday, September 29, the 5th annual Black Student Union (BSU) summit was hosted at Saint Mary’s College. The annual summit has been happening in the Acalanes Union High School District (AUHSD) since 2019, bringing together students from various schools for a day of heritage and community.
This was the fifth annual summit and many attendees from Campolindo have been going since middle school. Co-president of BSU, senior Owen Ludwig, and BSU member, sophomore Selam Ermias attended the BSU summit this year. Both described the event as a fun opportunity to meet students from other schools where they learned about Black culture and traditions.
There were many Olympic-themed activities at this year’s summit celebrating Black athletes. Campo BSU attendees hosted a Jeopardy game testing students on their knowledge of Black athletes at the 2024 Olympics. Many discussions were held about the importance of fostering a community at school and being proud of their identity. Ermias said “there’s not a lot of Black people at this school so it’s important to not be ashamed of it or forget that I am Black.” She realizes how many “just ignore that part of themselves” but tells students it’s important not to.
Ludwig and junior Kailey Cooper hope to continue their journey and join a BSU in college. Ludwig said, “I saw how BSU was a great place for people to go to, and I really wanted to make an impact on Campo and make sure there was that safe place and there continued to be that safe place.” Cooper continued that, “if you have a love of the culture, then I guess BSU is a community for everyone, not just for Black students.”
