Black Student Union accepts all

The Black Student Union is again active at MHCC, and the president, Erica Fuller, hopes to advocate for African Americans and other minorities.

Fuller was inspired to revive the club after she served as ASG director of clubs two years ago and was astounded to find there was not a Black Student Union (BSU) on campus.

“I wanted to make sure that African Americans feel like they know each other on campus,” she said.

“I mean, yes, we walk past each other in the hallways, but we don’t really know each other. We don’t have that group to come together, advocate, help each other academically (or) know about other cultures” including those with African roots, she said.

One of her goals for the year is to “really help with the leadership in showing African Americans and our allies that we can be leaders,” she said. “We can do anything we put our minds to.”

Fuller refers to participants who are from African descent as “allies.”

“Just because it says ‘Black Student Union’ on there doesn’t mean it’s just for blacks. We encourage all allies,” she said, gesturing toward the group’s office.

“I want to make sure people feel comfortable to come in. Your voice is just as important as any others’ voices,” she said.

Growing up, Fuller was told she was neither black enough, nor white enough, she said.

“We are all mixed,” she said. “What’s going to help us all grow stronger for minorities is making sure we are all working together. That includes Caucasians, too.”

She graduated in June with a general studies associates degree from MHCC, but has returned with plans to transfer to pursue a bachelor’s degree in public administration.

Fuller said the club will focus on positives.

“We’re not trying to start any tension on campus. We’re just trying to advocate and build minorities up and students in general,” she said.

The BSU will host its own hour at the Diversity Resource Center (DRC) ribbon cutting ceremony, set for 4 to 5 p.m. on Wednesday.

Club meetings are planned for 10 to 11 a .m. every Tuesday in the DRC.