"Black Thought" (2010-2018)

Open mic

A flier for the BSU's Open Mic at Sarah's Coffee House in October of 2017.

Wilson's Black Student Union (BSU) continued on the traditions of its predecessors by engaging the campus in thought-provoking and politically-minded community activities and celebrating the artistic expression of Black people. Lisa Wooley, the BSU's faculty advisor since 1993, believes that the motivation behind the club throughout her tenure has been that of education. They frequently hosted open mic nights in Sarah's Coffee House and poetry slams. 

Wilsons' BSU began sponsoring on campus movie nights in the mid-2000s. For this program, the BSU sought to put a spotlight on films created by Black filmmakers, showcasing Black narratives, or documenting the history of the African-American experience in North America, including Ava DuVernay's 13th. 13th is a documentary that explores the history of racial inequality in the United States, particularly how the nation's prisons are disproportionately filled with African-Americans. 

From 2010 to 2017, the Black Student Union continued to contribute to Black History Month programming on campus and worked with other campus organizations to sponsor a voter registration drive in 2016. The club also worked to create spaces in which members could study and celebrate holidays together. 

Black Thought program

BSU members and community members gather for BSU's "Black Thought" program, February 2017.

Continuing in this vein, in February of 2017 the organization held a program entitled "Black Thought." “Black Thought” was an event held on campus in which black students volunteered to share their experiences of being a black student and black individual. This event was designed to stimulate discussion and have attendees gain a better “understanding of the challenges black students face in their academic and personal lives.” Some of the questions posed to the volunteers were:

  • How do you feel about the Black Lives Matter Movement?
  • Can you describe a moment when you felt discriminated against?
  • Do you feel your culture is accepted here? 
  • How does it feel to be a minority at a majority white school?
  • Have you ever experienced racism from someone with the same race as you?
  • Do you feel like your identity has ever been taken from you?
  • How do you educate your non-African American friends on your culture?

In September of 2017, the BSU sought donations to aid in the recovery of black-owned businesses affected by Hurricane Harvey. The BSU raised one hundred and fifteen dollars that was donated to the Greater Houston Black Chamber Hurricane Harvey Relief Fund. 

As of 2018, the Black Student Union is described as "The purpose of this organization is to encourage African-American awareness, enhance the quality of life for members of the Black Student Union, conduct activities involving community outreach, and foster greater understanding of African-American culture and related issues. All students are welcome to attend." 

"Black Thought" (2010-2018)