Getting to Know Crescent’s Black Student Association
The Black Student Association (BSA) provides a space for Black students to connect, to express themselves and to advise and participate in diversity programming within the school. For Black History Month, members of the BSA collaborated on some key questions and answers about their organization.
Why does the BSA exist?
The BSA exists as a safe space for all black students who wish to hang out and bond with people who share similar cultures and experiences.
It provides a welcoming community if a student is going through something that they feel the students at the BSA will best understand and relate to.
I feel the BSA is a place where people of colour like me can really feel welcome. In a school where I am a minority, it feels good to know there is a place where I belong.
Why did you join the BSA?
In most of my classes throughout high school, I’ve been the only Black student. I’ve gotten somewhat used to it but it’s still something I notice alongside a slight discomfort and feeling that I have to ‘represent’ my people. The BSA is a place where I get to let that guard down.
It is a place where I can freely talk about my culture with other students. It connects me to older students who can mentor/help me and allows me to do the same to newer students.
I joined the BSA to become friends with people who can really understand me and my struggles, and hopefully gain a group of people who would have my back and help me when I need support.
What do you hope to achieve at Crescent within this group?
I want to help others recognize what it's like to be a person of colour in a predominately white school and area, and to build a closer bond with the people within the group.
I hope to show the students at Crescent who are not Black a few things about Black history and teach them a few things together with the BSA.
Are there experiences you’ve had as a Black student at Crescent, whether positive or negative, that you want to share?
From the time I arrived at Crescent until now, there have always been people asking to touch my hair. To most this is insignificant and at first it was to me, too, however, after a while it makes you feel as if you're somewhat of an object; like a cool new toy.
Sometimes it can feel awkward when topics concerning racism are brought up in discussions, though this is inescapable as I definitely agree that these are conversations that need to be had. Beyond that my experience has overall been quite positive.
What, if anything, would you like to change at Crescent to better address Black students’ experiences?
I would like to engage the BSA in more assemblies, and possibly have more events to ensure that we are noticed throughout the year.
Allow for consistent recognition, integration, and communication about Black history, culture, and our experiences. At Crescent equal opportunities are given for all students, no matter their race, yet I would still like to see a larger representation of prominent Black figures, Black teachers, and more special guests like Wayne Moore, not just brought in for Black History Month.
This article has been edited for length and clarity.
