Members of the Black Student Union at a meeting. Lily Merritt | Washtenaw Voice
By Claire Convis
Staff Writer
The WCC Black Student Union functions as a place of community, support and conversation, rooted in collaboration and justice.
Jenelle Smith and Anaya Bass, both 17 years old, are the two co-presidents of the Black Student Union, which they started at WCC this past August.
“This semester has been more about expansion and making ourselves known on campus,” said Smith, speaking about the group’s vision and goals. “Next semester we hope to work with the community and other groups on campus, to give back to the community and to promote cultural diversity and awareness across campus.”
Bass and Smith strive to open up a discussion to talk about problems that people of color face in today’s society. There are various religions and countries represented in the group, but they all come together for conversation and connection.
“It’s been a place of safety, and a place of community for people who feel like they don’t have one,” said Smith.
The group discussion focused on issues including black-on-black crime, the way black women are targeted for human trafficking, police brutality, struggles with finding or keeping employment, and interracial couples.
“We represent our race everywhere we go,” Smith said. “Sometimes you’re the only black person in class, and you feel like you’re being judged for all black people, but not all black people think the same as me. I don’t want to speak for the entire race.”
“You don’t have to think a certain way to be a ‘good’ black person,” Smith said. “You should be okay with being different and okay with being black.”
Smith said that when she first came to WCC, she often felt alone and secluded from others on campus.
“I thought I had to change who I was to be accepted,” Smith said. Smith’s sister also became a student at WCC, and this inspired Smith to help start a group that would be a safe place for her sister and for others.
“I wanted [my sister] to have a place where she could come and be comfortable talking about what she thinks and feels,” Smith said. “I felt like making this group would help a plethora of people across campus to learn more and feel comfortable.”
