There are certain clubs on campus that serve a purpose outside of networking and socializing. Some clubs are safe spaces for students and promote cultural familiarity. That is one of the main purposes of GCC’s Black Student Union (BSU). At the heart of the BSU is their president Trinity Sneed, a psychology major who has done exceptional work keeping the club together despite her heavy workload. Sneed stated that “the lack of people available to take on the responsibility” has contributed to her being so committed to keeping the club running on campus.
Black/African American students only make up 4% of GCCs population. They are the smallest racial demographic community on campus next to American Indian/Alaska Native. Social Science major Ty Carr, the BSU’s director of recruitment, says during Club Rush he allows students who are interested in joining know that being a part of the club is like “being a part of something familiar on campus, like home away from home. It’s a safe space for us and our friends.” Student athlete Johnny Reed has been a BSU member since 2022. “BSU is my fam, just like my team. Once I heard they needed board members I didn’t even think twice about it.” This semester, Johnny joined BSU as its treasurer.
BSU is run by students under the guidance of GCC staff advisors. Students can benefit from participation in clubs like these because they can unite and advocate for change on campus, the community and even the world. Past board members of the BSU strive to bring change on GCC’s campus so much so they created a list of demands. A new president and global pandemic put everything on hold, but in due time the world settled and the campus opened back up.
Once the campus opened a new chapter of the BSU started, and one of their demands included a safe space for Black students to coexist just like the spaces that exist on campus for LGBTQ+students and other marginalized communities. These spaces are intended to provide a safe and successful experience on campus for students. Sneed followed through with that demand once she was appointed president.
In spring 2023 Sneed worked alongside GCC president Ryan Cornner to establish said space. For inspiration, Cornner took her and the then-Vice President of the BSU to tour USC’s Center for Black Cultural and Student Affairs. In fall 2023 the BSU acquired a room on campus: SF 107. Sneed single-handedly designed the BSU room to make it presentable and comfortable.
In the BSU room students study, socialize, rest, and hold their monthly meetings. The space is open to all students who believe Black Lives Matter and stand up against racial inequality. Before or after class, practices, and workouts, students come to the BSU room and do a number of things. BSU’s youngest member Issac, 17, a freshman majoring in mechanical engineering. His family just relocated to Glendale from San Diego. Issac said he joined BSU to “build community and be around people that understand me.”
In 2024, Black Student Unions are still needed and necessary. A sense of belonging is important in education and employment. You are encouraged to spread the word about GCC BSU — a lot of students still don’t know it exists. All students are welcome to be a part of BSU. Email [email protected] for more information and to get the date of their next meeting.
Billi Sarafina is an active member of the BSU. She can be reached at [email protected].