On April 4, Black Student Union Director Laura Culbertson, BSU Advisor Wayne Snow, and new BSU members Carlondo Dudley and Katelyn Lamson, requested funding for their latest endeavor: “Bellevue College BSU visits our Nation’s Capital.” With a unanimous show of hands by each member of the ASG, Black Student Union history was made. Eight students (four females and four males) are intended to fly to Washington D.C. to represent the Bellevue College BSU to gain perspective and inspiration from the experience that awaits them in the nation’s capital.
The BSU is a historically active union in the Bellevue College and more specifically as part of Student Programs. Laura Culbertson, Director of BSU, states that her drive towards the approval of this project plan was established from the success of the MLK Day Celebration. “The idea to go to D.C. originated from the BSU’s Mission Statement, which states that BSU stands for cultural and historic enhancement. What could be more historic than that?” The BSU director hopes that the trip will foster a newfound pride and sense of self from being around like-minded, successful black leaders.
Faisal Jaswal, Director of Student Services, and Dr. Ata Karim both expressed their support of this educational and beneficial opportunity. During the ASG board meeting, “Abshir, our Chief Justice, spoke of his recent visit to the historic African American museum in our nation’s capital. He explained that reading the history books was one thing, but actually seeing the chains worn by our ancestors brought it up close and personal,” said Culbertson.
Candidates will be required to submit an application. Selection will take into account a variety of factors, including BSU involvement prior to the trip announcement, GPA of the applicant, and active leadership displayed during their time serving the Black Student Union. The final component is an essay, which asks students to select what to answer from a number of questions.
The BSU will be leaving for D.C. on Thursday May 24, 2012 to visit the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial, Howard University, the Smithsonian, the Lincoln Memorial, the White House, Congress and the Library of Congress. BC’s BSU will be returning to Seattle on May 28 with packed suitcases, memories, and a greater understanding of themselves and of their history.
Culbertson would like to extend her welcome to those interested in joining the BSU. Meetings are held every Thursday 1:30 p.m.-2:30 p.m. in the conference room (C212) in Student Services.