What is a
Black Student Union?
The first Black Student Union was founded in 1966 at San Francisco State University. Shortly after, Black student unions were established at other campuses across the nation.
Black student unions developed from the Black Campus Movement, which took place between 1965 and 1972. This was a pivotal moment in history where African American college students demanded and protested for increased campus inclusivity.
The students wanted more Black studies programs, more Black faculty and staff at universities, and spaces on campus that celebrated and acknowledged Black culture. This movement represented a significant shift in changing the landscape of higher education.
Black student unions also were originally formed to address political and civil rights issues — both on and off campus.
HBSU:
WHO WE ARE
The Halton Black Student Union (HBSU) was founded in early 2021, to support Black students and Black well-being in Halton. The HBSU provides a safe place to talk about issues and problems that Black students face in and out of school, as well as a space where they can get support to deal with how these issues have impacted them. In the Halton Black Student Union, we have much-needed conversations about everything related to the diverse Black lived experience and give Black community members and activists the opportunity to educate and inspire HBSU members.
Join Halton
Black Student Union
Halton Black Student Union Co-founder Wins Prestigious TD Scholarship Award
Growing up in a predominantly white town, Medina Jones didn’t see Black voices like hers reflected in her community. The 18-year-old immediately sought to change that, becoming a key voice in the Halton region as the founder of the Oakville Black Alliance and an outspoken critic of systemic racism in education.
This past week, Jones was awarded the 2021 TD Scholarship for Community Leadership. Over 3000 students across the country applied to the scholarship, and Jones was one of 20 prestigious students awarded. The scholarship awards students up to $70,000, covering four years of university tuition including living expenses.
Jones’ work spearheaded a survey on racial discrimination at Oakville Trafalgar High School, and she also co-founded the Halton Black Student Union in affiliation with Halton Black Voices to create a platform for other students to speak out about the injustices they might be facing. The community activist will be heading to the University of Ottawa this fall to study engineering.
CONGRATULATIONS
Medina Jones!
The HBSU
The Halton Black Student Union (HBSU) was established as a forum for Black students, parents, and staff to share common experiences, including concerns about anti-Black racism in the education system, as well as critical conversations about antiracist solutions. The intention of the HBSU is to create a safe space in Halton's educational community where Black students, parents, and staff can connect with one another and have a sense of belonging. The HBSU is a student-led initiative of Halton Black Voices, a grassroots collective that aims to create a safe space in the Halton region for all Black people, including the 2SLGBTQQIA community, to establish new connections. We aim to build stronger communities by raising awareness, educating, and empowering Black community members of all ages. One of Halton Black Voices main goals is to build connections with the Halton District School Board to encourage anti-racist initiatives, such as the development of the HBSU.
We are currently holding weekly student meetings, as well as monthly meetings for Black teachers and parents who are interested in supporting the HBSU initiatives. There will be opportunities for tutoring, peer-mentorship, community building, art-making, advocacy skill building, and learning and teaching about Black history. We will be guided by the principles of the Black Lives Matter movement, as we create a space for Black Students to connect and build relationships with other Black students, and for Black staff, parents and students to support one other. Further, we envision a yearly conference for Black students and parents with opportunities for connection, education, and celebration. We are also in the process of building relationships with the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion teams, as well as board members at HDSB.
All Black students from Halton are welcome to join.
Regardless of school board.