A new team of North Atlanta’s Black Student Union officers has now been elected, kicking off the next chapter of BSU. Officers Christiana Campbell, Kristen Dickerson, Nolan Davis, Brea Houston, and Leola Hayal have campaigned hard to become the group’s new leaders. The appointed members have shown their capabilities through the confidence in them demonstrated by their BSU peers in running one of North Atlanta’s biggest clubs.
The BSU’s co-presidents, Campbell and Dickerson, are excited to lead together with a united focus on running the club. Campbell was vice president last year, and Dickerson worked with the co-president as secretary, providing both with ample time and experience to prepare for their new roles. The two share a focus on opening up the club’s outreach through community service and joint meetings with other BSUs and other clubs. Both also plan on remaining involved after graduation through their colleges and other volunteer opportunities. “I care about BSU, and I want it to remain a safe environment, following in the footsteps of previous officers,” Campbell said.
Davis, this year’s vice president, has been in BSU since ninth grade and knows almost everyone in the club. Wanting to run for co-president next year, Davis plans to expand the club to students of all skin colors. Being very active in the club, he knew exactly what he wanted to run for and what his vision for the club was. “I feel honored to be elected,” Davis said. “I want to act as a megaphone for others who aren’t on the board to provide safe space in and out of school.”
Despite minor issues with this year’s voting processes, the candidates, including this year’s content developer, Houston, remained undeterred. She plans to run for co-president next year has been an active member since 9th grade, and has developed a tight-knit community amongst the members. The BSU’s secretary, Leola Hayal, is also a long-standing member. Excited to be on the board, Hayal, along with her fellow board members, are happy to champion the important topics for BSU meetings. She hopes to prolong the club’s efforts and reputation throughout her tenure. “When it comes to BSU, it’s always a group effort,” Houston said.
Four years ago, BSU’s establishment at North Atlanta brought a safe space for the school’s black population to speak and relate to topics relevant to them. Along with sponsors Gregory Baeza and D’Andra McPhail, the board at the Black Student Union has no plans to stop its tireless effort to maintain this reputation.
