Kiyomi Bowen (Kiyo), Class of 2022

At the start of my freshmen year(2019) I found it was odd that there was no Black Student Union. I chose this college because I liked its diversity rating, small campus, and how the school is around 30 minutes away from home. I thought that BSU’s were already established things at most colleges. We had an active multicultural club, but I found it odd that there wasn’t an active BSU chapter. Throughout the years I have been attending Albertus, our diversity rating has been pretty good. Currently, in our undergrad program, 53% of students are black, and when I enrolled it was around the same. During my freshman year, I struggled with this is question “Does Albertus really want a BSU?” When I looked around it seemed that everyone was fine with how things were, limited resources for Black American students (not international) first-generation, and local or urban students. Going to a PWI it’s very important to know how to code-switch and if you aren’t aware, passively that can affect your studies/opportunities. In the summer of 2020, George Floyd’s murder had happened and the rise of that made me say “Who cares if Albertus wants a BSU”. I wanted there to be a safe space at Albertus for black students regardless of being black is in trend or not. Since then, the Black Student Union at Albertus has been active. We have a growing membership weekly and our programs are getting better over time. Not only are we shifting the culture of our school through this club. But, we are able to provide a more tailored opportunity for black students at Albertus. I think black students should hear my story and know to go with their instincts and stand up for what they believe in. Honestly being a full-time student, working and running an organization is a lot of work. There have been numerous times when I wanted to quit or I’ve broken down and cried. But, I really wouldn’t change anything. I see the bigger picture and I encourage other students to stay resilient with what ever their calling is. I swear it will pay off. Other than the Black Student Union there are no resources available specifically for black students. We are pushing to activate an NAACP chapter to help increase our resources. Albertus should help the BSU, be more inclusive, hire black professors, increase resources for first-generation students, etc because I do not feel represented here.