BSU kicks off year, discusses future ideas
August 30, 2022
The Black Student Union will be welcoming new members with an official first meeting on Monday, Sep. 12, in the LGI from 4:20 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. Last year’s members kicked off the school year with a “revamp” meeting Aug. 22.
At the August gathering, the officers introduced themselves and welcomed returning members from the previous year. They discussed their ideas and goals for the second year of BSU as well as took suggestions from their returning members on things they can do to improve this year. The group organized after its founders and current seniors, Victoria Montgomery and Lena Rodgers, suggested the idea to Shelly Patterson, the African American Studies teacher.
“My students wanted it (BSU),” Mrs. Patterson said. “My students approached me and said this was something they’ve always felt a need for and always wanted.”
The officers introduced their main goals and ideas to improve on their achievements from their first year as well as to increase their presence in the school community.
“I want us to be more active in the student body,” Montgomery said. “And, for everyone in Prosper to know that the Black Student Union exists.”
In addition to becoming more well known and involved with students, returning club members discussed ways the BSU can improve this year and make Prosper High School a more inclusive environment for all students.
“I think people definitely should join so they can learn to not be ignorant,” senior Kendall Norwood said. “I think it was the main thing that I wanted to see more of in the meetings, like more teaching.”
For those interested in joining BSU, you can contact any of the officers through their social media or Mrs. Patterson at skpatterson@prosper-isd.net for information about joining.
“Go to Mrs. Patterson’s room at 2231,” Victoria said. “Ask her about the BSU. She knows exactly what to do.”
This article was updated at 3:10 p.m. Aug. 30 to add related stories.
Shelly Patterson • Aug 31, 2022 at 8:23 am
Thank you for this article. I live in Prosper and have raised my family here for most of their lives. I have been on the receiving end of racist actions in the district as well, by students and families. It hurts very much. However, I have also seen amazing growth and improvement in this area over the decades.
Whenever I am out in the community and people ask what I teach, when I say African American Studies, they overwhelmingly say “I wish I could take that class. I wish I could know more about the history I know was left out when I was growing up.”
I truly feel we can all be more unified by being more educated. A major goal of the BSU is to quell ignorance through education and opportunities for interactions that break negative stereotypes. ALL ARE WLECOME!
I’m so proud of my students!
-Mrs .P
Kalyani Rao • Aug 31, 2022 at 8:30 am
Thank you so much for your amazing comment! We hope to cover all of the topics you mentioned in greater detail, and we’re so glad you’ve enjoyed our story. Prosper is getting better and better from the work of you and others!
Best regards,
Kalyani Rao, Editor-in-Chief