Armstrong High School inaugurates Black Student Union

Armstrong High School has launched its first-ever Black Student Union (BSU), a student-led group dedicated to fostering inclusivity, cultural exploration, and empowerment.

The idea was spearheaded by Jessica Stewart-Robinson, a 2013 Armstrong graduate and now a climate and culture specialist at the school, alongside Armstrong teacher Timothy White. For Stewart-Robinson, known affectionately as “Ms. Jess,” the creation of the BSU is deeply personal.  

“We didn’t have a Black Student Union [when I attended the school], and I didn't feel I had a space to learn about myself. I wanted to co-create this to give students what I wished I had.” 

Stewart-Robinson and White convened a series of planning meetings with students – mostly juniors and seniors, along with one sophomore – earlier this fall. Last week the new Black Student Union had its first meeting. More than 80 students signed up to take part.

She says “the group is a safe space for students to learn about each other, their culture, and to feel inclusive in the community here at Armstrong. I want them to feel and be seen and heard and empowered – knowing they can be whatever they put their mind to.”

It appears to be working. According to senior Carly Ato-Davies, “The Black Student Union (BSU) gives me the opportunity to gain leadership skills and build a community with other students. There hasn’t been a BSU at Armstrong. I’m excited to meet others of similar backgrounds and gain an understanding of other cultural backgrounds. It will also provide a welcoming space to students to express their viewpoints.” 

Says senior Tamya Dillard, “This is a safe space for students to be their authentic selves while also learning about Black culture, Black movements, and most importantly Black excellence. This is a safe space to talk to each other, learn from others’ experiences, and create lifelong relationships.” 

Senior Jayla Clark says that “despite its name, there's room and opportunity for everyone [in the BSU]. This is significant because we are celebrating Black excellence. I love that we all have a role and everyone can feel heard and seen. I want people to come to school and look forward to something more than what they usually look forward to. Yes, we will have fun, but this is also a space to learn, enhance, and enforce black culture.” 

The group meets monthly during Falcon Flex, a weekly time to catch up on schoolwork or participate in special interest groups. Stewart-Robinson says that as the BSU moves forward, “activities will vary and may include team building, historical facts about Black accomplishments and contributions to society, watching films, and spreading awareness of Black history to the Black students here at Armstrong.”