History of the Black Student Union of
Concord University
The Concord University Black Student Union began in 1996, at what was then Concord College, as P.R.I.D.E.—People’s Right in Dreaming of Equality. The purposes of the organization are: a) to inform and education the Concord community about African-American Culture; b) to provide leadership for incoming undergraduates of minority groups; c)
to provide counseling and guidance for minority students; d) to recruit minority administration, faculty, and staff in positions of substantial importance; e) to include more minority students as part of the political and social systems of the College/University; f) to provide career planning and assistance to those qualified minority students that excel in athletics, academics, humanities or some other related field, g) to strive for closer unity among students; and h) to advocate and serve in the public interest. Membership in the Black Student Union is open to all Concord University Students, regardless of race, or ethnicity, who can relate to these principles and who wish to take an active role in furthering these principles for the benefit of all races, colors, and creeds everywhere. Activities of the Black Student Union over the years have included those which have fostered fellowship and association among the general student body, social action, and social justice issues, worship, and service projects for the benefit of the community. Past presidents of the BSU are: Link Thompson---- 1996- 97
Melissa Cabbell— 1997- 98
Jeaniene Barbour-- 1998- 99
Judith Mwamuka-- 1999- 2000
Ronnisha Britton-- 2000- 2001
Renada Crawford— 2001- 2002
Katrina Anderson— 2002—2003
Terrence Ruth--- 2003- 2004
Akeya Carter-Bozman—2004- 2006
Natalie Green-- 2007-2008
And current President—James Riley--------- 2012-
Past faculty/Staff Co-Advisors of BSU over these past years have been Diane Smith Grych, with Will Johnson, Melissa Cabbell, Dr. Felecia Briscoe, Terri Philpott, and Loretta Young. Current Co-Advisors are Terri Philpott, Darrick Scott, and Diane Smith Grych. Activity and involvement of the Black Student Union continue to grow and evolve, as a reflection of the organization’s maturation and development, and we appreciate the support of fellow campus organizations, support staff, and the Concord University community at large.
