University of Idaho’s Black Student Union hasn’t had a physical space for years. But 2020 feels like a revolution for everything, Black Student Union Vice President Princess Kannah said. And she thinks bringing this space to the university is necessary. There has been talk about setting up a physical space ever since the 70s, but there’s been difficulty maintaining the space.
“Previously, in 1971, we did have a black cultural center,” Alphonse Crittenden, a member of the Black Student Union, said. “But the building on Deacon Street happened to have busted pipes, and so they took out that building. We were relocated numerous times over the years, the administration and staff dwindled down and (we) lost the space eventually.”
Earlier this month, the Black Student Union applied for physical space in the Idaho Student Union Building.
The space will provide a sense of community, a place to study and leadership experience opportunities.
“Having a space where you can go in, let down your wall and know that these people understand your specific struggle is important,” Kannah said. “And I think we just need a space for students, because a lot of African American students here on campus come here to Northern Idaho, they don’t see people like them, and people don’t understand that there’s microaggressions on campus all the time that students like me don’t really talk about.”
The Black Student Union creates social connections along with emotional and psychological help for those being supported, Crittenden said.
“Being a student of color, the University of Idaho has its own challenges in a way,” Crittenden said. “You lose your sense of self at times. Nobody can identify with people to talk to about similar issues. It’s a unique experience, but with the right support group and people to be surround yourself with, and knowing that you’re there for your schooling, definitely makes it a lot better.”
The Black Student Union applied for a director along with a physical space to keep the union alive as members graduate.
“A director would make sure to connect with all the kids, check on the grades, because we are at school,” Kannah said. “(They would) make sure things are running smoothly and take care of the space so that we, the students and the members, can focus on school first.”
In the future, Kannah wants to see opportunities like financial aid and scholarships for students, similar to assistance the Office of Multicultural Affairs help students receive.
The Black Student Union meets on Fridays and is open to new members. Interested students can send an email to the Office of Multicultural Affairs to get more information about how the group will be moving forward this semester.
“When people hear Black Student Union, they think only Black students can join, but we’re open to anyone and everyone,” Kannah said. “We’ve had two Hispanic presidents in the past before, so anyone and everyone can join. The purpose of (the union) is to celebrate Black voices and allies of course, can join.”
Emily Pearce can be reached at [email protected].