The fall semester has commenced and UNC Wilmington’s Black Student Union has an eventful year planned. 

After the class of 2016 graduated last May, the organization said goodbye to their previous President, Connor Smith. With Smith’s departure, however, the group is now welcoming and embracing a new front-runner to lead BSU.

Dequan Mitchell, an undergraduate senior, is taking on the roll of President for BSU this academic year. Sticking to the founding principles of BSU, Mitchell is hopeful to facilitate a respectful environment for all students and continuing to strive towards activism and excellence both on and off campus.

Primarily, Mitchell is concerned with ensuring the growth and quality of BSU on the basis that it is a “cultural organization that has views and endeavors to cultivate academic excellence and enhance the preparation for success.”

The organization has various upcoming events and some that are currently being developed. BSU’s itinerary is set for the year and will be kicking off some of their initial events in partnership with the Upperman African American Cultural Center.

Through their events and activities, Mitchell states that the “student body will have community events and opportunities to interact with UNCW’s black community and culture.”

BSU will host a variety of interactive events for the faculty and students. Mitchell notes that the agenda will include “workshops, seminars, leadership conferences, webinars and social service events” for all of UNCW to come participate in.

Mitchell states the student body can expect an “engaging presence” from BSU this year as their events and partnerships will work as an effort to gain and exemplify involvement.

The next official event for BSU is their first meeting and State of the Union address, as well as their participation at the upcoming involvement carnival. To learn more about the organization, Mitchell says that BSU will have a table at the carnival on Wednesday, Aug. 24 where students can reach out for more information.

For interested students, BSU’s first meeting will be held on Aug. 30 at 6 p.m. Their office is located in the Upperman African American Cultural Center in Fisher Union, room 2021.