Black Student Union (BSU) has announced their new board members for the 2025-2026 school year. The Co- Presidents are Serena Lindsey (‘26) and Yenatfanta Hailemariam (‘26). The Co- Vice Presidents are Maiwand Salehi (‘26) and Eldana Woldai (‘27). The Secretary is Delina Benyam (‘27). The Co- Treasurers are Adonay Ekubaselase (‘26) and Abigail Dantamo (‘27). The Co- Media managers are Philimon Michael (‘26) and Ayana Tesfamarim (‘26). Finally, the Co- Outreach persons are Mia Gidey (‘26) and Susanna Benyam (‘27).
BSU started as a club in 2021 to create a space for Black students and to further uplift the Black community at Preuss. The club meets every second and fourth Thursday of the month during lunch in E101.
Mrs. Majors and Mrs. Cobbs are the advisors for this club and help the BSU Board Executives and members accomplish their goals by providing guidance and support. The current president of BSU is Fabian Garcia (‘25); he has participated in BSU for four years and is also the longest serving board member yet.
“The mission of creating a community has inspired me to continue this club, fighting for representation and ensuring the creation of a safe space here on campus,” states Fabian Garcia (‘25).
Students do not need to have any special requirements to join the club; it is open for everyone. Students must also attend meetings to be considered an active member of the club. But to be a highly active member students are encouraged to attend the BSU events.
BSU is known for hosting cultural community events such as the inaugural Black History Month event where students were given the opportunity to try a variety of cultural foods and were able to enjoy a collection of artwork dedicated to Black History. The mission with these events is to aim for a strong community that ensures representation and the creation of a safe space for Black students.
Mrs. Cobb’s states, “BSU at Preuss empowers students to be themselves, connect with Black peers and allies, celebrate their identity, and be proud of their heritage.”
The club is also known for their activities and field trips opportunities for students like Black College Expo at MLK Recreation Center and Black Student Summit. The club is also in a collaboration with La Jolla Country where they participate in collaborative activities, games, and group discussions that help further strengthen the community.
“Students build community with BSU by connecting with peers around mentorship, study groups and peer support,” states Ms. Cobbs.
BSU serves as a place for students to celebrate their cultural identity and diversity by having positions of leadership, like outreach, which can strengthen the community and make the atmosphere more fun and engaging. During their scheduled meetings, students can dive into topics like current social issues, Black history, heritage, and hopefully strive to be advocates for social justice not only at Preuss but also in their own communities. BSU provides memorable experiences like giving students opportunities to show off their cultural dances at the multicultural fair.
Ruth Kibrom (‘26), a highly active member of BSU, states, “My favorite part of BSU is the people. The club has an amazing and efficient board that runs the club smoothly.”
BSU is a national organization, meaning that many high schools and colleges have chapters of the organization. BSU helps students transition from high school to college by providing them with support in being a representation in their communities. In addition, BSU seniors are given a sash for their high school graduation.
“[BSU offers students] an opportunity to come together and celebrate culture, Black excellence, where students can connect with others and share similar experiences,” states Ms. Cobbs
