The Rancho Dominguez Prep Black Student Union has grown significantly this year. Roughly 40 to 45 students attend meetings, and about 10 percent are from different races--even some teachers attend.

During the first Black Out Day, most students and staff have worn Black in support of the Black Student Union and Black students on campus. Here's an interview with the club's president, Amiya Marbles.

Please tell me about yourself.

I am a senior at Rancho Dominguez Prep, I am the Black Student Union president, the ASB president, a cheerleader captain, and swimmer. I am passionate about the environment.

Why did you want to become president of the Black Student Union?

I wanted to help the Black community and students falling behind in school. I want to help them see why we all should be proud of being Black.

How do you keep students interested in attending the meetings each month?

Students like to attend the meetings because they feel they are able to have a voice. We have an activity where students put index cards with interesting topics in a jar. The topics range from interracial dating, food, stereotypes, and perceptions. We talk about things in our lives and what we see on social media. This helps us solve problems and heal from some event that might cause trauma.

What is a typical Black Student Union meeting like?

It begins with music. Then we take five minutes to catch up with each other. We discuss BSU plans and events, make announcements and participate in team building activities.

What impact has the BSU made on your school and Black students?

The biggest impact I see is BSU is bringing Black students together. There is “excitement”, “we are seen”, and Black culture is being appropriated in the right way.

As Black Student Union president, how do you create a safe place for all voices?

I make sure that everyone's ideas and opinions are respected. A safe place has developed because of the bond that we have created.

Share this Story

Validated Stories Newsletter (Autumn Edition)

Spring Edition Newsletter