For Mariam Sylla, joining the Black Student Union at Washington State University was about finding something bigger than herself.
Now a senior majoring in business administration and finance and serving as BSU president, Sylla says the organization has become both a community and a platform for supporting Black students on a predominantly white campus.
“I wanted to be part of something bigger than myself,” Sylla said. “It was about finding community, networking opportunities and a space where you can make friends and grow together.”
The Black Student Union, commonly known as BSU, provides programming, events and support for Black students at WSU while also creating opportunities for cultural education across campus. During Black History Month, the organization has expanded its outreach through collaborations and events designed to celebrate Black culture and history. Serving as president, Sylla said, has allowed her to give back to students who may feel underrepresented or far from home.
“To me, being BSU president is an opportunity to give back to my community,” she said. “A lot of students come here feeling isolated and I want to help create a space where they feel supported and seen.”
One of Sylla’s proudest moments has been watching the organization grow during her time at WSU. When she first joined, meetings typically attracted around 10 to 15 students. Now, BSU events regularly bring in more than 100 attendees.
“Seeing our numbers grow so much over the last four years has been incredible,” she said. “It shows that students want connection and community and that the work we’re doing matters.”
At a predominantly white institution like WSU, Sylla emphasized the importance of having a dedicated space where Black students can connect with others who share similar experiences.
“Sometimes you don’t always see people who look like you in your classes or daily spaces,” she said. “Having a place like BSU allows students to come together, feel comfortable and build community with people who understand their experiences.”
This year’s Black History Month celebrations reflect one of Sylla’s main goals as president: increasing collaboration across campus. BSU has partnered with multiple student organizations and university departments, including academic programs and cultural centers, to host events throughout the month.
“I really wanted us to collaborate as much as possible,” Sylla said. “We wanted Black History Month to feel celebrated across campus, not just within one group.”
Through panels, social events and educational programming, BSU aims to create spaces for both celebration and conversation while encouraging broader campus engagement. As her term as president comes to an end, Sylla hopes her leadership leaves a lasting impact on the organization and future students.
“I hope people see the dedication and effort we put into building this community,” she said. “I want BSU to continue growing and for students to stay involved and active.”
For incoming Black students at WSU, Sylla encourages them to seek out community early and take advantage of available resources and connections. Black History Month, she said, is ultimately about honoring those who came before while creating opportunities for future generations.
“It’s about recognizing the people who paved the way for us and continuing to advocate for others,” Sylla said. “We’re building foundations for the students who come after us.”
As BSU continues hosting events throughout the month, Sylla hopes students across campus will participate, learn and celebrate together — reinforcing the sense of belonging that first inspired her to join.
