We Are the Black Students of California United.

In the spring of 2016, a thinktank of 4 great minds, came together to discuss, develop, and design what would become the Black Students of California United (BSCU) enlightened by a handful of students from throughout Central Valley for insight. By the end of the summer, the Mission, Vision Statement and Values of the organization were established along with the Youth Senate and Health Ambassador models. The BSCU was launched in August of 2016 with an 11-member Executive Board with over 100 years of educational excellence and experience, years of community development, civic engagement, and service. The BSCU started with 24 member High School Black Student Union (BSU) groups from the Central Valley, Sacramento, and East Bay areas. (The BSCU now serves Middle Schools in the development of Black Student Union affinity groups).

The Black Students of California United has since forged many relationships within the state of California to benefit both Black students and educators. Partnerships include the California Legislative Black Caucus (CLBC), the Umoja Community Foundation, several post-secondary institutions that include the Community College, CSU and UC systems, various K-12 School Districts, and A Black Education Network (ABEN, formerly California Alliance of African American Educators-CAAAE).

Student Leadership conferences commenced in 2017 on the campus of American River Community College and the steps of the California State Capitol and have continued each year to date. Experiences such as “Black Minds Matter” and “Day of Activism” were introduced to members to engage critical thinking and civic engagement. The BSCU is committed to the cultural education and empowerment of Black youth in California and to cultivating future leaders including academic excellence. The BSCU is a student-led organization that believes in and promotes Diversity, Equity and Inclusion of the Black diaspora.

The students, educators and communities impacted by the culturally relevant experiences, support, and leadership of the BSCU are grateful to the co-founding members of the thinktank who believed in, loved and supported Black students in California: Ms. Debra Watkins, Mrs. Jacqueline McFadden, Dr. Angie Barfield and Dr. Angelo Williams. All of which are longtime educators, advocates, development agents, and activists for the Black community. May the legacy of Black Excellence and the cultural excellence of Black Students in California, the nation and the world live on for years to come.

We are the Black Students of California United, educated and empowered to be the change.