Black Student Union (BSU) provides a community that has become an integral part of Williston for many students.

Williston, in the past few years, has become increasingly diverse, a testament to the efforts of the school. Black people, however, are still a stark minority at this school. There are often only a few Black students in each class, and that can lead to isolation; BSU, however, is a  welcoming community for all Black-identifying students across campus.

BSU was part of the school’s six-point plan to help with diversity, equality, inclusion, and belonging starting in 2020. This came with a lot of other changes as well, such as the Stoling ceremony at the end of the year for graduating Black students, and BSU-led parties for the whole school.

Acacia Nickeo, a three-year boarder from Hartford, Conn., is this year’s BSU President, a job she loves.

“It’s fun to be president and lead the meetings, and even though it definitely gets hectic and even out of control sometimes, it’s always fun,” she said.

Every year, BSU has had presidents plan and lead meetings, during which the group plans events like the Halloween party where members dress up in their costumes. Last year’s presidents were Jacob Waah and Quinn James, two day students who graduated and went to Dickinson and University of Southern California, respectively. This year, the presidents are Acacia Nickeo and Jayla Peets Butterfield, two juniors.

Kingsley Rogers, a boarder from Long Island, N.Y.,, has found a community he likes at Williston.

“When I first got to Williston, I knew it was gonna be a great opportunity for basketball, but I didn’t know whether I was gonna really like the school, it’s a way different environment from home,” he said. “BSU and the Black students here gives a community that I like. It’s way more similar to home and has a certain energy that is what BSU should be like, and I love it.”

According to the school, less than 30% of the school population were domestic students of color last year. While this number is an increase from years prior, it can still lead to massive culture shock for many new students at the school. Many students come from areas where 90% of the population were predominantly Black, and suddenly changing to a place where less than three in every ten students are Black can be a drastic change. This is why BSU is important; it creates a home away from home for the Black students at the school.

Kora Brissett, a two-year boarder from Amherst, Mass., is looking forward to a few BSU events.

“I’m looking forward to the Halloween dance in the fall, and the Deerfield dance in the Spring,” she said. Every year the BSU at Williston goes to another school for a party with other local BSUs from schools in the area. The event is a highlight for many kids on campus and is one of the main events of the year.