In the 2010s, the BSU moved fully into the digital era. Using Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, the BSU was able to reach out to prospective and current UNI students to share events and promote their stories. The rise of social media also provided a new platform for the BSU to share news about injustices and call for change. In 2013, #BlackLivesMatter began nationally trending after the murder of Trayvon Martin.1 On UNI’s campus, the hashtag #ITooAmUNI, emerged in 2015 as BSU students and other students of color spoke out against the racism they faced on campus along with the I Will Not Die Young Campaign.2 In 2017, BSU Twitter created the hashtag #MyBlackIsBeautiful to promote Black pride and combat derogatory popular assumptions about Black beauty.3 Recently, in 2019, the hashtag #UNIisnotanAlly, led by prominent BSU members arose after the University administration continually ignored calls for reform after the controversy surrounding the Waka Flocka Flame concert.4
While the internet provided the spread of information quickly, it also created a space for misinformation to spread. Fake news became a part of the nation’s vernacular as facts were challenged in a play for political power. Although the 2010s were a time of great social change, they also were a time of reactionary political parties emerging, as many within the establishment feared the changing of the status quo. In response to this, the BSU held the UNI community accountable for its racism, not only through peaceful protests but also in their annual “Tunnel of Oppression” during Black History Month.5
During Black History Month, and throughout the year, the BSU promotes and creates a space for Black student life on campus to thrive. Some of their social events have included the annual skate night and the annual fashion show, as well as celebratory parties and casual get-togethers. The BSU also encourages scholarship by hosting study groups, poetry nights, and a book club, inviting the authors of the books they read to campus to discuss the books. Besides authors, the BSU has invited many speakers, from politicians such as Angela Davis to activists such as Tim Wise to campus to inspire and encourage students to better learn and understand the world around them.
The BSU was not alone in building a community for Black students on UNI’s campus, as many Divine Nine fraternities and sororities have called this campus home at different times. Despite negative stereotypes of Greek Life, all Greek Life organizations on UNI’s campus give back to their local communities through philanthropic events, as well as being a social group. As cultural organizations, Divine Nine fraternities and sororities are unique in that they are not just places for people to socialize, but for people to celebrate their shared culture. The last Divine Nine Greek organization active on UNI’s campus, Phi Beta Sigma, had its last member graduate in 2011.6 In 2016, Omega Psi Phi returned to campus.7 By 2021, the sorority Delta Sigma Theta joined them, meaning that the first Divine Nine fraternity and sorority at UNI were once again.8
Call to Action
An informal study circle group with members of the BSU met to discuss racial, ethnic, religious, and social biases on UNI campus following the spray painting of a swastika in the 2009 fall semester. This study group led to another panel, Call to Action: A More Inclusive Campus, that was held on March 30th to further examine incidents of bias and discuss ways that students could hold other students accountable.9
Protest
BSU sponsored a protest against discrimination and racism on campus.10
Homeless Vigil
Bobby Elam, the sole member of Phi Beta Sigma, held a vigil to raise awareness for the homeless in the last “Sleep Out for the Homeless,” the philanthropy that Phi Beta Sigma sponsored.11
Skate Party
BSU hosted a roller skate party for Black History Month.12
Date Auction
BSU hosted a Date Auction to raise funds for a local non-profit breast cancer foundation, “Splash of Color.” Funds were raised through a bidding process with 20 students, 10 men and 10 women. All bids started at $5 but the audience could bid higher if they so choose. All funds raised, as well as any donations went to Splash of Color.13
Black Music History
BSU sponsored an interactive performance that allowed the audience to experience and participate in an exploration of Black history through music titled: Exploration of Black Music Through the Decades.14
Lecture of Law
The BSU brought Randall L. Kennedy, an American law professor from Harvard, to lecture on Race Relations and the Law in the Obama Era.15
Small Beginnings
The BSU Book Club began with the book, Mon and Me and Mom.16
BSU Book Club
Feb 20th, 2014 The BSU had a Book Club Meeting – Black Woman Redefined: Dispelling myths and Discovering Fulfillment in the Age of Michelle Obama and Poetry Slam & Open Mic Night17
Breaking Down Structural Racism
The BSU hosted a discussion with Dr. DeFrancisco, a communications and women’s studies professor, and Dr. Blackwell, Director of the Center for Multicultural Education, entitled: Breaking Down Structural Racism18
Skate Party
The BSU hosted their annual Skate Party. This was the 40th skate party that the BSU hosted since the first in 1975.19
I Will Not Die Young
The BSU promoted the “I Will Not Die Young” campaign.20
#ITooAmUNI
BSU had the #ITooAmUNI hashtag in which UNI students of color discussed the ways in which they faced racism on campus.21
Fashion for Action
BSU hosted the ‘Fashion for Action’ fashion show.22
#BLM
The BSU hosted an in depth conversation of the #BLM movement entitled, Black Lives Matter: Reality VS Perception.23
Omega Psi Phi
Omega Psi Phi returned to campus.24
Tunnel of Oppression
This event, which starts in the Maucker Union tunnel and goes all the way to Lang, continues to be one of BSU’s signature events. Rooms are rented out and different topics are addressed in each room. Groups of five to eight people will be taken from room to room to experience what African Americans have gone through from the past to the present. Each room displays a reenactment of different types of oppression many minorities have experienced. Sanders and Baylor encourage everyone, including students, professors and the public, to attend the event.26
#MyBlackisBeautiful
#MyBlackIsBeautiful hashtag was promoted by the BSU to celebrate Black culture.25
Lip Sync
BSU hosted Black History Month with events such as the Tunnel of Oppression, Lip Sync Battle, a discussion about similarities and differences between Black American and African culture, and other celebrations.27
#UNIisnotanAlly
#UNIisnotanAlly campaign began following President Mark Nook’s Oct 30th email to campus regarding concerns raised by UNI Racial and Ethnic Coalition. Flyers were posted and online students and faculty shared testimonies of experiencing racism on UNI’s campus.28
Black History Month
The BSU hosted the Black History Month Kickoff in Maucker Union with a flash mob and peaceful protest (described as such by BSU Secretary Laito Zarkpah).29
Delta Sigma Theta
The first Divine Nine sorority, Delta Sigma Theta, returns to campus.30
1.“Herstory.” Black Lives Matter. https://blacklivesmatter.com/herstory/?__cf_chl_jschl_tk__=pmd_2i8y6C3cQhPU_G06fP0TTzAEDJysTyDdoDudo3R_J7M-1634566187-0-gqNtZGzNAjujcnBszQi9
2. CME Shared Archive – 1995-2016 Academic Years – 2014-2015 Academic Year – BSU Black History Month
3. Smith, Monique, “My Black is Beautiful Week.” Northern Iowan. October 30, 2017. https://www.northerniowan.com/7168/showcase/my-black-is-beautiful-week/
4. Cummings, Gabriella and Elizabeth Kelsey. “REC Launches #UNIisnotanAlly Campaign.” Northern Iowan. November 4, 2019. https://indexuni.library.uni.edu/articles/319167
5. Flanders, Ann. “UNI Celebrates Black History Month.” Northern Iowan. February 5, 2018. https://www.northerniowan.com/7791/showcase/uni-celebrates-black-history-month/
6. Maddix, Nicholas Scott. “Phi Beta Sigma Hosts Homeless Sleepout,” Northern Iowan. November 15, 2011. https://indexuni.library.uni.edu/articles/73247
7. Baughman, Katie. “Homecoming 2016: Unmask Your Spirit.” Northern Iowan. September 29, 2016. https://www.northerniowan.com/4606/showcase/homecoming-2016-unmask-your-spirit/
8. UNI Fraternity & Sorority Life. “Returning to UNI This Fall. Delta Sigma Theta Sorority.” Facebook, August 10, 2021, https://www.facebook.com/UNIFSL/
9. Funk, Dakota John, “Study circle brings campus community together on issues of bias, race,” Northern Iowan. February 10, 2010. https://indexuni.library.uni.edu/articles/71672
10. CME Shared Archive – 1995-2016 Academic Years – 2009-2010 Academic Years – Black History Month
11. Maddix, Nicholas Scott. “Phi Beta Sigma Hosts Homeless Sleepout,” Northern Iowan. November 15, 2011. https://indexuni.library.uni.edu/articles/73247
12. “UNI Students Roll Back to the 1970s.” Northern Iowan. February 6, 2012 https://www.northerniowan.com/1197/news/uni-students-roll-back-to-the-%c2%9170s/
13. “Email to NISG About BSU Splash of Color.” in the Northern Iowa Student Government (NISG) Collection, Northern Iowan Student Government Records, 1990- Box 38 Folder Pepsi Fund- Black Student Union, 2012-2013, 17/02/11, Rod Library, University of Northern Iowa.
14. “Email to NISG About Exploration of Black Music Through the Decades.” in the Northern Iowa Student Government (NISG) Collection, Northern Iowan Student Government Records, 1990- Box 38 Folder UNI Black Student Union, 2012-20213, 17/02/11, Rod Library, University of Northern Iowa.
15. “March 1, 2013 Randall L Kennedy lecture,” in the Center for Multicultural Education Collection Brochures & Announcements, c. 1970-2019 Box 1 Folder: Ethnic Minorities Cultural and Educational Center, 1994-,, 04/06/01, Rod Library, University of Northern Iowa.
16. CME Shared Archive – 1995-2016 Academic Years – 2013-2014 Academic Year – event calendars
17. CME Shared Archive – 1995-2016 Academic Years – 2013-2014 Academic Year – event calendars
18. CME Shared Archive – 1995-2016 Academic Years – 2014-2015 Academic Year – Tim Wise
19. CME Shared Archive – 1995-2016 Academic Years – 2014-2015 Academic Year – BSU Black History Month
20. CME Shared Archive – 1995-2016 Academic Years – 2014-2015 Academic Year – BSU Black History Month
21. UNI BSU. “#DearFutureMulticulturalPanther #ITooAmUNI #MulticulturalPanther #SeeMe #RespectMe #PantherFriday.” Twitter. October 30, 2018. https://twitter.com/unibsu?lang=en
22. Jamtgaard, Katherine. “BSU ‘Fashion for Action’.” Northern Iowan. February 8, 2016. https://www.northerniowan.com/3508/showcase/bsus-fashion-for-action/
23. Fisher, Nick. “BLM Speaker Empowers Students at BSU Event.” Northern Iowa. February 29, 2016. https://www.northerniowan.com/3764/showcase/blm-speaker-empowers-students-at-bsu-event/
24. Baughman, Katie. “Homecoming 2016: Unmask Your Spirit.” Northern Iowan. September 29, 2016. https://www.northerniowan.com/4606/showcase/homecoming-2016-unmask-your-spirit/
25. Smith, Monique, “My Black is Beautiful Week.” Northern Iowan. October 30, 2017. https://www.northerniowan.com/7168/showcase/my-black-is-beautiful-week/
26. Crippes, Christina. “Tunnel of Oppression Gives Chance to Walk Through Black Experience.” Waterloo Cedar Falls Courier. February 22, 2017. https://wcfcourier.com/news/local/education/tunnel-of-oppression-gives-chance-to-walk-through-black-experience/article_05944c5f-ea50-5e1c-aab6-16a6bd4e7e1d.html
27. Flanders, Ann. “UNI Celebrates Black History Month.” Northern Iowan. February 5, 2018. https://www.northerniowan.com/7791/showcase/uni-celebrates-black-history-month/
28. Cummings, Gabriella and Elizabeth Kelsey. “REC Launches #UNIisnotanAlly Campaign.” Northern Iowan. November 4, 2019. https://indexuni.library.uni.edu/articles/319167
29. Legaspi, Sofia and Alex Johnson. “Black History Month with BSU.” Northern Iowan. February 3, 2020. https://www.northerniowan.com/12175/showcase/black-history-month-with-bsu/
30. UNI Fraternity & Sorority Life. “Returning to UNI This Fall. Delta Sigma Theta Sorority.” Facebook, August 10, 2021, https://www.facebook.com/UNIFSL/.