The Black Student Union (BSU) operates under the umbrella of our school’s Multicultural Society, a collective network of organizations dedicated to celebrating and spreading cultural diversity and promoting inclusion. Within this society, BSU, alongside groups such as Hermanos Unidos, the Italian Club, the Asian Student Union, and DADYO (Dallas Area Diversity Youth Organization), are under the umbrella of the Multicultural Society. Together they create a community where students of all backgrounds can share their heritage, engage each other, and work toward greater cultural understanding on campus. Being a part of this broader coalition allows BSU to collaborate on cultural events, support fellow diversity groups, and help lead around the goals of identity and representation. Being a part of the multicultural society, there is a common shared mission to ensure every student feels seen and empowered.

Lineage of Leadership

The Black Student Union at our school has a legacy rooted in leadership. Founded by Dawud Crooms, BSU began as a vision to create a space where Black students could come together, share experiences, and foster unity and diversity on the Jesuit campus. Following his establishment of the Black Student Union, Chris Simington stepped into the role of President with Entonyo Jones serving as Vice President, where they continued to grow the organization, expanding its reach and deepening its impact actively bringing in Black individuals from all grades. The next wave of leadership came with Kevin Butera and Cameron Lewis, who brought a strong focus on community engagement. Today, BSU is led by Shane Parker and Nathan Chukwumah, who continue to build on the foundation of the organization laid before them. Each year of leadership for the Black Student Union has brought its own voice and vision, helping BSU evolve into more than just a club and instead a representation within Jesuit for Black Students. 

Voting/Voted

The voting process for our Black Student Union is designed to ensure fairness, inclusivity, and student leadership. Elections are held annually in the spring semester. Eligible members in attendance vote on the future legislation for the Black Student Union. Recently, candidates submitted a brief statement explaining what they are running for and how they plan to serve the club. These speeches were presented at the final meeting before the election and students running for positions verbally expressed their efforts and reasoning for why they would be the ideal individual for the position. Voting was conducted anonymously, where if you intended on voting you were required to look to who you were voting for in the eye to show your support and adamantly advocate for them. Votes were counted by the faculty advisor Mr. Vu and winners of their positions were shown by a past leader Kevin Butera. Elected officers were then announced and would officially begin their roles at the start of the next school year. This process helps promote student voice, leadership, and accountability within the Black Student, with goals to orient the organization towards support and legitimization under the umbrella of the Multicultural Society.

The Interview of Past and Present Leaders of BSU

Cameron Lewis 

What was the responsibility of being a leader of BSU and how was that goal achieved?

“As Co-President of the Jesuit Black Student Union, I’ve had the privilege of helping create a space where Black students at our school feel seen, heard, and valued. Our mission is to uplift one another, celebrate our culture, and educate our school community about the Black experience. Leading this group has taught me the power of unity and voice. We don’t just gather to talk, we lead discussions with African American Jesuit alums, and work toward positive change within our school. Whether we’re planning Black History Month celebrations, hosting speakers, or creating spaces for open dialogue, every moment is about building pride and community.

Being in this role is a responsibility. I represent not only myself but also those who came before me and those coming after me. I’ve learned to lead with empathy, confidence, and purpose. One of my proudest moments was watching the underclassmen ready and prepared for the future of the BSU and knowing that the club is in great hands for years to come. We still face challenges, but that’s what makes this work meaningful. Every step we take is about building a more inclusive, empowered Jesuit community; one where every student can stand tall in their identity and feel like they truly belong to the community.”

How did you build relationships with the school and other groups to foster a community within Jesuit including BSU?

“Building relationships within Jesuit and fostering a stronger sense of community through the Black Student Union was something I approached with in two different ways, being purpose and care. As a student, I understood how important it was to feel connected so I made it a priority to reach out not just to BSU members but to other clubs and student leaders. Where I regularly attended events hosted by other groups and looked for ways to collaborate, whether that meant supporting cultural events, or simply showing up for one another. Aswell one of the most important parts of building community was encouraging open communication. I wanted BSU to be a space where everyone felt heard especially with the added responsibility of the organization being passed down from past leaders. I worked hard to make sure our presence at Jesuit was not only seen but respected, which meant building real relationships with school leaders, participating in school-wide initiatives, and making sure our events reflected the values held at Jesuit. Now as a senior I can finally take a step back and see how much has been accomplished with the community feeling stronger, more connected, and more open than when I first arrived, allowing me to leave Jesuit feeling fulfilled and hopeful for what’s still to come, especially with our newly elected leadership.”

Kevin Butera

What was the responsibility of being a leader of BSU and how was that goal achieved?

“As Co-President of my school’s Black Student Union along with Cameron Lewis, I’ve worked alongside my peers to build a space rooted in culture, leadership, and community. Our mission was oriented going beyond meetings in achieving diversity, we strove to create opportunities for Black students to connect, express themselves, and influence meaningful change. This year, as a part of Co-leading BSU, I helped organize community discussions, lead planning, and coordinate with administration to ensure diverse voices are part of school wide decisions.

Sharing leadership has taught me the importance of collaboration and accountability. Where it wasn’t just about representing the club, it was about empowering others to lead, especially younger members who will carry leading within the school. Being Co-President has deepened my commitment to equity and shown me the lasting impact of community-driven leadership.”

How did your own identity shape your approach to this leadership role, especially coming into Jesuit from a non-feeder?

“Coming into Jesuit from a public school and not attending any of the nearby private middle schools played a big role in shaping how I approached my leadership within the Black Student Union. I didn’t come in with a already established group of friends or a sense of familiarity with the community, often making me feel like I was starting from scratch. That feeling of being unknown helped me become more aware of others who might also feel like they didn’t fit in, pushing me to lead with empathy as well as openness, and the desire to create space for people who needed it. I wanted BSU to be a space where students from all backgrounds, whether coming from nearby schools or not, could find representation, and a sense of belonging. My identity as someone outside the regular Jesuit path helped me see the value of inclusion more clearly. I made it a priority to welcome new individuals and ensure that no one felt overlooked, where I constantly reminded myself that strong leadership starts with understanding, and that every student deserves to feel seen.”

What advice would you give the next generation of BSU leaders?

“As a graduating senior and former leader of the Black Student Union, my advice to the next generation is to lead with confidence and a clear purpose. This role is more than just planning meetings or events, it’s about creating a space where Black students feel welcomed and supported. Your voice matters, and your leadership can inspire real change. You may feel unsure at times but stay focused on why you took on the role of leading BSU. Listen to your members and learn what matters to them as well as make sure they feel included. Community is built through trust, and trust starts with being present and honest. Also, try to build strong relationships with people outside the club like other student leaders and administrators. Don’t be afraid to ask for help or share your ideas, and most importantly, lead with love for your community, your culture, and yourself.” 

Nathan Chukwumah

Being newly elected, what are you going to do having this role?

“I was recently elected Vice President of our Black Student Union, and I’m honored to take on a role that allows me to help contribute to the future of our organization. One of my main goals is to further legitimize BSU within our school, not just as an extracurricular club, but as a space for cultural identity and student leadership as well as social awareness. I want to ensure that BSU is recognized as a vibrant part of student life, where Black students feel empowered and supported. Beyond our school walls, I’m also working to connect with other private schools across the Dallas area to build a stronger, more collaborative BSU network. By uniting with students at nearby Dallas schools, we can host joint events, share resources, and create a larger platform for change. My vision is to help BSU not only grow but become a lasting influence within our community.”

Being a new student to Jesuit as a transfer, how does that shape your approach to leading the organization?  

“Transferring to Jesuit from JPII gave me a unique outlook as I stepped into leadership within the Black Student Union. Coming into a new school, I experienced finding a place in an unfamiliar environment, which ended up shaping how I will continue to lead. I wanted the BSU to be a space where everyone, especially new students or those who hadn’t always felt seen could feel welcomed, and heard. Being a transfer also allowed me to bring a new perspective: I had the opportunity to compare how different schools approach diversity, inclusion, as well as student support, which gave me insight into both the strengths and areas for growth that I could work with and towards at Jesuit. My goal as a leader, especially coming from a new school, is to build community, celebrate identity, and create space for the multitude of students at Jesuit. I also want to make sure our actions have a real impact, both within the Black Student Union and across the school. Leading as a new student constantly reminds me that sometimes the best ideas come from those who are still learning the lay of the land and that new perspectives and energy can spark meaningful change.”

Current Members of the Black Student Union

Last years’ Jesuit Black Student Union members consist of for freshman (current sophomores):

• Shane McLaurin ’28
• Francis Munyambu ’28
• Jonathan Lax ’28
• Tyler Ezetendu ’28
• Nicholas Carter ’28
• Connor Redmond ’28

Last years’ Jesuit Black Student Union members consist of for sophomores (current juniors):

• Jackson Boyd ’27
• Nathan Chukwumah ’27
• Chase Brown ’27
• Darren Clemons ’27
• Branch Dallman ’27
• Michael Edaki ’27
• Noah Fisher ’27
• Alonte Garmon ’27
• Asher Meachem ’27
• Zane Roland ’27

Last years’ Jesuit Black Student Union members consist of for juniors (current seniors):

• Mark Edaki ’26
• Gabriel James ’26
• Shane Parker ’26
• Emmanuel Uzor ’26

Last years’ Jesuit Black Student Union members consist of for seniors (current college freshmen):

• Cameron Lewis ’25
• Kevin Butera ’25
• Caleb Grayson Steger ’25
• Andrew Leon ’25

” Remember to keep the brotherhood alive for us throughout the hallways as we leave Jesuit, and keep living the Magis as most faculty say.” -Kevin Butera

And as always Go RANGERS!

Tune into The Roundup for more club and extracurricular activity coverage!