By Jae Hibbard
StandOUT and the Black Africana Student Union are two student led organizations here on campus looking for leaders and general members.
Black Africana Student Union
Black Africana Student Union (BASU) is open to all Grand Rapids Community College students and sponsors gatherings and events focused on creating and supporting students of African descent. They aim to create an atmosphere of inclusion and academic support, provide scholarship and grant opportunities, and contribute to the community through volunteer service.
BASU is looking for one more member to fill positions on their executive board, enabling the group to request funds and participate in more events on campus.
During Black History Month, BASU is partnering with the Office of Diversity and Inclusion for some of the events hosted on campus over the course of the month.
BASU was a large part of GRCC’s student body before the pandemic and is excited to continue to bring community and support to African descendants and Allies on campus.
StandOUT
StandOUT creates a community of LGBTQ and allied students to be a supportive safe space for all identities on GRCC’s campus. Their goal is to support LGBTQ students, educate themselves and others in West Michigan, and advocate for the well-being of members of the community.
President Zoey Kuhn is in her fourth year here at GRCC and is hoping to bring life back into the organization.
“I just want to strengthen the LGBT community within the college, because it is important to me,” Kuhn said.
She said she hopes to continue projects and ideas from the last president, such as a GRCC table at Grand Rapids Pride Festival and a trans-inclusive clothing bank.
StandOUT is seeking a secretary to complete their executive board, allowing them to seek additional funding to expand their reach on and off campus. The E-board meets weekly on Tuesdays.
StandOUT is hosting its next event on Monday, Feb. 13, from 1-3 pm in the Student Life office on the first floor of the Student Life building. The event will offer cupcakes and coloring pages for students to enjoy while relaxing and learning more about the organization.
For more information about both organizations please visit Raider Connect.
