Downers Grove South students describe Black Student Union goals, membership and activities to District 99 board

Downers Grove South students and their sponsor told the District 99 Board of Education that the school’s Black Student Union is focused on cultural awareness, leadership and making the school more inclusive.

D'Angelo Gerald, a dean at Downers Grove South and the club’s sponsor, introduced student leaders and described the group’s role. “We as an entire South High community are incredibly proud of the student leaders we have in Black Student Union,” Gerald said.

The students said BSU is a student-centered organization that holds “tough conversations” about race and culture, promotes postsecondary planning, and encourages community outreach beyond the school. Kyam Young, vice president of BSU, said the group is open to all students and aims to broaden perspectives: “regardless of if you're black, white, brown, purple, whatever you are, we accept you in BSU.”

Student leaders listed recent and planned activities: a conference for area BSU chapters co‑hosted with Hinsdale South, food drives, virtual college visits, teacher appreciation events, and school‑level outreach coordinated with district leadership. The club maintains a Google Classroom that includes alumni and family members; students reported 144 people in the Google Classroom and regular meeting attendance that varies by topic, roughly 25–40 students.

Students said most of the club’s current cabinet are seniors and emphasized succession planning so the club will continue after the current leaders graduate. The group meets Thursday mornings at 7:45 a.m. in room A110, students said.

A board member who spoke after the presentation praised the students’ work and said the board has seen the club’s positive impact on district messaging and student leadership.

The presentation closed with invitation language for other students and families to attend future BSU meetings and events.