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Oshkosh West students describe Black Student Union’s work and partnerships to city DEI committee
Summary
A senior at Oshkosh West and the school’s BSU advisor told the Oshkosh City DEI committee about the group’s mission, activities, mentorship and community partnerships, and said membership typically ranges from about 8–15 students with larger numbers on field trips.
Amaya Thomas, a senior at Oshkosh West, and BSU advisor Mariah Meadow told the Oshkosh City Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee on Feb. 23 about the school’s Black Student Union and its efforts to support Black and brown students.
"Our mission statement of the Black Student Union is to promote cultural awareness, educate the school community regarding issues faced by black students, and celebrate and promote black excellence," Thomas said, describing the group’s mission, core values and leadership roles that include president, vice president and activities coordinator.
Meadow described how the BSU partners with district programs and community organizations to provide peer conflict training, postsecondary navigation and field trips to UW–Oshkosh and Fox Valley Technical College. She said the group runs activities such as a Black History Gallery Walk and mentorship work with Bell Phillips Middle School.
Committee members asked about participation levels; Thomas estimated typical attendance at regular events ranges from about eight to 15 students and said that field trips sometimes bring up to 25 students. The committee praised the group’s community outreach and suggested future collaboration opportunities, including inviting BSU members to speak to city commissions and adding youth outreach materials to the city’s communications.
The presentation highlighted concrete partnerships and programs the BSU and district staff identified: peer-conflict curriculum provided twice a month through People of Progression, mentorship at Bell Phillips Middle School, Camp Light (a summer program hosted with Fox Valley Tech), and career exploration visits to local businesses. Meadow said the program aims to provide students with leadership roles and networking with peers and professionals.
The committee thanked the presenters and encouraged follow-up, including sharing contact information and possible future events with the group. The presentation concluded with committee members praising the BSU’s work and noting opportunities to connect students with city government and civic leadership pathways.
