The 2024 - 25 academic year marks a historic milestone for Kenyon: the founding of the Black Student Union (BSU). Organized by students in 1969 and formally recognized in 1970, the BSU addressed the need for support for the growing number of black students at Kenyon.
A celebratory weekend in honor of the BSU’s 55th anniversary will be held Sept. 27 - 29, 2024, during Kenyon's Homecoming Weekend.
Schedule of Events
Friday, Sept. 27
- Noon - 1 p.m. Black Student Union 55th Anniversary Welcome Lunch
- 6 p.m. Black Student Union 55th Anniversary Dinner
Saturday, Sept. 28
- 4:30 - 5:30 p.m. Black Student Union 55th Anniversary and LGBTQ+ Reunion Keynote featuring Karen Williams
- 6 - 8 p.m. Black Student Union 55th Anniversary Banquet
Sunday, Sept. 29
- 11 a.m. BSU 55th Anniversary Farewell Brunch
BSU Timeline
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1969
Ten black students deliver a statement of demands to Kenyon President Caples.
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1970
The BSU is formally recognized with 17 student charter members.
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1972
Leon Haslip '74, with help from BSU members, paints a mural on the wall of the BSU Lounge.
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More BSU History
"The BSU was such an important part of my time at Kenyon and my development as a young adult. The connections and friendships I made are still some of the closest relationships in my life."
50th Anniversary Celebration
A celebration in honor of the BSU’s 50th anniversary was held Sept. 27 - 29, 2019, sponsored by the Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (ODEI), the Office of Alumni and Parent Engagement and the Office of the President.