By Fiona Hagan

2/28/25

Students chat at a recent event hosted by Field’s Black Student Union.

Jill J., the Black Student Union’s Head of Communications, is the creator of the social media campaign Black History Fridays, which highlights a prominent Black historical figure once a week on the club’s Instagram. The 11th grader, who has been active in the organization since her freshman year, is tasked with thinking of ways BSU can reach out to the broader Field community. 

Jill said she has worked to emphasize the importance of the Black community’s contributions both in the past and present. “I really wanted to find a way to showcase not only past history, but the recent,” she said. “I did a post about the two Black women senators that are serving at the same time. And I thought it was really nice to highlight something that’s happening right now that’s making history as well.”

Bishop Walker, a faculty leader of BSU, has found that the campaign is an effective way to educate the larger community. “I think it shows the essence of the contributions African Americans have made in this country, and I think it’s important for our community at Field to learn about that,” he said. 

Echoing Walker’s sentiments, the Head of Communications wants the club’s social media presence to serve as a space for education between both BSU and members of the Field community. “I feel like it’s really nice to see people interact and see what’s happening with the club and just in the world,” Jill said. 

Reaching a broader audience and expanding their opportunities through social media has been a priority for the organization. Walker said he has enjoyed watching the organization’s expansion into social media. “Social media is very important,” he said. “Social media is driven by young people in our society and I think that it is important for us to get out there what BSU does at Field.”

One of BSU’s most recent Black History Friday posts.

In recent months, BSU has hosted a canned food drive, and Founder’s Night, where students, faculty and families baked sweet potato pies and decorated donation boxes. The events foster connections between the students and the broader community, and are planned by the members of BSU in a highly collaborative effort. 

The faculty leaders have established BSU as a productive and welcoming environment, where students can propose events and activities. Bishop described his role as “getting to know each of the students, basically based on their skills and their interests as well. We try to make BSU as fun as possible and a learning environment where students can feel welcome.” 

The collaborative spirit of the club carries into recent social media efforts, with the faculty leaders serving as mentors in the process. Walker said that the media team will flag new ideas for Black History Friday fun facts. Recently, Jill has highlighted Carter G. Woodson and Mary McLeod Bethune. 

Looking towards the future of Black History Fridays, Jill is looking forward to expanding her efforts to promoting all aspects of Black history beyond politics. “I want to do a mixture of just everything, arts, writing, politics,” Jill said. “Hopefully people will find something interesting, no matter their background.” 

Walker hopes the organization remains a space for fun, education and connection. “I would like for kids to continue to feel safe and continue to have fun,” he said. “Everyone should have the chance to connect with Black history and to make a change in our community.”