In the early 1970s, some of Eastern’s African American students united to organize new campus events and create a network of support.

Thirty years later, the Black Student Union is still one of Eastern’s Recognized Student Organizations.

Every Tuesday at 7 p.m., members of the BSU gather together in the Afro-American Culture Center, located on Seventh Street near Lincoln Avenue, to meet and plan various campus events, such as the upcoming Miss Black EIU Pageant and the multi-cultural fashion show.

Monique Cook-Bey, assistant director of Student Life and BSU’s adviser, said that the 25 to 35 BSU members form several committees to plan activities that appeal to all students.

“We have committees like Academic Affairs, Social Affairs, Miss Black EIU and Homecoming Kick-off, to name a few,” Cook-Bey said.

“We try to do as many things as we can each semester.”

A major campus event planned by the BSU is the Miss Black EIU pageant.

Cook-Bey said that the pageant is open to both black and non-black women.

“The pageant is open to all women; period,” she said.

“We’ve had non-black contestants in the past, but they always seem to drop out.”

Cook-Bey said contestants are asked to discuss the importance of African American heritage.

Not only does BSU plan events, but it also provides African American students with a peer support group, Cook-Bey mentioned.

“We come together to organize campus events, but we are also a support group for each other,” she said.

Elexis Autry, president of the BSU, said the group tries to promote diversity.

“Anyone of any race is invited to join,” said Autry, a senior computer information systems major.

“When I pass out fliers, a lot of people ask, ‘Is this for white people, too?’, and it is.

“Everyone is welcome.”

Autry also commented that the BSU is still accepting members.

“Students have to pay $12 per semester to become a member, and we accept new members all throughout the year,” Autry said.

“We’re always looking for new members.”