Haley Jackson

Senior Haley Jackson, co-publicity officer for the Black Student Union (BSU) and section editor for the news, feature, and politics & activism section of the Eagle Eye, is seeking to use her skills to help better the newly revived BSU.

“I wanted to become an officer for BSU because I felt I could use my skills as Section editor to help amplify the club’s overall voice,” Jackson said. “I wanted to serve BSU in any way possible as well as serve to the best of my ability.” 

Jackson, using the skills that she has cultivated from her work in the Eagle Eye, intends to create an environment that is more educated and racially aware. She acknowledges that change takes time, but also adds that progress only occurs with effort.

“As a whole, BSU hopes to help create a more racially aware and accepting school campus and community,” Jackson said. “While improvement does not occur overnight, it does take a conscious effort from everyone to ensure progress occurs. BSU plans to continue partnerships with other affinity clubs at MSD and at other Broward schools to host conversations and events to promote racial equality.”

Jackson shares the position of publicity officer with fellow Eagle Eye member and BSU officer Nya Owusu-Afriyie. The two have worked together before and intend to use their respective talents to aid the BSU in their goals. 

“I feel very hopeful about serving as co-publicity officer with Nya Owusu-Afriyie. Since Nya is one of the photo editors for The Eagle Eye, we have worked together before. With my main focus being writing and Nya’s being photography, I feel that our partnership ensures a successful public appearance,” Jackson said. 

Along with creating a safe environment for people of color and promoting black culture and history, this year BSU has plans to expand its reach. Jackson states that the club plans to reach out to other BSU chapters for the purposes of larger events.

“I hope BSU can use our platform to gain a broader reach throughout the county. BSU plans to host school-wide events and additional events with other Broward schools BSU chapters,” Jackson said. 

Ultimately, BSU’s goal is to create a safe and racially aware environment that everyone can learn from. They hope to succeed in doing this this year by planning events and just generally getting the school involved in the promotion of a safe and healthy environment. 

“By hosting discussions with Principal Kefford and other affinity groups, BSU is able to discuss possible and current racial issues. BSU’s partnership with administration helps to create a united approach to seeking racial acceptance on the MSD campus,” Jackson said. “I think every school should have a BSU. BSU serves as a safe haven for both Black and non-black students. The board’s goal is to always create an inclusive and honest environment where students can feel safe bringing forth both problems, events and ideas.”