SM North’s Black Student Union held its first meeting in the learning commons after school on August 28.

The organization was founded by a group of students who proposed the idea to school administration last spring.

“We wanted to provide a safe space to discuss social issues and share opinions in a judgement-free environment,” Treasurer Glory Obi said.

Obi developed the idea for the organization with President Hananeel Morinville and Vice President Mystika Allison-Barnes.

“We want to promote unity and togetherness,” Morinville said. “Everyone is encouraged to come.”

North Counselor Pedro Miller says it was this mindset that inspired him to become co-sponsor of the group, along with English teacher Natalie Johnson-Berry.

“These students were passionate about wanting to have a voice they didn’t feel they had before,” Miller said. “I wanted to be a part of that.”

The Black Student Union meets every Tuesday from 2:50-3:50 in the learning commons.