Amador Valley High School’s Black Student Union (BSU) actively builds a supportive and inclusive space for Black students while also promoting cultural pride and fostering a strong sense of community. The club holds meetings and events that provide a space for students to connect. 

Goal of BSU

“[BSU] is a student-led club that’s focused on supporting Black people, students, teachers, and it’s all about mission and purpose. It also serves as a voice for black students, and it’s open to all,” said Former BSU President Julian Johnson (‘26)

For the upcoming Donversity Day, BSU has been practicing for the assembly and allowing students to join the fun through drum circles.

“The idea is for these kids, who have never played this instrument before, to access and explore it, learn a new rhythm and dance, and share their curiosity while fully engaging in the school experience,” said Founder of Cheza Nami Catherine Ndungu-Case.

Some students may not have access or the ability to play instruments like the Jembe. Now, they can do such things within the school community.

“The whole idea is that the students here who don’t typically have access to this kind of resource can get access to it and that they’re able to showcase to other students how you can learn something new even when it’s something you might be familiar with,” said Ndungu-Case.

The Cheza Nami Foundation and BSU have come together to bring all sorts of cultures together, blended and presented, to bring awareness from many different parts of the world.

“We’ve got folks from Brazil, folks from the West, the East, the North, the South. But somehow we found a way to do something together and bring joy to the community,” said Ndungu-Case.