The Marshall University Black United Students started off the new school year with an informational meeting for new members.

“We had a really good turnout this year,” said BUS President Alexis Tyson. “So I’m hoping that our organization is even stronger this semester.”

Tyson is the new president of BUS and her first meeting expressed her desire to have more events and get more exposure on campus.

“We want to spread the word about BUS because we see other organizations and their community and we think it’s our time to form the same respect that other organization on campus get,” said BUS Secretary Heather Thomas.

BUS is a social, student run organization that goes through the Center for African American Students. BUS members are required to pay $12 each semester in order to put together activities for the members. Some of the events include Back to School Bowling, Wrap it Up Wednesday and a trip to a haunted corn maze in October.

“I’m hoping to give African American students a home,” said Tyson. “But I’m also hoping to give them a place to display African American culture.”

One of the most popular events BUS has held is “Black Coffee.” The event is similar to an open mic night where members can perform songs, poems or even monologues.

“I did Black Coffee for the first time last year and it was my all-time favorite,” said Thomas. “I even wrote a poem and read it to everyone.”

BUS plans to put together other events, such as Trunk or Treat, Rock the Vote and a potluck dinner in December.

“People should be interested in BUS just to have a voice that they want to have heard,” said BUS Historian Deshonda Stewart. “Some people think if they aren’t part of an organization your voice isn’t heard and here at BUS it will be.”

BUS meets at the Center for African American Students office in the Memorial Student Center.

Monica Zalaznik can be reached at [email protected].