The Auburn University Black Student Union (BSU) was recognized with multiple awards at the Southwestern Black Student Leadership Conference hosted by Texas A&M from Jan. 17 to 20, showcasing a significant moment for the student organization and its leadership.
BSU is a student-run organization focused on advocating for the interests and concerns of Auburn students, aiming to improve campus life through programs and initiatives, and encouraging students to become connected with campus life and participate in campus activities.
The organization is supported by a 21-member advisory board made up of campus and community organizations, including the Black Graduate and Professional Student organization, the Harold A. Franklin Society and the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP).
During the conference, Auburn’s BSU earned three major awards, including a selection for an advanced leadership institute that brings together the top student leaders from across the area. Another was the Groundbreakers Award, which recognizes student-led organizations that make a significant cultural impact while staying true to their mission and values.
In addition to the organization’s recognition, BSU President Alianna Richardson received the Visionary Award. This award honors a student leader who epitomizes strong leadership skills, service, academic achievement and sustained commitment to creating positive change within the Black community.
Reflecting on the recognition, Richardson emphasized the collective effort behind the organization’s success.
“It really meant that our hard work and dedication have paid off and it does go noticed,” Richardson said. “There's a lot of inner workings in the organization. It's not just our executive team that puts in work. It's also our cabinet team and our large committees within cabinet, and then also the attendance of our members and the constant support of our members that keeps the organization going.”
BSU Coordinator Gretil Sutton was honored with the Carreather’s-Scott Award, which recognizes outstanding advisors who have dedicated themselves to mentoring and developing student leaders.
Richardson and BSU Vice President of Engagement Christopher Thompson, known as “CJ,” were selected for the Charles E. Williams II Advanced Leadership Institute (ALI). ALI provides students with an immersive leadership experience designed to prepare them to become impactful leaders on campus and in their community.
“There’s always a moment for leaders to grow. I don’t think there's ever a point where they’ve reached their peak leadership,” Richardson said. “Being a part of this and being alongside my other executive board member, CJ, it was very nice for us to learn different facets of leadership and come together with other people from different schools to then learn from each other and learn how we can grow together.”
For Richardson, the recognition affirmed BSU’s broader mission.
“Our model is unity through education, and the purpose of the organization is to uplift and support students,” Richardson said. “I think the whole thing was that it’s unifying us and showing what we do serves a purpose, and it's important for us to continue having this organization and doing these sorts of things so that we can continue to unify and just highlight other organizations.”
Richardson added that recognition at a level beyond Auburn’s campus helps strengthen morale within the Black community during challenging times.
“I think it's important to be highlighted, because sometimes, a lot of things that go on around us can discourage us,” Richardson said. “I feel like being recognized continues to uplift and kind of redefine and boost that morale, especially in periods where there's so much going on around us that can cause such discouragement.
Looking ahead, Richardson offered advice to future BSU leaders as well as student leaders in various organizations, encouraging them to focus on their impact rather than their title.
“Just keep pushing, and keep hopes high, making sure that you really do see beyond the position and you want to realize that you make an impact outside of just a title,” Richardson said.
The honors and leadership selections at the Southwestern Black Student Leadership Conference reflect the BSU’s impact on Auburn’s campus as the organization continues to advocate for unity, education and student empowerment. For Richardson and BSU, the conference served as not only a recognition of their past achievements but as motivation to continue creating spaces that uplift students at Auburn.
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