The 2024 - 25 academic year marks a historic milestone for Kenyon: the founding of the Black Student Union (BSU). Organized by students in 1969 and formally recognized in 1970, the BSU addressed the need for support for the growing number of black students at Kenyon.

A celebratory weekend in honor of the BSU’s 55th anniversary will be held Sept. 27 - 29, 2024, during Kenyon's Homecoming Weekend. More details to come, and registration for the weekend will open Thursday, June 6.

BSU Timeline

  • 1969

    Ten black students deliver a statement of demands to Kenyon President Caples.

  • 1970

    The BSU is formally recognized with 17 student charter members.

  • 1972

    Leon Haslip '74, with help from BSU members, paints a mural on the wall of the BSU Lounge.

  • More BSU History

    View the complete timeline

"The BSU was such an important part of my time at Kenyon and my development as a young adult. The connections and friendships I made are still some of the closest relationships in my life."

James Greenwood '02

50th Anniversary Celebration

A celebration in honor of the BSU’s 50th anniversary was held Sept. 27 - 29, 2019, sponsored by the Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (ODEI), the Office of Alumni and Parent Engagement and the Office of the President.

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