Concord-Carlisle High School Black Student Union Raises Funds, Builds Community

The Concord-Carlisle High School Black Student Union recently hosted a successful bake sale. From left: Serena Nakazibwe (’28), Rougui Bangoura (’28), Jayla Vieira (’28), Kyle Amouzgar (’27), BSU Advisor Chris Skinner, President Mark Johnson (’27), Dayla DaRosa (’27) and Jayana Haygood (’26). (Photo Courtesy Concord-Carlisle Regional School District)

CONCORD — The Concord-Carlisle High School Black Student Union (BSU) recently held its first bake sale of the year, raising $300 to support new member sweatshirts and upcoming community events.

The sale marked the start of an active year for the student-led organization, which meets each Tuesday morning and continues to grow in membership and participation. This year, students are focused on expanding inclusion, deepening partnerships with other schools and creating opportunities for dialogue and service.

“Our Black Student Union has always been an important space for Black students at CC,” said BSU member and senior Zion Atkinson. “This year, we are really taking things to the next level. We’re making it our mission to make it more inclusive, and we believe that real progress happens when we all work together. Instead of pointing out problems, we want Black Student Union to be a place where people can come together, find common ground and actually create real, effective solutions that make a difference in our community. ”

Club members are already planning their annual BSU Potluck in February, which will welcome BSU groups from neighboring districts to celebrate Black History Month together. Students also plan to volunteer with Cradles to Crayons, a nonprofit organization that provides clothing and essentials for children experiencing clothing insecurity.

Junior Kyle Amouzgar joined BSU this year and said its positive, solutions-focused mission drew him.

“It’s become clear that BSU is an ideal organization for any student who is serious about learning and fostering a more inclusive environment for every student at CCHS,” he said.

BSU President Mark Johnson leads the group alongside a growing leadership team that includes Vice President Janiyah Oneal Monteiro and many members.

The BSU advisors are METCO Academic Liaison Chris Skinner and CCHS Math Teacher Mike Lonergan.

“We are very proud of what our students are building,” said Superintendent Dr. Laurie Hunter. “Our Black Student Union continues to lead by example, showing that inclusion grows strongest when students take the initiative to bring people together.” 

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