After a day of touring New York City, students from the Upper School’s Black Student Union (BSU) headed to Amy Ruth’s for a Southern-style meal. To BSU Co-President Princess Adeoye ’27, that moment was more than just delicious food.
“It was a very good bonding moment from both sides of the table, from the freshmen all the way to the seniors,” she said.
On Feb. 15, the school’s BSU traveled to Harlem for a day-long trip exploring the city’s cultural landmarks and visiting Columbia University, where students met with the university’s Black Student Organization (BSO). Organized by Princess and fellow BSU Co-President Lauyanne Kouame ’26, the trip marked the first time the BSU traveled off campus as a group.
After taking over the presidency, Princess and Lauyanne had various ideas for a trip, including a tour of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU).
“At first, it was going to be an HBCU trip, but that’s a lot of funding, a lot of planning, a lot of time that we didn’t have,” Princess said.
The idea of Harlem came up as an alternative.
“Harlem is one of the epicenters for Black culture, so it would also be an amazing time for students to bond,” Princess said.
On a civil rights walking tour, the group visited historic landmarks like the Schomburg Center, the YMCA where Jackie Robinson trained and the homes of Langston Hughes and James Weldon Johnson.
Princess said the experience changed the way she thought about her own future.
“Who cares if I live, where I live?” Princess said. “The more important thing is my ideas and what I care about and what I plan to do from there.”
The visit to Columbia University gave students a firsthand look at collegiate life.
“The visit to Columbia was extremely meaningful to me,” Selena Daley ’28 said. “I now know it’s a beautiful school with a lot to offer.”
The meeting with Columbia’s BSO was equally valuable.
“They gave insight on the good and bad parts about being Black at Columbia,” Selena said.
Associate Director of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Global Education (DEIG) Patty Dei said meeting with the Columbia BSO was important for students.
“It’s one thing to hear about Black excellence but it’s another to stand outside the Schomburg Center or have lunch with BSO members at an Ivy League school like Columbia,” Mr. Dei said.
The trip served as part of the school’s celebration of Black History Month (BHM).
“It shows a real commitment to going beyond the classroom,” Mr. Dei said. “Walking through the city makes the history feel tangible.”
He said BHM carries a deeper significance to him.
“To me, it’s a reminder that this history isn’t static. It’s alive in the landmarks we visit and the communities we are still building today.”
Mr. Dei said DEIG hopes to implement a trip annually, but budget realities remain uncertain.
“Our dream would be to be able to offer this trip or a trip similar to it every single year, but we also understand the realities of budget, and every year is different in an independent school.”
