Member forms black student union at high school

Carter Spruill wanted to create something special for African-American students at Arcadia High School. The computer technician and president of Arcadia Chapter 40 thought back to his high school experience and how he felt as one of 22 black students out of a population of 2,000.

So, Spruill set about to create the school’s first Black Student Union—an organization to focus on the needs of African-American students. He hand delivered flyers to every one of the school’s African-American students.

“Throughout the entire school district, we do not have any black counselors or black teachers for the black students to identify with,” he said. “It helps kids to have someone they can identify with when it comes to talking about certain issues.”

Arcadia’s Black Student Union became a reality in October 2007, thanks to Spruill’s hard work and the interest of the school’s students. Spruill said it was important for him to work for the kids.

“I wanted the kids to know that if I started the club, they would have someone they could turn to who would listen to them and fight for them,” he said. “I also wanted the kids to have something to call their own and could be a part of and be proud of.”

Additional programs started
Since its inception, the Black Student Union has started numerous programs. Spruill said there is a peer tutoring program, as well as an after-school program. An all-black college experience at Pasadena City College is scheduled in May, while some students have also applied to a special program in Minnesota this summer.

Additionally, Spruill has already held a fundraiser for the club and lined up a number of speakers and an SAT prep course. It has been a lot of work in a short time.

“I have actually witnessed a change for the better in the kids almost instantly. Because they are feeling better about themselves, they feel like they belong here on campus and they know they have someone who really believes in them,” he said. “Kids are starting to come to me to ask where they can get help with school issues or how to handle some personal issues.”

Spruill kept his eyes on the prize to form the club, even in the face of people who said others had tried before unsuccessfully.

“I guess it took a classified person, as usual, to get the job done right,” Spruill said.

Attracting students of different backgrounds
Spruill said the African-American students are excited about the Black Student Union, and the group is attracting students of other backgrounds to learn about black culture and socialize.

“I’m really happy for the kids. When it comes down to it, that’s why we all do what we do—to make sure the kids are happy, enjoy going to school and learn while they’re here,” Spruill said.

The ideals that spurred Spruill to start the club are similar to those that motivate him in CSEA.

“It’s all about kids first, and also about being fair and fighting for what’s right. This particular ethnic group had been neglected,” he said. “We have shed light on this and now it’s the kids’ turn to make sure the light keeps shining bright so they can continue to get all of the student services offered here on campus.”