Elevating Student Voices and Belonging at East Allegheny

At East Allegheny High School, a new student-led organization is already creating a strong sense of connection and belonging. Senior Giada Trent turned an idea into action when she founded the Black Student Union (BSU), building an environment centered on cultural awareness, support, and shared experiences. While the group uplifts Black voices and perspectives, it is intentionally open to all students who want to learn, connect, and be part of something meaningful.

“BSU is for EVERYONE,” Giada said. “I want to make that very clear. Anyone can be part of it, and everyone is welcomed and supported”

An Idea Takes Shape

For Giada, the motivation came from a simple but powerful realization.

“I didn’t have a specific moment,” she said. “I just knew that me and my classmates needed something for us. By us and for us.”

That belief sparked what started as a quiet idea and quickly grew into something bigger, fueled by encouragement from peers and trusted mentors.

“For a while it was a secret,” she said. “I wasn’t sure how my classmates and the school district were going to react to change. Until I talked to Mr. Williams and he motivated me to really get it started.”

With support from Senior Advisor Sly Williams and encouragement from her peers, Giada began turning her idea into a plan. She created a presentation to clearly outline her vision and shared it with principal Dr. R.J. Long.

“Dr. Long reached back out to me and expressed excitement,” she said.

One of her top priorities was ensuring the group remained student-driven. That vision became a reality when Mr. Dennis Edwards stepped in as advisor.

“When he said yes, I knew BSU was going to happen,” she said.

A Space to Grow, Lead, and Belong

The East Allegheny Black Student Union is designed to be more than just a club. It is a place where students can feel seen, heard, and supported while learning from one another.

“The East Allegheny Black Student Union is a safe space created for the explicit purpose of bringing cultural awareness, community, and Black pride,” Giada shared. “EABSU will prioritize and uplift Black voices and concerns.”

Through study sessions, future guest speakers, and community-focused activities, the group aims to blend academic support, leadership development, and cultural learning.

Even in its early stages, the impact is already being felt across the school community.

“BSU is still fresh and hasn’t had the time to really make an impact yet,” she said. “I’m just proud that we are doing it. East Allegheny is growing and changing, and I’m happy we are acknowledging that.”

Giada hopes the organization will continue to grow long after she graduates, creating opportunities for future students to lead and feel supported. She believes BSU can provide the motivation and sense of belonging students need, giving them something to look forward to and a place where they feel valued.

For Giada, the experience has been transformative and empowering.

“This experience showed me that all I need to do is put my mind to something and I am unstoppable.”

As she prepares to attend Norfolk State University to study psychology, her impact at East Allegheny is already clear. The Black Student Union stands as a powerful example of student leadership in action, built on courage, purpose, and the belief that every student deserves a place to belong and a reason to get involved.