Berkeley High School’s Black Student Union (BSU) recently attended the Afrikan Black Coalition (ABC) 2025 Conference in San Luis Obispo, marking the second consecutive year of participation. The event provided students with a space to engage in meaningful discussions, connect with Black leaders, and explore their identities within a broader community.
The previous year’s ABC Conference in 2024 was a transformative experience for BHS BSU members, inspiring them to return. “We knew we wanted to make this a tradition,” BSU Co-President Jayme Lawrence said. The conference, originally designed for Black college students, has increasingly welcomed high school participants, allowing younger students to experience a collegiate environment.
For BHS junior Sophia Castillian, the experience was both eye-opening and inspiring. “I wasn’t sure what to expect, but the moment I got there, I felt welcomed,” she said. The atmosphere encouraged open conversations about Black identity, leadership, and social issues.
The conference drew students in from across California, providing a unique opportunity for attendees to engage with Black peers outside their usual circles. Jaydlen Roper, a member of the BHS BSU, reflected on this experience, saying, “Since there were (participants from) multiple colleges across California, they put us in different workshops for us to come together and all work together.” To Castillian, it was easy to make connections at the conference. “Everyone was so open. I met people from different schools, and we instantly bonded over shared experiences,” Castillian said.
Lawrence, who attended the conference for the second time, observed the event’s growth.
“It felt bigger this year— more people, more discussions, and even more energy. It’s a space where you don’t have to explain yourself. Everyone just gets it,” Lawrence said.
Dasaun Brown, another member of the BHS BSU, also emphasized the power of building connections through sharing Black experiences. “It makes you feel understood … it’s like overall, everyone’s going through the same thing, but there are certain ways to deal with it,” Brown said.
One of the highlights of the conference was the variety of workshops covering essential topics such as mental health, self-defense, and career development. These sessions provided students with practical skills and knowledge that they could bring back to their own communities.
Lawrence participated in a CPR certification course, an experience she described as both empowering and practical. “It’s a skill that could literally save someone’s life. I never thought I’d get certified at a conference like this,” she said.
For Castillian, a particularly impactful session focused on the experiences of Black women. “It was one of the most emotional and affirming discussions I’ve ever been part of,” Castillian said, “and it reminded me that I’m not alone in these experiences.”
The keynote speakers at the ABC Conference addressed pressing social issues affecting Black communities, including systemic racism, education disparities, and the erasure of Black history. One speaker in particular stood out to Castillian. “He spoke about how Black history is constantly erased in schools and the media,” Castillian said, “It made me think about how much we’re not taught in our own classrooms.
Lawrence appreciated how the speakers didn’t just talk about problems, they also provided solutions. “They weren’t just saying, ‘this is the issue,’ they were saying, ‘here’s what you can do about it’,” she explained, “That’s what made it so powerful.”
One recurring topic throughout the conference was the issue of Black erasure in education and over-policing in schools. Many students shared stories about school policies that disproportionately target Black students and the ways in which Black history is often overlooked in school curriculum. “We talked about how Black history is American history, yet it’s treated like an elective,” Castillian said, “if we don’t fight for it, it’ll keep disappearing.”
BSU members are already discussing ways to bring these conversations back to BHS. With February being Black History Month, they hope to organize events that educate their peers about the importance of preserving Black narratives.
For many attendees, the ABC Conference was not just about learning but was also about empowerment. The experience reinforced their commitment to leadership, advocacy, and academic excellence. “It empowered me to share the (conference’s) experience, because I have a little brother, and these experiences can be shared generation through generation,” Brown said.
Roper reflected on the feeling of unity at the conference. “Everybody didn’t really care that they didn’t know each other and still spoke to each other to get to know each other,” Roper said.
“Seeing so many successful Black professionals and students made me realize that we are so powerful,” Lawrence said. Castillian echoed this, adding that the conference strengthened her pride in her identity. “It really made me feel even more proud to be Black, seeing other Black leaders and just talking with them about their different experiences. It reminded me that our voices matter and that we need to keep using them,” she said.
As BSU continues to grow, events like the ABC Conference play a crucial role in shaping its mission. The students who attended are now focused on applying what they’ve learned to their school and community. With their renewed sense of purpose and commitment, BSU members feel ready to uplift and advocate for the Black community at BHS and beyond.