BSU Dinner Speech - Joy Pearl

2/13/2023 12:01 pm

Joy Pearl Speech, BSU Dinner, February 9, 2023

Photo courtesy of Beniam Yetbarek

Good evening everyone, my name is Joy Pearl and I am honored to be speaking with all of you today at this first annual Black Student Union event.  I came to the United States just a few years ago, and it has been a journey for me to adjust to a new country, a new culture, and a new environment. But one of the things that has made the transition much easier for me is being a part of the BSU community.

Growing up in Uganda, I had a community like this. I had a group of people who looked like me and who shared my experiences, and who understood what it was like to be a Black person in a world that often doesn't value or appreciate our voices and our perspectives. It has been quite a difficult transition to moving to the United States and to Mercer Island. But since joining BSU, I have found a place where I belong, where I am surrounded by people who support me and lift me up. I also want give a special thanks to Valerie Perine who has acted like a mother to me. Let’s give a round of applause to her.

I want to thank the BSU club for creating this event and for giving us all a space to come together and celebrate our culture and our community. I know that as a freshman, I still have a lot to learn, but I am grateful to be a part of this club and to be a part of this amazing community.

So, to all the Black students and families in attendance today, I want to say that you are not alone. You are surrounded by people who care about you, who believe in you, and who will support you in everything you do. Let's continue to lift each other up and make our voices heard, because together, we are a powerful force that cannot be ignored.