An effort months in the making came to fruition with a very special Valentine’s Day visit for The Gwinnett School of Mathematics, Science, and Technology’s (GSMST) members of the Black Student Union (BSU). For these students, the celebration of Black History Month included a fun and festive Black History Spirit Week, and a gentle nudge from faculty advisors to bring depth and educational opportunities into their activities.

     Earlier in the school year, BSU members were tasked with identifying three Civil Rights leaders in the Atlanta area and writing letters to invite each of them to participate in the upcoming Black History Spirt Week activities at GSMST. Just a few short months later, former Georgia State Representative Stacey Abrams and her team replied.

“There was a delay in [students’] response when the faculty told them the good news that Ms. Abrams would visit,” said Katrina Cole-Garner, a GSMST Counselor and BSU Sponsor. “[Students] were overjoyed, and it was a sight to see.”

     Asher, a GSMST junior and BSU member, was surprised and excited to receive a response. BSU members knew that while only in their second year as an organization, it was a great accomplishment to welcome Ms. Abrams to GSMST. Launched in 2022, the BSU provides support, representation, and a safe space for students to talk about their struggles and

in life outside of school.

“We wanted to provide a place where students could be themselves, relate, and get through the day-to-day,” Asher said. “As juniors and seniors, we also wanted to get information about Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and politics, and extend this [learning] opportunity to our entire club.”

     The atmosphere was electric and joyful on Valentine’s Day when Stacey Abrams casually walked into the lecture hall at GSMST, immediately asking who wanted pictures. After numerous selfies, group photos, and smiles all around, the happy meeting turned into a productive conversation. Ms. Abrams noted that she saw the importance in the efforts of the students in the Black Student Union and acknowledged the impact of Black History Month, and how it is woven throughout the entire narrative of our nation.

“Your first job in the face of adversity is to confront it,” Ms. Abrams told students.

As a graduate from neighboring DeKalb County's Avondale High School, and Spelman College, Ms. Abrams discussed her challenges and triumphs in education, politics, and life, and “fighting fair.”

“It was such a great opportunity to see someone in a position we all want to be in... someone who is accomplished, a Black woman who is doing something amazing,” said Kay, a GSMST junior and BSU member.

     Kay adds that BSU members are always encouraging new students to be open to hearing different perspectives from the Black community, and to be prepared for challenges, stay on top of wellness, and learn to ask for help.

     Educational topics like preparing for college and how the future could look, the importance of voting and community involvement, as well as service and responsibility to self— and others were part of the discussion between Ms. Abrams and students. Ms. Abrams talked in depth about adversity, confronting fear, learning lessons, and not letting unfairness impede work or progress.

“I don’t internalize defeat. If I lose, my job is to make sure I learn my lessons, not my losses,” Ms. Abrams said. “When you learn your losses, you become fixated on what didn't happen, and you define yourself by not being a victor. When you learn your lessons, you give yourself a roadmap to try again.”

     As the productive meeting ended, students and staff gathered as a group to take one last photo with Ms. Abrams. When reflecting on the success of the visit, BSU students and their advisors say they would encourage staff at other schools to push students into positive directions and provide supportive guidance when it comes to recognizing the need for events and clubs that unify and educate students.

     Asher added. “Being in BSU is my favorite experience, and it’s one of [my] favorite extracurricular activities. I really enjoy it and I think a big part of that is the people I’m working with. We're all around the same age, we’re all doing these things together, and now we’re friends.”