David Bruen’s ‘I am Black History’ shirt was out of touch

“Today we celebrate Black History Month, but not only today and not only this month,” said Syracuse University’s Student Association president David Bruen in an email to the student body Tuesday morning. A few hours later, Bruen attended the Black History Month Kick-Off wearing a shirt that read “I am Black history.”

Attendees could pick up the shirts from a table at the event, which SA helped organize. Bruen was not the only one wearing this shirt at the event — some of the event’s performers were wearing it too. But as a white person wearing the shirt proclaiming to be Black history, Bruen stood out.

The celebration was emceed by Emmanuel Hudson, who commented on Bruen’s shirt.

“As Black people here, we like to support one another, OK? So let’s give our fellow…” — followed by a pause where Hudson looked at Bruen’s shirt — “comrade, show him the love and support that we give for each other.”

After Hudson said “comrade,” the crowd laughed.

The Student Association president should be chosen by the students and representative of the entire student body. Bruen ran unopposed, with only 10.2% of the undergraduate student population voting in the election, just 0.2% over the 10% necessary to win. In this role, Bruen should represent the student body, including students of all backgrounds. But by wearing this shirt, he minimizes the unique experience Black people have had in America and on SU’s primarily white campus.

Bruen told The Daily Orange that, looking back on it, he realizes how the shirt could be in poor taste for him to wear, and he apologized for the harm it may have caused.

“My intention is and has been to support our Black and Brown students on campus, especially as a leader of a predominantly white organization on a predominantly white campus,” Bruen said.

Bruen should have realized that this shirt was inappropriate for him to wear as a white student. It felt performative and was a poor judgment call. Even if he didn’t realize the perceived connotation created by him — a white man — wearing the shirt, it just shows his lack of intention.

Although Bruen’s shirt was just one person’s example of the performative action taken with the attempt of supporting Black students at SU, this issue delves deeper into the lack of support our primarily white institution has provided to its Black students.

Two years ago, #NotAgainSU occupied Crouse-Hinds Hall to protest the university’s lack of action following acts of hate the previous semester. The movement, led by Black students, outlined a list of demands that they urged SU to take action upon. But two years later, many of #NotAgainSU’s needs are unmet. The changes the university has made have not addressed the root causes of systemic racism and oppression at SU, organizers said in a guest column one year ago.

Bruen began his email to the student body on the first day of Black History Month acknowledging that SU celebrates Black history not only during this one-month period. But those in power still have a ways to go in supporting their Black students.

SA has previously expressed its support of Black students by passing a bill Monday acknowledging Black History Month, but recognition is just the first part in correcting the wrongs that this PWI has inflicted on its Black students. The organization has taken some steps by working with Black students at 119 Euclid Ave., where students voiced their frustration about the university’s recently released Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Accessibility plan. SA released recommendations regarding the plan to the university and previously said it would work with administration to implement real change.

But we as students know that the university doesn’t budge unless there is significant pressure put on it. As the voice of the student body, Bruen and SA must push on SU’s pressure point.

Bruen’s shirt represents the lack of awareness and intentionality on the part of the white people in positions of power at SU. The Daily Orange Editorial Board urges those in charge to make change to support Black students. Actions speak louder than words.

The Daily Orange Editorial Board serves as the voice of the organization and aims to contribute the perspectives of students to discussions that concern Syracuse University and the greater Syracuse community. The editorial board’s stances are determined by a majority of its members. You can read more about the editorial board here. Are you interested in pitching a topic for the editorial board to discuss? Email opinion@dailyorange.com.