‘Change Is Passionate’: BATU President Encourages Open Dialogue at UD

Taylor Powell | Contributing Writer

Nationally, February is recognized as Black History Month, a time dedicated to honoring the achievements, struggles, and contributions of Black individuals throughout history. This month serves as an opportunity for people of all ethnic backgrounds to engage in meaningful discussions about the Black experience, fostering awareness and understanding. In today’s politically charged climate, where social and racial issues continue to spark debate, acknowledging and reflecting on our history provides a way to stay grounded. By recognizing the past, we not only celebrate progress but also reinforce the importance of unity, education, and continued efforts toward equality as a nation.

With this idea in mind and in an effort to take attention away from national events I looked for more local efforts right here on campus and how the University of Dayton contributes to the discussion of the Black experience. On Feb 21, BATU held a general body meeting at 8 p.m. in Kennedy Union room 310. BATU, or Black Action Through Unity, serves as a representative voice for all Black students at the University of Dayton, according to its mission statement, but upon attending the meeting it was very apparent that this organization does a lot more than just that. Daunte Brown, the 2024-25 president of BATU, described it as a safe space where Black students can seek support through solidarity and discussion. Brown also emphasized that BATU welcomes all students, not just those of Black or minority backgrounds. 

I have to admit, as a woman of Hispanic background I was unsure if I had any business attending this general body meeting, but my self-doubt had quickly dissipated when I was met with an energetic room full of people happy to welcome me into their space. I’m not sure if it was the multiple people that made the effort to introduce themselves to me or Boyz II Men playing over the speaker, but the atmosphere was warm and inviting, making it clear that this was a space for anyone willing to listen, learn, and engage in meaningful conversation. 

“Even if it makes others uncomfortable, I will love who I am” 

A powerful affirmation to kick off the meeting, setting a positive and uplifting tone. This was followed by a competitive game of “guess what”, which was a Jeopardy-style game surrounding Black culture, history, and influential figures. These two activities not only broke the ice, but created an engaging and inclusive atmosphere that encouraged participation and camaraderie. As the tone of the meeting shifted from some lighthearted game play to more serious topics the same level of energy and participation still carried through, and this really stuck with me. 

“What are some stereotypes about Black culture that need to be challenged, and how do we go about changing those narratives?” 

A question like this might have silenced an academic classroom here at UD, but in this space, it sparked an outpouring of participation and vulnerability. One by one, students shared their stories and experiences—some I could relate to, others I couldn’t—but I was there to listen. The room was filled with emotion and frustration, yet in a way that felt comforting. Each time a student spoke, no matter their perspective, they were met with snaps and claps—a collective gesture that said, We hear you. We support you. 

The following week, I sat down with BATU president Daunte Brown to gain deeper insight into the organization, its goals, and its impact on campus. Brown, a senior at the University of Dayton, first got involved with BATU during his sophomore year. Initially, he had no interest in running for president. However, after being approached by several of his peers who believed in his leadership, he ultimately decided to take on the role—not because of the encouragement alone, but because he is driven by purpose. His goal as president is to cultivate a strong, lasting community—one that will continue to thrive even after he graduates. 

After my conversation with Daunte, it became clear that he is not only a great fit for the position but also a cornerstone of the BATU community. As we sat in the MEC family room, I lost count of how many times our conversation was interrupted by friends and peers stopping by to say hi, check in, or discuss upcoming events—a testament to the great leader and friend he is. Brown shared that he makes a daily effort to approach minority students on campus—simply to get to know them, ensure they feel welcome, and remind them that they have a place here. In addition to serving as BATU president, he is also a student engagement officer, planning and hosting events in collaboration with other university organizations to support and connect students.

After getting to know Daunte, I wanted to hear his thoughts on how we, as students and American citizens, can better support minority students and combat ignorance. His response was simple yet powerful: “Conversation is needed.”

He emphasized that the easiest way to be an ally is to show up, listen, and educate yourself—to actively seek knowledge rather than waiting for others to explain it to you. He believes that open dialogue and a willingness to hear one another’s experiences are crucial steps toward meaningful change. However, Brown also acknowledged a common challenge: Many students hesitate to engage in these conversations—whether in the classroom, on campus, or online—because they fear being judged or saying the wrong thing.

His advice? Speak up anyway. “Change is passionate,” he said, meaning that real progress comes from people who are willing to push through discomfort, challenge ignorance, and advocate for what’s right.

How can you get involved? Like Daunte said, the first step is showing up. If you’re looking for ways to support minority students or get involved in a diverse community on campus, the Multi-Ethnic Education and Engagement Center (MEC) is a great place to start. Stay informed by subscribing to the MEC Digest, a weekly newsletter highlighting upcoming events and opportunities. Stop by the family room, an open space where students can connect, study, and build meaningful relationships. And if you’re looking for a community that resonates with your identity or interests, consider joining one of MEC’s student organizations: Black Action Through Unity (BATU), Asian American Association (AAA), or El Orgullo Latino (EOL). No matter your background, MEC welcomes all students to engage in conversations, celebrate culture, and work toward a more inclusive campus. Show up, listen, and be part of the change.