Ethan 'E.J.' George

Wassup y’all,

My name is Ethan “E.J.” George and I am currently a fourth year Chemistry major and Black studies minor. I was born and raised in Stockton, California but my parents are from the Caribbean.

Coming in as a Black STEM student-athlete at a PWI, my transition into college was really difficult. Consistently being one of the only Black students in my classes left me overwhelmed and embarrassed to ask for help. Many Black student athletes are disconnected from their community here due to intense class and training schedules. I joined BSU to become more involved and connected with the Black community here outside of athletics and academics. Getting to know and be around other Black students with shared experiences kept me balanced and motivated to push through days full of micro aggressions and ignorance.

The past few years have been burdened with adversity and trauma that has taken a toll on UCSBs Black community. There was a strong need for reunification, sociopolitical education, and just a better understanding of each other and our different thinking/coping processes. I wanted to play an active role in that reunification and help uplift the futures of current and incoming Black students.

My vision is to reinstate Black Student Union as a safe and uplifting space where Black students can embrace their different cultures, experiences, and perspectives in a drama free, inclusive, and welcoming environment. It should be a place of resources, reflection, and ideas that serve our community.

This year’s BSU executive board has worked tirelessly to listen to the needs and concerns of Black Gauchos and implement changes that improve the experience for our students at UCSB and create more spaces that help facilitate our success. I am proud to be able to take part in this movement toward the betterment of UCSBs Black student community.