Black Student Union advisor Tavia Webley helps a student in her class on Feb. 12. BSU meets on Thursdays during “B” lunch.
A Q&A with Black Student Union advisor Tavia Webley
By Elodie Page & Yohana Flores
The Pirates’ Hook (PH): You’ve been teaching at Riverside for over 25 years. What was Riverside like when you first started?
Tavia Webley (TW): I have definitely seen a lot of changes in the vocabulary of students over the years. It’s been a little more colorful in years of late. Whereas an F-bomb would have accidentally slipped out by somebody, now it’s like every other syllable is the F-bomb for some people. So, it’s been quite a difference in that respect.
I think in terms of dress code, we had one then, and it was strictly enforced, and now we don’t really have a dress code. We are thankful for our kids coming, but we don’t enforce a dress code.
In terms of academics, our grading scale was different then. An “A” was a 93. A “B” was an 85. So, the standards were a little bit higher. Academically, students had to put in more effort, not to be disrespectful to students that are working hard now, but an “A” then was different than an “A” now.
PH: What changes have you observed on this campus as you’ve continued to be a teacher here?
TW: I have seen a lot of faculty changes over the years. When I first came, a lot of the faculty would have been tenured faculty, those that have taught for 10 years or more. Over time, after the pandemic hit, our teacher population is now a lot younger. I was once in that number, and now I’m like the ones that were in the building when I first started. So it’s kind of different to have that perspective.
PH: How did the Black Student Union (BSU) first come about, and what was the motivation behind starting it?
TW: It is a student-led organization. Jaden Jules was a student, and Ms. Tonya Williams Leathers was our principal when we first started. It was a groundbreaking thing for Riverside, in a sense, that the students wanted to come together. And it wasn’t only for African Americans, it’s for any person that wants to be an ally to the community.
When I say ally to the community, that means that you want to listen to what the issues are for a person of color. And then, with that understanding, try to make a positive impact. I think things that have come about have helped, not just because of BSU, but the fact that we also had “weekend bags” for people that needed help with food over the weekend. [Students] would discreetly be able to take a bag of food home over the weekend.
With BSU, the students would meet weekly in my room during their lunchtime, and they would talk about issues that were on the forefront of their minds, be it how their hair is or how it’s perceived, the music, in terms of artists, through the years, and the impact that they’ve had on society, the relationship, like, if you look at Tupac, and think about how his relationship is with females and so forth, and the verbiage that’s used in music towards women. How has society shaped that?
So, [from] the concepts and what has been discussed, some very deep things have happened. BSU brought in the different mayoral candidates for different years, so that they could have an opportunity to say what their platform was. So [students] are paying attention to voting.
PH: Are you still the advisor for BSU?
TW: I am still the advisor. However, our student population is low. A lot of our seniors graduated. Our incoming students are not as aware of the fact that it’s even available, or what it could do for them, to give them a platform to say and speak, and be an advocate. And we also had several organizations that had similar platforms that were competing at the same time. Because of that, our population was split through several different clubs, and that also helped to dwindle down the numbers. Certain clubs are meeting at the same time, and they have similar platforms, so it was easier to just be a part of one club than another.
PH: How long have you been the BSU advisor, and what drew you to that role?
TW: One of the things that helped with me being chosen as the advisor for BSU was the fact that I am an African American teacher. I would be able to understand the issues. Not that someone that’s not of color couldn’t, but I’d be able to relate to it more and be able to speak on that more. Even though I’m African American, because of my generation and how I was raised, my views may not be the same as the students that are in the club. So, I allow them to speak their truth and what they know. I’m just an adult presence to make sure that everything stays within boundaries.
PH: In a previous interview, you mentioned how important the community was at your time in NCCU. Do you see BSU playing a similar role for Black students here at Riverside, and if so, how?
TW: I think it could, but unfortunately, a lot of students that could be members may not be used to their voice being heard. They don’t recognize or understand how being a member of BSU could give them a greater way of being an advocate for themselves, that they can articulate what their needs are, that they would be heard, they would be understood, and the concerns that they have could finally be addressed in that sense.
PH: What has been the most meaningful moment you’ve witnessed through your years as an advisor?
TW: My most meaningful moments are seeing my students graduate, because the students that I’ve had in BSU, they would start in their freshman year, and I would have them for all four years. Seeing them grow, and then finally reach their graduation goals, and setting the goals for what’s gonna happen beyond graduation. I recognize that not every student is going to go to college. However, the students push themselves to do and be the best that they could, and to strive for things, have meaningful jobs, have meaningful careers, setting forth goals that will set them up for success.
PH: How have you witnessed BSU evolve over the years, and has its focus changed?
TW: Towards the end of last school year, our meetings were more about Black history and trivia, to keep kids interested in coming and being there. So that was a little bit different. The motivation of students is different now. The leaders of BSU, in the beginning, understood that they are the leaders of the club. Everything that comes about is from their efforts. We’ve had students that would lead community service projects for campus cleanup, highway cleanup, possibly Habitat for Humanity. And making sure that [students] were aware of who the different political candidates were through the years.
PH: With Black History Month here, what are BSU’s plans?
TW: The push is for students to re-energize the club, and start having and attending the meetings, which is Thursdays during B lunch. Depending on those that are able to come, when they’re able to attend, that will determine who we are able to work with in the club this year. Posters are going up for the revitalization of the club. Then they will be able to have their meetings regularly.
PH: In what ways do you try to involve students with BSU?
TW: It’s based on the students. The students will create the posters, keep up with the digital footprint for it, in terms of Instagram, and put out blurbs. Sadie Allen was an awesome president. She graduated [in 2024]. So we need some help with that.
PH: You talked about the club giving a lot of Black students a voice and the ability to advocate for themselves. Do you think that’s the primary way that these students have built a connection through this club?
TW: A lot of the students have their connections outside of the club, which helps them to network and bring more people into the club. We often have students that will be new to Riverside, new to the country, or new to North Carolina. [When they see] that there’s a BSU, they will tend to gravitate towards the club because that would be one of their first opportunities for community, and to see how they can have an impact on Riverside.
PH: Do you think it’s important to have a deep understanding of Black history?
TW: I think it is difficult for some people to have an understanding of Black history because Black history is not something that’s taught. It’s something that only a few highlighted people are discussed in terms of the impact that African Americans have had on society. I don’t think that there’s a strong push to have that really highlighted. I think a lot of people in power and control would like to keep African Americans in a negative light and show them as someone that’s a burden to society, instead of the actual kings and queens, inventors, doctors, engineers, and the serious impact on the infrastructure of the United States they’ve had.
PH: How do you think Riverside can do a better job honoring Black history?
TW: I think the school is a reflection of the community, which is a reflection of society. If African Americans and the impact that they have had was understood, respected, and highlighted more, then I think it’s something that could be honored more.
PH: What do you wish all students knew about Riverside’s Black history, or Black history in general?
TW: I want students to realize that if you are African American, your history is not something that you should hang your head down about. It is something clear that you should wear as your crown. Be proud of that. However you tend to express yourself, make sure that you express yourself in a way that people will want to hear what you have to say.
PH: Is there anything else you want to share?
TW: I think that it’s an honor and a privilege to have been able to be the advisor for Black Student Union. Through the years, there have been other co-advisors to the club, and I appreciate having someone else to handle the weight of the club, but to also give a different voice. I have a perspective of life, but one person is not gonna embody all of African American history and culture. And so having different perspectives is very important.
This interview was edited for clarity and length.
