Founded in 1968 by five Black students at Harvard Business School, the African American Student Union (AASU) is a vibrant and inclusive community for all Black students at HBS, embracing diverse backgrounds, intersectionalities, family structures, and social preferences. AASU’s mission is to ensure that every Black student has the support and resources to thrive—mentally, academically, socially, and professionally—from admission through graduation and beyond. Our membership includes more than 200 students and partners who engage in social events, cultural activities, and academic and professional development workshops.

New members are first welcomed to the AASU family at our annual fall retreat, full of community building and bonding. In the most recent year, we collaborated with the Africa Business Club (ABC) for this event, celebrating our membership diversity and building meaningful relationships across the African diaspora. Throughout the first year, members are supported with workshops, panels, and social events held weekly or biweekly. These activities focus on academic excellence, recruiting and career support, and community building. We also look to empower all members to contribute to the health and longevity of the organization by supporting them with resources to host events of their choice.

One of the highlights of the AASU experience is our annual H. Naylor Fitzhugh Conference. This year, in partnership again with the Black Investment Club, AASU will host Black business leaders, professionals, and students for an immersive full-day conference in Boston. The conference gives admitted and prospective students an opportunity to engage with the current AASU members, it facilitates networking between current students and alumni, and provides a platform for the club to honor industry leaders — many of whom are AASU alumni.

Part of the conference also includes the Black New Venture Competition, an annual pitch competition for Black founders to win more than $200K in non-dilutive funding. The competition also provides exposure to VCs, mentors, and advisors. Held in February every year, the conference and pitch competition serves as the flagship event in our club's Black History Month programming.

“AASU is a community of cheerleaders, mentors, and friends who have supported me socially, academically, and professionally throughout my HBS experience. Through AASU, I’ve built meaningful connections with students across many generations of graduating classes, creating bonds that transcend our time at HBS. It’s been incredible to be part of a group that uplifts each other while celebrating our unique journeys and shared experiences.” - Spencer Copeland (MBA 2025), Co-President

“AASU has been the heart of my HBS experience. It’s a place where I’ve found unwavering support, inspiration, and belonging. From the moment I stepped on campus AASU became my foundation, providing a community that celebrates who we are and challenges us to reach new heights. Here I’ve gained mentors who’ve guided me, peers who’ve inspired me, and friends who’ve become family. AASU has shaped me into the leader I’ve always aspired to be, and leading within AASU has been one of the most profound honors of my life.” - Micah Holmes (MBA 2025), Co-President

“AASU provided me with an immediate sense of community, even before I officially stepped foot on campus. The guidance I received from AASU members on navigating academics, career opportunities, and life at business school was instrumental not only in my decision to attend HBS but also in shaping a deeply fulfilling experience here. Serving as AASU’s VP of Admissions alongside Alexis Rooney (MBA 2025) has been incredibly rewarding. It has allowed me to support prospective students through the admissions process, contribute to building future AASU classes, and warmly welcome them into the HBS community.” - Miles Jefferson (MBA 2025), VP of Admissions

AASU would not be what it is today without our leadership team, advisors, first-year volunteers, and the greater HBS community.

The article first appeared on the MBA Voices blog