Layla Whitley is a senior at Glendale High School, who loves contributing to the community. She is a natural-born leader!
Layla is the head captain of our track & field team, the ASB Director of Athletics, and the president of the Black Student Union Club. She is extremely active, as she competes in high jump, long jump, and hurdles while also helping her coach. She was also crowned as High Royalty at the Homecoming Game on November 1st. Layla keeps a positive attitude in life, while always trying to make an impact.
The BSU is an outlet to inspire and unite the black community at GHS. Through the founding of the club, Layla and her vice president Audrey Blessmey wish to spread the message that “there is someone like you in this community.” The club intends to collaborate with all the other BSU chapters in the Glendale Unified School District for community service hours and tutoring.
According to the African-American Student-Parent Association in Glendale, the academic success for black students is on or below average. Layla seeks to change this, and collectively raise these standards because she feels that “we can do a lot better” than the current level. By building up this community, students can connect to others who are like them, and who are going through similar struggles and experiences.
Educating the Glendale community is key to inclusivity. On February 11, 2025, the BSU will be hosting an assembly in honor of Black History Month. They are hoping to include all club members on this special day. The assembly will be used to teach students, teachers, and staff more about the club and our black community. Shedding light on the African-American community may bring more of an understanding and acceptance of how unique every culture is.
In addition, Layla is eager to share that they are currently holding a clothing drive until November 22nd. The BSU will be collecting clothes from our campus, as well as the campuses of Crescenta Valley High School and Hoover High School, to create a flea market/thrift store event. According to Layla, the money raised “is going to be used for the community.”
Layla’s positive mentality and outlook are what have led to the continuous growth of the BSU, but there have been some difficulties along the way. Initially, she expressed her fears and nervousness about what others would say upon the creation of the BSU, but she quickly shut down her doubts. “I’m trying to help [my community], and if they are judging, that’s on them,” Layla emphasized. “It’s not my problem.” Our BSU members are noticeably putting in the effort to make a difference.
As a whole, Glendale has a very small African-American population, with GHS having only twenty-five students. This has not discouraged Layla, but rather she views this fact as an opportunity to build and come together to make a platform and a community for the black students who come after her.
Layla feels that the most difficult part of this process has been getting students to get out of their comfort zone and join the club. She believes it’s heavily due to “not wanting to fit into the stereotypes” of a person of color. Luckily, her sincerity has moved many students, changing their view of the club.
Despite not having a clear, smooth path for the BSU, Layla has shown that nothing is impossible, especially if you are willing to put in the dedication and passion. Anyone can make a difference in their community!
To learn more about the BSU, contact their advisor, Mr. Kelly, at [email protected], and follow them on Instagram: @glendale_bsu!
