By: Chris Williams (’25), Staff Writer
Pit Poppin’. Parties. Probates. Performances.
Whatever “P” is going on, HBUNC is definitely pushing it.
If you are already well connected with UNC’s Black community, you may have come across an Instagram account full of colorful graphics and well-dressed Tar Heels. If you’re still looking for your fellow people, then it might be just the page for you.
Founded by UNC first-year Krystal Lacayo, HBUNC (accessible on Instagram @HBUNC) aims to unify the mere 7.7% of students making up UNC’s Black population. Through interactive posts, video coverage of Black campus events, and glimpses into the everyday lives of students, HBUNC hopes to uplift Black culture at Carolina.
Lacayo said she found it hard to keep up with upcoming events because of the lingering isolation caused by the pandemic. She also described UNC’s Black community as “divided at times,” and said she created the page to keep Black students aware of events and projects hosted by campus organizations.
“I set to launch HBUNC [as] a virtual platform for connections, informed distribution, and entertainment,” Lacayo said. “In 2022, the internet and social media continue to play a large role in the way individuals think and live their lives. I wanted to create something that would be useful and impactful to our Black population.”
She credits first-year Evan Andrews for the username, which stands for “Historically Black at UNC.” Originally the name of the class of ‘25’s GroupMe, it represents the ongoing process of both academic and social integration at UNC.
“I thought it would pay homage to the enslaved Africans who built this school, and those who ‘walked so we can run,’ because technically, UNC is… historically Black.”
As we know, our virtual world continues to become our reality. What began as an Instagram account may expand into an official organization by the Fall 2022 semester. Lacayo said that students can look forward to games, YouTube interviews, and engaging events like a potential cookout as membership grows.
Scrolling through the page, viewers can already see highlight reels from well-attended events like OASIS’ Afroflix and the also-new Union of Black Men’s 3-on-3 basketball tournament. Comments from students and existing organizations alike show the page’s current ability to positively support Black students and connect them with their peers.
Lacayo, who you may know from her hairstyling business @k.stylz4u (also accessible by this handle on Instagram), credits her extroverted personality and skills as a business major as elements of the page’s success. She also mentioned first-year students Violet Palmer, Joann Obioma, Jocelyn Moore and Ashley Tutt as team members she believed were integral to the group’s success.
Those interested in joining HBUNC’s work are in luck. Content creators and aspiring leaders can connect with existing members through the google form in the Instagram page’s bio. HBUNC welcomes anyone with an interest to get involved, as all help moves the page toward its goal of connecting the Black Carolina community.
With the page already demonstrating immense momentum so early in its existence, one can only await the future of HBUNC and its impacts on Carolina’s Black Community. Are you ready to be part of HBUNC, Tar Heels?
