As we reach the end of Black History Month, connections within the Black community at Hofstra have grown extensively through events hosted by the many organizations on campus. The NAACP, Black Student Union (BSU), African Student Association (ASA) and Caribbean Students Association (CSA) have worked in correlation with one another to create safe spaces that comfort Black students on campus. Unfortunately, they have done so without much help from Hofstra faculty.
The month started off strong with a Black Diaspora Mixer, which brought students of all Afro-ethnic backgrounds together. This event included members of all of the Black organizations at Hofstra, and gave many students, like myself, a deeper look into the smaller ethnic spheres on campus. In a private university where the majority of the students and faculty are white, it can be very difficult for students of any color to find a secluded safe space. More events like this continued throughout the month, one of them being the NAACP Image Awards show.
Nominees were voted for by the students through club polls, and winners were selected in various categories such as “Dance Creative,” “Musical Artist and Performer” and “Poetry/Spoken Word Talent.” The Black community at Hofstra was able to come together to uplift and celebrate the accomplishments of each other, by hosting their own award ceremony. Moments such as these are just some examples of how Hofstra fails to recognize the achievements of its Black students, or at least show support.
As wonderful as all the events turned out to be, it is apparent that more support is needed from faculty and staff in both organizing events and encouraging Black students on campus. Only one event was hosted in conjunction with Hofstra’s Student Government Association (SGA), and it took place during the last week of Black History Month. Furthermore, it only lasted for one hour in the afternoon. This event, titled “Black @ Hofstra,” included many faculty members of color networking with students, and had a very impressive turnout.
In the future, Hofstra should work towards prolonging the celebrations for Black History Month and reaching out to Black students on campus more often, such as sending out newsletters throughout the year to promote events and remind all students of the importance of Black history. “I hope that faculty shows their full support by promoting and supporting the events curated by clubs,” said Bukky Nwankwo, president of the NAACP. “It would be nice if the administration planned programs of their own rather than just leaving it up to the clubs to create programming.”
Currently at Hofstra, only the faculty members from Intercultural Engagement and Inclusion (IEI) make an effort to support the Black organizations on campus, and more support from student affairs is highly requested by them.
Although Black organizations on campus are responsible for any fun, communal events that take place, Hofstra’s faculty and staff could play a larger role in the everyday lives of Black students at the university. In order to ensure that the diversity rates at Hofstra are constantly improving, everyone must contribute to make the school a safe and encouraging space for all students of color. By aiding in the promotion of the Black organizations on campus, students that are currently unaware of these clubs will be able to find and connect with other people of the same ethnic and racial backgrounds as themself, making their remaining time at Hofstra more enjoyable
