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������Ƶ Voices Series Gives Platform to Diverse Viewpoints

A social media series that began, originally, in response to the social injustice that made headlines throughout the United States in Summer 2020 following George Floyd’s public death has grown into a platform for ������Ƶ’s students, faculty and staff to both speak and listen to their diverse voices.

The featured profiles highlight reflections on current events, ways to see a different perspective and stories that center on the themes of race, culture, equality, inclusion and diversity.

Topics and voices range from Linh Tran, a sophomore economics major, reflecting on the rise of hate crimes against those of Asian descent, to Jesus Barnes, a junior Studies in the Arts major, expressing how he celebrates diversity through music, and Kiara Velez-Padilla, a senior Communications Studies major, discussing her journey to ������Ƶ as a first-generation student from Puerto Rico.

You can read all the ������Ƶ Voices here. Be sure to follow ������Ƶ on and to hear more from the Osprey community.

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Ospreys Choose Themed Living Communities

At some point, a transfer student navigates a campus with no familiar faces, a first-year student feels lonely after hugging their family goodbye on move-in day, a first-generation college student feels lost without directions and a commuter student feels like there just isn't enough time to make friends between classes. An Osprey never has to fly solo at ������Ƶ because they can be a part of a community larger than themselves.

Themed Living Communities (TLC) connect students with similar interests to help them create a network of support, a sense of belonging and a welcoming space to thrive together. The TLCs, created by the Office of Residential Life, are open to both residential students and commuters.

There are seven themed living communities each having three to six RAs, a student organization that serves as a club fellow, a University office or department that serves as an office fellow and a local business or organization that serves as a community fellow.

The pandemic challenged students to be more creative than ever. Kitra Hunter, a Business major with a concentration in Accounting and a minor in Africana Studies, is committed to making the college experience just as exciting as it ever was.

Hunter is a Residential Assistant (RA) who leads the Business, Entrepreneurship, and Leadership (B.E.A.L.) themed living community, and she is creating a virtual space for networking and leadership development opportunities that can prepare her community for their career aspirations.

 

 

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Black Lives Matters Series Covers Range of Topics Impacting Black Culture

The Black Lives Matter lecture series covered serious topics through lectures and discussions during the spring semester. So it was fitting that it ended April 15 with a party – albeit an informative party, that highlighted the influence of Black Culture on American culture.

“So much of pop culture came from Black folks,” said Professor of Africana Studies and Communication Donnetrice Allison, who led off the program with a review, and some demonstrations, of the dances and music that started among Blacks but became popular throughout America, including the Bop, Cakewalk, Charleston, Lindy Hop and Swing.

“With all we have to worry about, we still have this joy and we share the joy,” Allison said. “Black joy is an act of resistance.”

Allison shared clothing trends, language trends and music influencers who helped create trends.

Professor of Music Beverly Vaughn shared the history of gospel music, rooted in the responsive church singing of the south.

“It had hope, inspiration and Biblical references,” said Vaughn who also accompanied singer Lilly Nickens. “And it can make you want to move.”

The Black Culture program was the last of four presented throughout the spring semester. The first, in February, was Black Innocence Matters: The Stolen Childhood of Black People, followed by Black Physical Health Matters, and Black Mental Health Matters in March. Each featured ������Ƶ faculty and staff talking about their own experiences along with expert discussion of the topics.

The programs were coordinated through the Office of Academic Achievement Programs, Nordia Johnson, director; the Africana Studies program, Donnetrice Allison, coordinator; and the Office of Student Affairs.

More videos of the events are available on .

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Celebrating Ospreys of Every Kind

The flags along the Arts & Sciences building circle honor America, Prisoners of Foreign Wars and those Missing in Action (POW/MIA), and the great state of New Jersey every day. Throughout the year, other flags join their ranks as high-flying symbols of the mix of people who make up the Osprey community.

Los Latinos Unidos did not let the physically distant and masked fall semester dampen their enthusiasm for Hispanic Heritage Month, as they kicked off a month of activities with their flag raising on Sept. 15, 2020.

“The traditions are important to us,” club president Kiara Velez-Padilla said. “We want us to have a sense of community here and share our culture and heritage. We want to create a space where everyone feels comfortable.”

LGBTQ History Month began with a flag raising on Oct. 1, 2020.  Ben Dziobek, the resident assistant for the House of Lavender at ������Ƶ, said they strive to create an inclusive community and campus, and maybe a little more perfect world.

He called the flag a symbol of perseverance, strength, acceptance and social justice. “This represents a community that won’t back down when faced with inequities that persist,” he said. “It is a battle flag for representation. All of us should take time to learn and create an inclusive environment.”

It was with cold hands, but warm hearts that the Unified Black Students Society recognized Black History Month with its annual flag raising at the Arts and Sciences Building circle on Feb. 10, 2021 that celebrated family and excellence.

“It is just so wonderful to see you all here,” UBSS president Amaiya Roundtree told the crowd of about 25 people. Roundtree said like many students, she is taking her classes virtually from home, and she was thrilled to be on campus with friends, some wearing Black Lives Matter masks.