Black MU Student Organizations & Events You Should Know

As a Black student at a PWI (predominantly white institution), it can be hard to find events and organizations that foster connection within your community.

Thankfully, Millersville offers opportunities to connect with other Black students on campus through the following events and organizations:

Black Excellence Ball
Annually, Millersville throws the Black Excellence Ball to celebrate the Black community on campus. The event includes music, awards, food, and much more.

Artists are encouraged to apply to perform during the event, and an online vote is held for the award show, so everyone can participate.

The Ball is a great way for students to engage in fellowship and fun with one another in a culturally safe space.

Hazel I. Jackson Lecture
Hazel I. Jackson was the first Black female professor hired at Millersville.

In honor of her contributions and accomplishments, Professor Rita Smith Wade-El started a yearly lecture series featuring renowned Black literary scholars and artists. Past guest speakers include Octavia E. Butler, Nikki Giovanni, and August Wilson, among many others.

The lectures offer opportunities for students and faculty to glean wisdom from well-respected, gifted experts and come together to celebrate the legacy of pioneers like Hazel I. Jackson.

Black Student Union (BSU)
The Black Student Union serves as a hub for all things related to the Black community here at Millersville.

Their self-proclaimed goals are to:

1. Create a substantial, meaningful, and positive community atmosphere where all students can develop their thinking, gain knowledge, and rise to their full potential in all areas of society and university life.

2. To assist the students of color in becoming an integral part of university life.

3. To encourage unity among all students at Millersville University

4. To provide cultural, educational, and social programming that is supportive of all students, primarily geared to African American students at Millersville University.

NAACP
The NAACP (National Association for the Advancement of Colored People) has been working for the progress and advancement of minorities since the early 20th century.

The organization has a chapter on campus whose mission is:

1. To ensure the political, educational, social, and economic equality of all citizens

2. To achieve equality of rights and eliminate race prejudice among the citizens of the United States

3. To remove all barriers of racial discrimination through democratic processes

4. To seek enactment and enforcement of federal, state, and local laws securing civil rights

5. To inform the public of the adverse effects of racial discrimination and to seek its elimination

6. To educate persons as to their constitutional rights and to take all lawful action to secure the exercise thereof, and to take any other lawful action in furtherance of these objectives, consistent with the NAACP’s Articles of Incorporation and this Constitution.

Code-Switching In The Classroom: Exploring The Harm Posed By Linguistic Racism

Code switching is the practice of alternating your speech and/or behavior to fit into a certain social and cultural context (Google).

For the Black community, this often involves using AAVE (African American Vernacular English) with friends and family, and more “formal” ways of speaking with coworkers, classmates, and others.

Hence, code-switching, for many, is a tool for survival. But, make no mistake. While it has been utilized successfully to navigate predominantly non-Black spaces, the need to code-switch is grounded in racism.

AAVE has often been considered unprofessional by the professional world, especially in academia. Black students are forced to assimilate to academic (sometimes a code word for white) ways of writing and speaking, at the detriment of ourselves and our culture.

It has been considered “ghetto”, “lazy”, and “uneducated” to speak in AAVE (all of which are untrue). But rejecting its use in the classroom denies Black students a part of themselves that is deeply rooted in their culture and has been for generations.

AAVE is treated like a hindrance when, in reality, it is a valuable skill for Black students.

I took a ‘Professional and Technical Writing’ class last semester, where we learned the importance of knowing your audience. Essentially, your message may not be considered by a certain audience if you don’t understand them and how to communicate with them.

AAVE can reach audiences that other forms of speaking cannot. There is an inherent cultural interest in this vernacular. Why should we be denied this? Furthermore, historically, non-Black people have policed (Yes, I recognise the irony of using this word) Black speech, behavior, and other ways of speaking. It is excessive, unnecessary, and frankly, disrespectful.

Now, that being said, I recognize a potential benefit of code-switching in that Black scholars know how to adjust their speech to fit different audiences. But, if this requires denying who we are, I’m not sure it is worth it.

 

Affirmations For Black Grad Students Navigating Academia

Being a graduate student can be an exciting experience. You are exposed to new opportunities and have a chance to grow professionally and personally. However, it can also be a challenging time in your life that takes a toll on your mental and physical health.

These issues can be compounded for those from marginalized backgrounds who already encounter a separate set of barriers in Academia due to their culture. Add feelings of imposter syndrome to this, and you have a really terrible recipe for burnout soup.

Thus, it is imperative that we, as graduate students, remind ourselves of our strengths, potential, and academic abilities. Susan L. Taylor once said, “Whatever we believe about ourselves and our ability comes true for us.” So let’s think positive, rejuvenating thoughts that build us up, not tear us down.

Affirmations

  • “I am a testament to the limitless potential of Black Scholars.”
  • “I am uniquely gifted.”
  • “I am worthy of my academic and professional success.”
  • “Despite discrimination, I rise and thrive.”
  • “I am resilient. I overcome challenges with grace.”
  • “I am worthy of respect.”
  • “I am who I say I am. Not who they say I am.”
  • “I am a beam of light.”
  • “I am a visionary. My future is bright.”
  • “I am here because I am Black, Brilliant, and Beautiful.”

3 Tips For Dealing With Microaggressions In Academia

Microaggressions are statements, behaviors, or acts, whether intentional or unintentional, that discriminate against those from marginalized groups (Google).

For example:
“I don’t see color.”
“Your English is really good.”
“You’re not like other [insert demographic here].”
“You’re pretty for a [insert demographic here].”
“Where are you really from?”

Statements like these, as well as microaggressive behaviors, are veiled, racist acts that worm their way into everyday situations. They can be extremely prevalent on predominantly white campuses like Millersville. But just because they are “micro” doesn’t mean they don’t significantly impact those receiving them. Here are 5 tips to consider the next time you encounter them.

  1. Seek Support
    If you are a victim of microaggressions on campus, or any form of racism for that matter, seek support from those around you. Have a conversation with your advisor, professors, or someone from student affairs. They are here to help you and can support you in taking the appropriate next steps.

    Reach out to your family and friends so they are aware and can be there for you during this process. Don’t go through it alone.

    If the microaggression came from a faculty or staff member, seek help directly from faculty in your community. Black faculty have a lot of experience in academia and have most likely experienced what you are going through. The same goes for Queer or other marginalized groups. Use them as a resource. You can also contact the special offices on campus, like the Black Student Union. They are well-equipped to help you.

  2. Breathe
    Experiencing microaggressions can be extremely traumatizing. While it is ok to get angry, cry, and feel your feelings, you need to take care of yourself, physically, mentally, and emotionally.

    Take deep, long breaths to regulate your breathing. Go outside and take a walk. Go to the gym. Write. Meditate. Pray. Listen to music. Whatever healthy outlet you have at your disposal, use it. And do not be afraid to reach out to mental health services, both on and off campus. There is zero shame in this.

    You deserve to be supported. Let others help you.

  3. Prioritize Long-term Peace
    [Disclaimer: Only confront others if you feel it is safe to do so. Do not put yourself at risk.]

    It is not normal or ok to feel uncomfortable or invalidated on campus. If someone is discriminatory towards you, it is ok to call them out and let them know their behavior is unacceptable.

    You can use statements like:
    “That was hurtful and made me feel uncomfortable.”
    “That is an inaccurate stereotype, and I am offended by it.”
    “Please refrain from using that type of language. It is inappropriate and insulting.”
    “I felt invalidated when you said that.”
    “That was rude, and I would appreciate it if you did not do that anymore.”

    You have the right to use your voice and speak up for yourself, as long as it doesn’t compromise your peace, and you are physically safe.

    There is also nothing wrong with removing yourself from a situation. If you need to walk away, do so. There is no shame or judgment in that. Prioritize yourself and your peace

Extra Resources:
https://www.nytimes.com/2020/03/03/smarter-living/how-to-respond-to-microaggressions.html

https://www.millersville.edu/counsel/services.php

https://afsp.org/mental-health-resources-for-marginalized-communities/

Welcome To The Blk Grad!

Welcome to The Blk Grad, a space that prioritizes the voice and experience of Black Graduate students, started and updated by me, your fellow Blk Grad, Carolann Odi.

Being at a PWI like Millersville often comes with its own set of challenges, which can make it hard to thrive in such an environment. The Blk Grad seeks to function as a space where Black graduate students can read and participate in rhetoric that prioritizes our voice. Various themes and topics will be written about and discussed, as we are not a monolith, but a consequential and influential people who respect different perspectives.

The comments will always be open, and readers are welcome and highly encouraged to become contributors.

Thank you for joining me on this Blk Grad journey, and I look forward to hearing from you!