On Feb. 7, 2024, the Black Student Union and ASUI hosted the Elevated Black Voices Panel where students and staff had to opportunity to discuss their experience as black individuals at UI, in honor of Black History Month
Five panelists were asked various questions submitted by the audience, which were then read aloud by Dean of Students Blaine Eckles. Many topics were touched on during the panel, highlighting conversations around Greek life, inclusion, discussing whether racial systems have been abolished or changed, and the overall feeling of being a black person on a predominately white campus.
All panelists were asked whether they believe systems of racial oppression have truly been abolished, or merely just changed. And all panel members agreed systemic racism has evolved but it’s still a crucial issue that is still present.
Romuald Afatchao, one of the panelists and a clinical professor in the School of Global Studies, said racial systems are still here but progression has been made toward alleviating racial oppression over time. Afatchao says despite a person’s skin color we are all human.
“You can’t dismantle a system without the majority, and you can’t do it with just a minority. We [the U.S.] take two steps forward then one step backward” Afatchao said.
Additionally, another panelist, Peter Clavery touched on topics surrounding Greek life at UI. Clavery is a member of the Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity, he says he loved that we experienced recruitment with his friends but emphasized the struggles in relating to his brothers, in the context of race. He also finds it challenging to educate his brother on racial issues.
A different panelist, Kennedy Johnson, a transfer student from Santa Barbra who plays basketball for UI, described how she feels like all eyes are on her when entering predominantly white spaces.
“You put yourself into a shell and you make yourself small. It makes you wonder if you don’t belong there, which is false. Limiting ourselves does more harm to us than good” Johnson said.
Eckles’ final discussion for the panel focused on why each member joined the panel. Each member had a unique reason to share their black experience in front of an audience, contributing to a rich tapestry of perspectives and insights. It was a common theme among panelists to say they joined to have their voices and opinions heard.
Afatchao’s motivation to join the panel is to support black youth, or the ‘little ones’ as Afatchao puts it, while also embracing the chance to connect with new people and seize exciting opportunities. For Johnson, however, she told herself after she transferred, she’d be more involved in the black community at UI, especially during Black History Month.
“I missed practice [to be here], but I feel like this opportunity is rare to come around, this is the first time I’ve got to share my experience and I value being here, and I love being here,” Johnson said.
Alyssa John can be reached at [email protected]