Wednesday, December 1, 2021

Haley Group A2: Challenges to consider

[Haley Reading groups Fall 2021]

For our last week of responses, we’re thinking beyond the short stories.

We’re not where we were last year this time when all classes were remote and the pandemic was even more prevalent, but we’re still not back to pre-COVID so-called normality.

Over the last couple of years, researchers and commentators have noted the toll that the pandemic has had on African Americans and other people of color in terms of health, in the workforce, in neighborhoods and homes, and in schools.

As we emerge from and continue to deal with a pandemic, what do you now think is one of the most important challenges to consider and discuss at SIUE concerning black students like you? Briefly explain in two or three sentences.

Examples:
• “The biggest challenge is putting figuring out how to put black students in touch with each other. The pandemic diminished crucial peer-to-peer networks, which were crucial for overall educational and social development. Addressing those kinds of issues will be vital if we expect black students to thrive here at the university and moving forward.” --J. D.

• Motivation. Over the last two years, so many black students like me loss motivation to do well and excel. If we expect to get to a better place, we’ll certainly have to figure out how to inspire folks to become more excited about educational and professional pursuits.” –M. S.

• The pandemic made it even clearer how vulnerable African Americans were in a world with systemic racial injustice. We should use all we learned about disproportionate health factors as well as the protests concerning social justice to address really address racist barriers at university.” P. F.

116 comments:

Anozha Singletary said...

The biggest challenge is that everyone expects us as Black students to fail. It's as if the color of our skin limits our knowledge base and that is simply not true. I do not plan to fail, however. I will do what it takes to be a successful member in society and defy this stereotype.

-Anozha Singletary

Anonymous said...

I think one of the biggest challenges as we emerge from the pandemic is promoting groups centered around diversity. There are groups around campus like the black student union and I think it is important that black student learn about them. There will be more people comfortable with increased social interaction. Groups, like the BSU, are a good step to connect with others that share similarities with one another.

Dayevion M.

La’ Raye said...

One challenge is being in a predominantly white area. Making sure there is enough diversity and representation for us african americans too. Also everyone expecting us to fail, they never want to see us in color succeed. They don’t believe in is & want us to be “nothing” in life like olden days.
They always want the worse for us and expect nothing or low of us.
-La’Raye Littlepage

Jordan W. said...

As we emerge from and continue to deal with a pandemic, what do you now think is one of the most important challenges to consider and discuss at SIUE concerning black students like you? Briefly explain in two or three sentences.

One of the most important challenges to consider when it comes to black students at SIUE is having us connected. A lot of us black students are more spread out and not many have friends while living on campus, it has been harder to try to make friends .

Paul Olubodun said...

I believe the biggest challenge while covid is going on is that black students aren't able to interact as much as they would have in previous years. There aren't as many classes in person, so there aren't as many opportunities to talk to other students in general.
--Paul Olubodun

Anonymous said...

That we all have a target on our back. Because even though we are students on this campus police and campus security will continue to treat us as if we aren't.
-Gabriel scott

Ryan Parham said...

The biggest thing is having people that we connect with that understand our struggles as black kids. We are put under a microscope that makes us shut down and only emerge when we do something spectacular. Which is tiring, if we have people that understand how it is to be a black student at a PWI it would help us not feel so discouraged when something doesn't go as planned. Also if we didn't get placed at the bottom of the academics chain and how to fight our way up to be seen as smart, it would be helpful but I know that's a lot to ask for.

Maurice King said...

One challenge I see as being a black student at SIUE is that where I come from, a lot of people had expected my people to fall and I have been subjected to some of that here ever since arriving at the school. But after all I have been through, I will not let this bring me down.

Anjel Vela said...

A big challenge to face at SIUE is feeling culturally comfortable at the school. Especially being in a predominantly white area, it's common that the untrue stereotypes about black people are applied. So it's hard to find that area of free expression that doesn't make you feel like you're being too loud or too "ghetto."

sierrea mcniff said...

With SIUE already being a PWI, the pandemic has lessened even more opportunities to meet more African Americans on campus. My online and blended classes make it extremely hard to build friendships with the few other black students in my classes.

Jasmyne Whitehead said...

The biggest challenge to me is not ever seeing many black students. I do not have many in my classes. I think many people expect us to fail and attending an PWI during covid, also with me being pregnant I really don't have time to walk the campus and meet new people. I take a sociology class and just listening to some of the non-black people talk about life situations make me cringe. Some people come from small towns where they never see or hear about anything bad. It's just a different scene, some I had to get used too. No one really understanding what you have been through while you still continue to come to class every day and push yourself to succeed.

-Jasmyne Whitehead

Kai Binta Steward said...

A big challenge to me is creating a community to allows people from all walks of life to feel comfortable. While taking the room for Black students that they should already have, we have to remember not to perpetuate stereotypes.

Anonymous said...

A challenge I see being a black student here at SIUE is the feeling of not belonging here or wanting to even be here. Black students are always facing so many problems just because of the color of their skin which does not help us feel like we belong, and especially considering the fact some of us live on campus now, we may not have anybody like our families to go to when we are upset which makes it hard to even be here.
-Madisen W.

Shelby Taylor said...

With being a black student it's remotely hard to be able to face the fact that people see us as people who will always fail. It's how people examine us as failures just by the color of our skin. The biggest challenge for me is having to try and keep this scholarship as this is the only reason I am able to afford college.
Shelby Taylor

Ian Lindsey said...

I think one big problem that black students face at SIUE is being involved in the community. Most black students who come to a predominantly white college feel as if they should keep to themselves due to racial barriers they have placed on themselves. However, I feel this could be worked around if we could make everyone feel comfortable on campus at all times.

Madison W said...

I believe a big challenge for SIUE as a black student is getting in touch with other African Americans who have the same interests and goals. There aren't many clubs and organizations for black students and the ones that do exists, its very hard to find.

Calviana S. said...

The biggest challenge is the motivation to keep going. There aren’t many resources we can used as a motivational tool or a push to keep going. With the pandemic many goals where hindered and almost pushed to the side due to the feeling of failure and or the mental state we began to get in as the pandemic hit. There should be more resources for us to feel comfortable discussing these problems. Calviana S.

Me-Na S. said...

I think one of the biggest challenges concerning a black student like myself is this being a predominantly white institution. I would have thought with the way things have changed in today's society that the students would be more open-minded to venture out and make friends as well as included people who aren't the same race as them. this institution has its diversity but as always, the black students are singled out. it's one organization that support African American students. I don't believe that this school is built with diversity even if it is promoted it doesn't support African American or any other race other than white people. I don't see much off African American or any other race of professors. so, my thing is we need diversity in every aspect of the school so that all students should feel that they have a support system through school.

Anonymous said...

I think one of the biggest challenges I faced as a black student at SIUE was not seeing other people like me in a classroom. Going from a classroom where everybody looks like me to virtually nobody looking like me was hard. It felt awkward at times to look at my peers and see only one or two people like me.-A'nya Wilkes

Damien W said...

One challenge I think we all can agree upon is being in a predominantly white area. Being in a white area you don't feel as safe and secure as you would back home wherever you're from. Also, the black students don't hang out with each other a lot so you're really on your own. Really the black students here don't care about each other. I'm going to be honest no matter what nobody cares about you, what you got going on, or who you are.

Jessica Rhodes said...

Right now I believe the biggest challenge I face as being a black woman is being in a sick world where no one seems to care about feelings. I have seen a lot of people mugging and talking down on black women. I am not saying that only this specifc race is going through it but I am saying that black women gets it worst than any other.

Makiah Lewis said...

Being in a predominantly white institute is definitely a challenge by itself. It's easy for us as black students to feel unsafe and unwanted. It's hard sometimes but I think that with the different programs they have for us, it is definitely easier to be here. Another challenge is not having any motivation to do work.
-makiah lewis

Samuel Msengi said...

I think the biggest challenge that black students face is that we are undermined upon our own intelligence due to our skin color. I sort of wish there were more events promoted for african american students to get to know one another, or atleast oppertunities for those in the field to discuss with those people of color more often. But whether intentional or not, I feel as though there is a stigma associated with the color of ones skin, whether that be their own behavior as a whole or, alas, in some parts, their intelligence.

Sam M.

Nikiyah Tipton said...

A challenge we face as black students at a predominantly white institution is we don't have as many programs and events dedicated to us. so its hard for us to venture out and meet new people because we don't see people that look the same as us as much. That is another reason why a lot of times people of color drop out of predominantly white institutions because we don't feel connected with the community.

Jania M. said...

The most difficult problem that black students encounter at SIUE is feeling like they belong and are not an outcast. When you attend to a predominantly white school, it's tough to make friends and feel at ease with people because you're always wondering if what you're saying is appropriate. You must address the stereotypes that people have about African Americans, because no one acts or is the same. (Jania M)

Shaniyah Robinson said...

I feel that a big challenge at SIUE for black students is we are the minority and a lot of us don't know about the resources since we do go to a PWI. We have Black Student Union but they don't really plan events a lot so unless your inside the "loop" you won't know about anything.
-Shaniyah R

Kehajana Tallie said...

I think one of the biggest challenges is that everyone expects us to fail. They don't think we are smart enough or good enough to make it. But all of us will prove them wrong.

Aerin T. said...

One challenge I think most black students have is connecting with others like us. Especially while going to a predominantly white institution. No one really puts in the effort to meet new people and make new friends. They just stick to what they're comfortable with and being at a PWI doesn't provide much opportunity for black students to branch out or feel comfortable in doing so.

Janelle said...

A challenge most black students face is feeling comfortable to get involved and meet new people. If we don't see diversity we don't feel as connected to the community to find time to involve ourselves. covid also have majority of things limited which makes meeting new people difficult as well.

Josiah Olden said...

I think the biggest challenge for most black students is the connection with other black students on our campus. Since Covid, students are more apt to take more online classes than in-person classes which significantly decreases the rate of personal encounters. Not only that, my friends found it difficult to make new friends who are like them due to not knowing the events that take place at our school. Not only did Covid limit the interactions on campus, but the fact that SIUE is a predominately white school makes it even more difficult for black people to find space just for them. I would love for SIUE to host more cultural events for people of color so that they can create those connections with similar people. But, even that would be difficult due to the rise of COVID-19.

Heaven Watkins said...

One Challenge I think most black students have is connecting with other students especially students like us. Many of us do not feel comfortable with connecting with others. I feel that if they had more resources for us to connect with each other then most of us black students will feel comfortable here. Another challenge we face is being underestimated. Others feel that black students do not have the ability of being something in life. Another challenge is that many of us black students do not have the support and that can be really hard finding at a PWI.

Ayanna Townsend said...

As most people are aware, one of the most important things that people need to take into consideration is monitoring the mental health of minorities, or all people of color for that matter. Especially during times of the pandemic where several people were confined within their homes, which ultimately affected several people’s mental health negatively due to the impact of being alone for long periods of time.

A.T

Unknown said...

As a Black student attending SIUe, I think one of the biggest challenges we face would be the standards set for us. I feel as if there are times where we are expected to fail, so the school prepares more for the contingencies of our failure, rather than the contingencies of our success. It is very present when it comes to some of the academic advising, and I think that is something that needs to change. There needs to be a bigger advance for success among the black students that attend SIUe
- Kizito Nwauwa

Devin Willis said...

One of the biggest challenges that black students are facing right now is Code-Switching. As a black man or black woman at a school like SIUE Code-Switching is very common. Another thing is stress. I 've seen black college students dropout of college because the lifestyle was just too much for them.

Erin Myers said...

Starteese S.:

As we emerge from and continue to deal with a pandemic, one challenge concerning us as black students is the fact of being at a predominantly white school. Also, while being a good representation of African American students here to expand diversity.

Amir Madison said...

I think one of the biggest challenges that we as black students face being at a predominantly white school is that us African American students haven't really found an effective way to connect with one another. Also, we try to put on a facade so that others don't compare us to the typical sterotypes.

Unknown said...

I think that one of the most important challenges to consider and discuss at SIUE concerning black students is for everyone to have a comfortability of things that are offensive rather or not they say “not to be offensive”. I think that when racial things are said rather it be in class or not people tend to let down boundaries to speak about it. I personally have never felt like I was a token in a friend group so much until I came to SIUE and for how long it took me to realize what these so-called friends were actually saying. – Meikiyia R.

Sarai WB said...

One of the biggest challenges is the low expectations people are us set. People always expect for black kids/teen/adults to fail in life. Lots of kids are dropping out because they don't have the motivation or support system to help them along the way. Another is being in a predominantly white school; kids are still closed minded even at the college level. If people would be more open to learning about differently cultures or things, I think we could all mix well together.


Sarai WB

Rashad Pipkins said...

One challenge I would say we face is communication with one another. During the pandemic, many people have failed to interact with others how they're used to doing so. Therefore, some people may have forgotten or produced new ways of communication that may be different from others'.

Brandon Wiles said...

The biggest challenge is being in a predominantly white area. There are other black students, but they are spread so few and far between that I don’t really get a chance to meet them and make new friends. This makes it a problem when it comes to connecting to other black students or learning about black student groups.

Nyah Marcano said...

Since the pandemic I believe one of the biggest challenge black students face, especially in a predominantly white area is feeling comfortable here on campus. Many students fear having sterotypes placed on them so they go out of their way to conform and change themselves so they don't make others upset. When black students know that they are embraced and welcomed here on campus it makes the transition to university easier.

Unknown said...

I think the biggest challenge is motivation. Over this whole pandemic many African Americans have just lost their sense of motivation. It's not even just the motivation of doing your schoolwork, it could be as simple as getting out the bed in the morning. We've gotten so used to the pandemic causing us to lounge around all day and be lazy, so we've lost the motivation just to do everyday life skills.

-Dakahi L

Jarrod Rhodes said...

One of the most concerning topics regarding black students is teaching ourselves. Today, schools are utilizing online teaching for some classes, and it could be difficult for students who prefer to learn hands-on. This could cause us to feel frustrated and tired of certain classes.

Trista Mazyun said...

I think that one of the biggest challenges that black students face at SIUe during the pandemic is that we aren’t able to connect as we are used to. From my experience, we bond better when we can actually hang out and experience one another’s personalities. With the pandemic and social distancing, we can’t do that as we could during normal times. -Trista Mazyun

Jayla Walker said...

One of the most important challenges for black students at SIUE include the fact that we are in a predominantly white area and are constantly being judged and watched. Personally, I feel that I am always being judged by someone and that I have to act a certain way to avoid stereotypes. COVID has made it hard for black students to connect and interact which is also a challenge.

Amarie McCleary said...

what do you now think is one of the most important challenges to consider and discuss at SIUE concerning black students like you? Briefly explain in two or three sentences.


I would say one of the most important challenges to consider when at a PWI is not being able to connect with people who look like you everyone here has their own problems so we all have to fit in somehow without drawing attention to one another. As well as not seeing others like me in my classes such as major based ones like Chemistry. I think black students should also have opportunities to talk to advisors etc that look like them as well and have their best interest in them.

Sealaya W said...

One of the biggest challenges we face as Black students at SIUE is being in an environment where we have a small support system, if we are able to build one at all. There are students who struggle and have to figure things out on their own due to not having the opportunity to build certain kinds of relationships with faculty and their peers. Being a minority at a university can be extremely hard and stressful; not having a support system of people who look like you and understand you can make it that much more difficult.

Alexis Price said...

I would say the biggest challenge is facing discrimination. Another one is mental health of first-generation black students not getting the support they need .

Tateaundra W said...

One of the biggest challenges that I believe black students have to consider while continuing to deal with the pandemic at SIUE is feeling like you belong. Having to deal with the pandemic and staying safe and with everything that has been strongly highlighted since the pandemic started such as racism, discrimination and senseless murders, I believe we as a community feel discouraged to interact with other minorities and just want to stay to ourselves because of peoples' true colors.

Unknown said...

I think a major focus should be trying to uplift all students as much as possible. Different ways to include them and all cultures and address societal issues and let students know that is is a safe environment for all people. People should feel comfortable and respected in the environment around them. - Damen Ward

Xavier Stacker said...

One of the most important/biggest challenges as a black student is finding a sense of community. I remember going to the black student welcome at the beginning of the school year, and still feeling so empty. The number of people there felt like less than half the cafeteria when it is busy.

Xavier Stacker

Britney Wallace said...

I think one of the biggest challenges is finding out about organizations for black students. As a freshman, it is hard trying to navigate all the clubs that are offered at SIUE. If there were an app or website that was specifically geared towards different black events on campus, it would make finding opportunities easier.

c said...

One of the biggest challenges on campus is the lack of community. Because many people live off campus it is hard to bring the community together to further Black progress and achievement. Since we are a minority group at a university without a lot of diversity, it is hard to meet other Black students. Having a closer community could help motivate Black students on campus and help us to have more of a voice in the SIUe community.

Cierstin N.

Brandon Wiles said...

The biggest challenge is being in a predominantly white area. There are other black students, but they are spread so few and far between that I don’t really get a chance to meet them and make new friends. This makes it a problem when it comes to connecting to other black students or learning about black student groups. 

Jay Mitchell said...

After reading this book, it seems the biggest problem for black people is trying to find a way to fit in at schools. We have standards and stereotypes that we face all the time from just being at a predominatly white schools. Espically since sometimes our own people look down out each other.

Jalen Q. said...

One of the biggest challenges is lack of motivation. Considering everything that has happened with covid, it can create a lot of stress on top of it maybe affecting them physically. All of this combined can really damage your motivation to do anything, especially school.

Caleb W. said...

As a black/African American student at SIUE we face so many challenges even before we can get into a school. We are expected to fail as a people that is why when a select few of us succeed they hate us. We have a problem getting accepted into dream schools simply by the color of our skin. They can never have too many of "US" around when success is involved. When we get into your college some students are already programmed to fail, so that can lead to depression and after a while dropping out.

Omari Riley said...

I think the biggest challenge as a black student in SIUE is finding friends espcially in a PWI. People tend to turn a blind eye to you and skin color may play factor in that.

Jaden Mitchell said...

From what i'v read about the book, it seems that black people have the hardest times fitting in espically at schools. We often stereotype ourselves so we don;t uplift and have motivation to finish college or have any support around them. I personally feel kind of the same way because I don't know if college is fully for me. Jaden Mitchell

Anonymous said...

From looking at the reading to SIUE, it seems like that the biggest challenges are motivation for college and stereotypes and trying to fit in. Kids don't have motivation and support to complete college and they have a somewhat hard time trying to fit in into new groups in a big white school. -Jaden Mitchell

DeAndre W. said...

One of the biggest challenges is being able to connect with fellow students. With SIUE being a PWI on top of the pandemic there are less of us to connect with. There a few events for us to get together and connect with each other. It’s hard to connect with people who you can’t relate too.

Also due to COVID we have to social distance which makes it harder to be able to set up events to meet new people that look like me. It would be great to have African American events that are Fun and Educational.

Isiah Miller said...

I feel like one important injustice is that we're black students in an environment that caters to white people. Systems seem to always find themselves being in favor of whites rather than other races and we as a people have always fallen prey to that injustice.

Ciaunna M. said...

One challenge is being out numbered because we go to a predominantly white intuition. We see more non African American students and some of us African American students are viewed as ghetto. We may even be viewed as not able to succeed and be engaged here with covid keeping us socially distanced and putting a number on how many people can attend an event.

Terence Smith said...

I think the biggest challenges for black students who attend siue and has been dealing with the pandemic is not seeing a lot of other black students on campus considering that we do go to a predominantly white institution, it's hard to fit in with others because of the sterotypes or how were viewed. and also the fact that we are socially distance from one another so you really don't get to meet a lot of black students face to face on a daily basis unless you so happen to catch one another outside of class or at a dorm room.

Unknown said...

I believe that one of the biggest challenge for an African-American at SIUE is connecting with other African-Americas as SIUE is a predominantly white school. It's hard to fit in and if anyone is struggling with this I encourage you to attend African-American lead events as it is a great way to connect with others!

Erin Myers said...

Taniah P.:

What caught me the most was that they had to work with dead bodies next to them. Not only did the bodies stink, but it was also hot weather that these people were working in.
When I heard about this I was in discussed and had shivers everywhere and goosebumps when I heard that they were surrounded by dead bodies and the cows which is ironic to hear about some thing that people work at.

Erin Myers said...

Kevyere M.:

As we emerge from and continue to deal with a pandemic, what do you now think is one of the most important challenges to consider and discuss at SIUE concerning black students like you? Briefly explain in two or three sentences.

I think now the most important challenges black students at SIUE face is not connecting with black cultural things offered at SIUe. Also, I feel like a lot of black students approach other black students awkwardly or don’t even say anything to them because they’ve been confined in a particular area for so long.

Erin Myers said...

Jason N.:

I believe one of the biggest challenges black students face today is interacting with each other or getting involved on campus. To help solve this problem, we need to make sure black students are in the loop about events and activities and also have events specifically for black students.

Erin Myers said...

Sandy S.:

Hello my name is Sandy Stokes and my blog didn't upload again so here's my blog; My biggest challenge as a black student has been trying to fit in basically. You never know nowadays who automatically hates you because of the color of your skin without getting to know you.

Erin Myers said...

TyRia R.:

I believe that coming out the pandemic was the most challenging thing was anxiety. Many young African Americans suffered from anxiety to the point where they would avoid people and stay at home. I think young African American have to find the motivations to break out of the troubling times and anxiety that they have.

Erin Myers said...

Gabrielle S.:

I believe the challenges that need to be discussed is that us students of color are too handpicked. It seems that an act is mainly recognizable not because of the person themself, but race. And for it to be fully inclusive and to continue to grow as a community here at SIUE we have to promote equalisms.

Erin Myers said...

Marquis P.:

Personally, one of the biggest challenges black students face would have to be the lack of interaction between one another. A good majority of us aren't able to bond with one another, due to the social limitations set by the pandemic. Also, since we attend a PWI, it can be more challenging to fit in.

Erin Myers said...

DeMarco S.:

I think the biggest personal challenge for me is coming where I come from everyone thinks that you are not going to make it far. Now as whole black community at SIUE with covid I would say it is getting to interact with each other because of social distancing and online classes.

Unknown said...

I think one of the biggest challenges that African-Americans face here at SIUE is connecting with other African-Americans as this school is predominantly white. If you are struggling with this problem I encourage you to attend any African-Americans lead events as it is a great way to meet new people!
Jonah Wolfe

Erin Myers said...

Destiny M.:

The biggest challenge as a black student at siue is the fact that that its hard to make friendships and establish relationships because it seems like when your hanging out with your own race here a lot of them don’t want to be bothered or don’t want to talk to you. Then when you try to establish friendships with people out of your race they look at you like your the odd one out of the group.

Kailiah W. said...

One challenge of being an African American student here at SIUE is that there are not many clubs or organizations for black students. I believe every minority group should have some form of a club or organization that they can relate to and feel understood in.

Kailiah W. said...

One challenge of being an African American student here at SIUE is that there are not many clubs or organizations for black students. I believe every minority group should have some form of a club or organization that they can relate to and feel understood in.

Raven Simmons said...

Being at a PWI itself is a challenge. Us as African American feel unsafe or unwanted here. It definitely still holds racism which causes more problems for us because of the simple fact we can’t fight or advocate for ourselves. Which brings me to talk about how we don’t have many programs or much to represent us. So it’s hard for us to show who we are and what we are capable of.

Erin Myers said...

Audriahna M.:

Racism happens to be a big problem when going to a PWI, we deal with people from all over the world and with different types of home training. It's almost impossible to stop because racism doesn't just come from one person it's passed down from generation to generation.

Erin Myers said...

Valarie M.:

The biggest challenge I would say would be a financial problem. I say that because nowadays most students attend college and don’t know how they are going to pay for it. Most black students face problems like that before we even decide on what college. Black students try their hardest to do well while in college so that everything they been paying for won’t go down the drain. It scares me so I know it scares other black students because what can you do if you really want to attend a college, but you don’t have any money to keep going?

Erin Myers said...

Kaylin P.:

There are still many challenges minorities like black people have to struggle with in today's society. Although the process of becoming equal has come a long way, racism, sexism, and much more societal conflicts hide underneath us attacking in any way possible. At SIUE, there are still challenges that black people can face. One challenge is feeling included in this school. This process is already hard because SIUE is a PWI but The pandemic made this challenge much harder as it pushed back people's social skills. There are times where many minorities do not feel included and/or safe here which is a huge problem still. I do believe that SIUE has given great resources for minorities to feel included and to get in touch with each other more, but overall I think there is still room for improvement to get minorities more connected with each other and even others outside their race.

Erin Myers said...

Cicily L.:

The biggest change as a black student is that, not everybody is gonna to give us a fat chance because of the simple fact that we are black, and we are seen as less than any other student. We are seen as uneducated and rude, as soon as we walk in a room, and everybody expect us to fail instead of rising to the occasion.

Chris Rhodes said...

I think the most important challenge to consider and discuss at SIUE concerning black students like me is diversity and inclusion. I was lucky enough to find a fraternity that accepts me, but it is not diverse at all. I’m the only black active member, I’m not complaining, just stating facts. I think SIUE needs to have more events on campus to get more black students involved! - Chris Rhodes

Chris Rhodes said...

I think the most important challenge to consider and discuss at SIUE concerning black students like me is diversity and inclusion. I was lucky enough to find a fraternity that accepts me, but it is not diverse at all. I’m the only black active member, I’m not complaining, just stating facts. I think SIUE needs to have more events on campus to get more black students involved! - Chris Rhodes

Erin Myers said...

Jayna S.:

One of the most important challenges to discuss among black students is keeping a strong connection with one another. Due to covid and social distancing, it's been hard to stay in touch with others or even enjoy somebody's company. But, now since most classes are back in person, we can use this too our advantage and create more friendships.

Erin Myers said...

Ashley M.:

I think the most African American people face in this world is racism. It hard to be a African American girl in America because we have to face two thing being black and being a woman or a young lady. Every day I think about what's going to happen when I walk out of my house and I have feel like I'm not wanted in this country because of the color of my skin. It's really hard having to face what going to happen next in my young life. Some people say to me why don't you got to a community college because they that as a black girl I'm not smart enough to go to a university, that's why I can understand they book so much because I been there before and that's why I also like this book.

Erin Myers said...

Kamari W.:

Trough out all the stories we read during this school year made me realize, that it's difficult for people to reach out and express themselves. Life is often hard when people can't see or understand, only trying to put their own reasoning to what the problem is. Most people would shut themselves off from others, thinking they won't be able to help or even truly care. Children disconnect themselves from parents, thinking they would only blame or scold them for the situations they're in. Know this can be the way life will be, only means the best way to start something different is to listen.

Erin Myers said...

Sarah R.:

One of the most important challenges is getting black students in unity. Meaning having more instructors, and regular African-Americans more visible to other African-American students so that they'll know they too belong in a society being the minority. Also, being sympathetic knowing through the pandemic we faced a relentless amount of racial/social justice. Overall, respecting our presence and advocating if necessary.

Charlesha W. said...

I think one of the most important challenges that have occurred due to Covid is trying to get more black students to connect with each other more. A lot of times, us as black people tend to shy away from wanting to connect with other black students when we don't know them or aren't comfortable around them.

Erin Myers said...

Emyia K.:

One of the most important challenges us black students face is racism. It's all across this campus and everywhere in the world. SIUE needs to diversify the institution more and educate everyone about racism. Being black is not easy being a person of color in general is not easy. When caucasian people believe they are more superior than us and want to oppress us.

Erin Myers said...

Leea S.:

One of the biggest challenge is motivation. At the start or even now there were lack of motivation for a lot of students especially for a black student like myself because classes had to be online and it so hard to adjust from in-person classes to online classes.

Erin Myers said...

Curtis S.:

what find the biggest challenge at some point at issue all African Americans some students have the same majors and goals they want to succeed in the future and every student at Southern Illinois University of Edwardsville love making new friends and students love keeping their self-motivated.

Erin Myers said...

Niobe Y.:

I think one of the most important challenges to consider and discuss at SIUE while being a black woman is having discussions with white people about respect, inclusion, and the lack of
knowledge some white people have when it comes to their privilege and them actually
believing they don’t have any when in reality they do and it impacts all of us people of color.

tyra OLIVER said...

i feel like one of the biggest important challenges about black people is that we dont have a. lot of motivation. people think we are going to fail and not pass.


tyra oliver

Anonymous said...

One of the most important challenges is mental health. A lot of black folks were raised in households where mental health was not taken seriously or prioritized. We were made to feel like something was wrong with us. And in a society today, where the loss of a lot of human interaction has caused mental struggles for everyone, I feel as a community we should uplift and encourage one another more. As well as educate those that are still blind. The isolation we feel in our dorms sometimes, the loss of family members and friends, the basic joy that has been stolen by a virus--is just another eyeopener on how we need to take better care of our people, now, and going forward.

-Jaisha Sims

Gerald Quincy Powell said...

I think it's harder to meet many of the other black people due to the fact that everyone is spread out. I feel like if covid did not exist, there would be more organizations for us to meet each other. Also I think having all of us together and it being a social place would do much better for us versus just seeing each other in the MUC.

Gerald Powell

Erin Myers said...

Sydney W.:

During the pandemic in schools it can sometimes be hard to find black mentors for black students to go to. Especially when we need guidance on situations that we have never been in before or how to deal with the situation.

Erin Myers said...

Akuchukwu O.:

One of the most important challenges to consider at SIUE is planning activities that are solely in the interest of black students. Challenges or topics to discuss amongst the black student at SIUE should be important and essential for them to be able to feel comfortable while in a predominately white institution.

Erin Myers said...

Airyanna S.:

As we emerge from the pandemic, a big challenge to face at SIUE as a black student feeling a little bit isolated from everyone else. Coming to a predominately white college will make you feel a little bit out of place and uncomfortable because, you see people who are already in little cliques and you are stuck by yourself, which can be a little bit sad and lonely at times. Also, you hardly see any other person of color who you can relate to on a more personal level. However, I think we could be able to work through this and create more of a comfortable space for black student.

Erin Myers said...

Theon'Janae P.:

One challenge I think most black students have is connecting with others . Especially while going to a predominantly white institution. No one really puts in the effort to meet new people and make new friends. They just stick to what they're comfortable with and being at a PWI doesn't provide much opportunity for black students to branch out or feel comfortable in doing so

Erin Myers said...

Zaria W.:

One of my greatest struggles over the course of the pandemic was learning how to resile from burnout and coping with mental illness, specifically depression. It’s a constant battle that I struggle with, and it can be extremely debilitating. I’ve also noticed that a substantial number of my peers struggle with the same issues. I believe that black students in general need more access to emotional support and resources to help with our mental health.

Erin Myers said...

Jordyn P.:

Through reading the multiple stories written in “Heads of the Colored People”, I sawmany similarities in the characters and myself. I could relate multiple events in the stories withevents I have experienced in my own life. However, seeing it through an outside perspective hashelped me to shape my own understanding in finding my own identity. All in all, I truly enjoyedeach of the stories I read, and would highly recommend others in similar positions to read it aswell.

Erin Myers said...

Kiara U.:

Challenges I believe black people face now more than ever are fighting the stereotypes of their race. During this post-pandemic people are pushed to wear masks and I catch myself walking into an establishment without one every now and then. So, when I’m asked if I can please wear a mask, I oblige without hesitation, but more times than not the person inquired about my mask didn’t inquire anything and looked at me like I’ve harmed humanity’s most innocent creatures.

Erin Myers said...

Mar'Taejia M.:

One of the most important challenges to consider when it comes to black students is , we all are distant from each other and is becomes hard to make friends , hang out etc. I feel another challenge is being a PWI most black students don't feel comfortable to be themselves around others , so we just keep to ourselves.

Erin Myers said...

ArTerrious T.:

Truly the social aspect of the black students is the most difficult challenge. The pandemic has made an impact on how we connect with others through isolation and constraint from contact with others. It has become a habit that we continue to keep to ourselves at a distance because the pandemic has yet to pass.

Erin Myers said...

Sophina K.:

One of the most important challenges to consider and discuss at SIUE concerning black students is getting black students to connect and socialize more. The pandemic has really affected the social interaction between us so now it’s hard to make friends. I feel like African Americans struggle more with education and that out struggles should be taken seriously.

Erin Myers said...

Sydney P.:

One of the most important challenges to consider would be how hard it is to connect with your culture. When I think of SIUE, I can only think of the white students. I honestly have barely seen black representation at the school, and if it's there it's not talked about that much. It makes it hard for me to feel related to or appreciated.

Erin Myers said...

Leroy P.:

As we all continue to deal with the challenges of the pandemic, for me I find the
hardest challenge so far was not having my intended major be online instead of in class.
The ability to be in class and doing possible hands-on work is important to get a better
understanding of what you are learning and putting it into practice with in class exercises.
As a black student we are constantly being reminded that we have to do 10x the work
compared to everyone else and we are expected to fail, it’s practically anticipated. During
my orientation before school started , the first thing the advisor talked about was how ¾
black males drop out during their first two years. This isn’t wrong to acknowledge the
fact but every time I meet with my advisor it is brought up in some form of fashion. The
pressure is always going to be high for us black student’s, no matter what college we
attend or job we apply for/get hired for.

Erin Myers said...

Jimmiela P.:

I feel as if one of the hardest challenges for people of color like me to deal with are the resources. Not everybody is relatively available to the necessary resources to help them get through the pandemic. I know starting out in college I would always struggle with getting everything that was needed for the pandemic such as mask, antibacterial soap, and more.

Erin Myers said...

Devin P.:

I feel that the biggest concern facing black students on campus is the lack of connections between one them. In college in general it is also hard to make and keep friends. But at PWI like SIUE, it can be even more difficult to connect and find friends that look like us.

Erin Myers said...

Zoriah M.:

As Black students at SIUE, one of the most difficult problems we face is being in an atmosphere with a very small system of people that understand where we are coming from with the struggles we face in life daily. Due to a lack of opportunities to form specific types of relationships with instructors and other students, some students struggle to figure things out on their own. Being a minority at a university can be difficult and cause a lot of stress not having a support system of people who look like you and can relate to you can make life on campus much harder.

Erin Myers said...

Mackenzie L.:

During the pandemic, I considered myself lucky because .y mom had a job at the hospital and was considered a essential worker so we still had money coming in. That also meant I had to play mom, teacher, nurse, mediator, ect for my brother and sisters while she was away and we were doing online school. I was the oldest. My sister had to deal with depression with no real medical help and we didn't know of any resources he's 14. My mother who was working more became irritable and took it out on us. She didn't hit us, but the house was never quite, not even at night. All of that is irrevelent to the question. I'll provide an answer. The biggest struggle, at least for me, as black women, child, during the pandemic was that all of a sudden I had to be everything. I had to adapt for my siblings cause they couldn't.

Erin Myers said...

Vashanti R.:

What I feel like needs to be discussed for black students at SIUE is the feeling of being alone. Sometimes it can feel alone walking around barely seeing people of your own kind. We have organizations and clubs to bring us together but if you aren't in any of those it is hard to communicate here on campus. With my advice to the other African American students is to get involved.

Erin Myers said...

Preston W.:

One of the biggest challenges in all cultural group is African-American turn on other African-American. We never want to see each other so well. It’s like that saying with the monkey and the bucket where if we try to get to a better level and bring ourselves up, someone is always there to pull us down. We hate see each other prospering especially if we’re not prospering. In school there is an entire saying that if a black person does good in school they are compared to being white or acting white. We have never liked our kind to go far especially in this generation.

Erin Myers said...

Deaunzze T.:

One of the most important challenges to consider and discuss at SIUE concerning black students to me is being prepared to experience racism/prejudices. Coming to a PWI, things of that nature is unavoidable. However, if Black students are prepared to come face to face with these things, then we can handle it better. Though, there isn't enough preparation in the world to reduce the blow you feel from experiencing that firsthand.

Anonymous said...

One of my struggles through the pandemic is having to alter how i lived like going out with my family, being in the house a lot more, and pretty much changing how to go about things. However, my family and I had no true struggles. We didn't have as many as others. We did not have any sicknesses. My husband and I were still able to take care of our daughter and home. We were still able to continue school. So, I can't really complain.

Rotrisha Epps