By Kara Little, Forum Editor
This Black History Month has been full of many examples of black excellence on campus.
SU Creator’s Night Out, hosted by Christian Coleman, let many black students present their talents/side businesses, whether it be photography, crocheting, drawing or more.
The Theater Department began to put on their show last night, Crumbs from the Table of Joy, focusing on racial and social issues, while starring many students of color. There were many ways that they were able to represent themselves in a positive way. This is something that I love about SU students of color, because this school does not give us the platform to shine.
The students of color that you see as executive board members and holding leadership positions are not there because Susquehanna paved the way for them, but rather because they are already natural-born leaders, who find a way to lead and represent themselves, regardless of the environment. This school does not honor students of color, as we already know, and uses them as a crutch to lure other students of color in order to meet a quota.
Trayvon Martin was killed seven years ago on Tuesday, and a vigil was hosted here. Faculty and staff of color spoke, reading works of Langston Hughes and Ta-Nehisi Coates and sharing how Trayvon’s story affected them personally. One person I noticed that wasn’t there was President Green. I heard a student mentioned how President Green was able to make every basketball game, but seemed to be unable to make the half-hour vigil that was held in honor of Trayvon and other victims of police brutality.
I usually give people the benefit of the doubt, but at the same time, you make time for what you make time for.
To my past, present, and future students of color, do not wait for this school to give you your moment, to respect your existence, to cherish your being.
Continue to pave your way to success, and use this school to your advantage. Although Black History Month is over, your black excellence does not end here. Carry it throughout your years here, and never settle. Whenever you’re a black face in a white space, make sure they never forget who you are and what you bring to the table. Finally, when a place like Susquehanna refuses to give you a seat at the table, make your own. Trust me, those same people will see all the ways your table has flourished, but they can only watch from afar.
The editorials of The Quill reflect the views of individual members of the editorial board. They do not necessarily reflect the views of the entire editorial board or of the university. The content of the Forum page is the responsibility of the editor in chief and the Forum editor.