Black History Month Profile Archives - �۶�ֱ�� University

Freshman Computer Science Major Celebrates His Heritage Through Poems, Stories and Film

Office of University Communications — Tue, 27 Feb 2024 18:21:51 +0000

Issa Cogdell Appreciates How �۶�ֱ�� Faculty and Students Inspire Him to Achieve His Goals

By Isabella Brown, ’24, Intern for University Communications

BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.—“Always strive for the greater—for you, and everyone around you,” challenged Issa Cogdell, a freshman computer science major. He appreciates how film, poetry, and literature are used to celebrate his heritage.

Cogdell shares his story in recognition of Black History Month. During the month, �۶�ֱ�� will highlight several students who are making a difference on campus and in their communities. Through their creative passions and leadership skills, these students honor their heritage and encourage others to achieve their dreams.

As a computer science major, Cogdell plans to become a cybersecurity professional and eventually open his own cybersecurity firm. “My favorite parts of being a computer science major would be two things: Learning how things I use on an everyday basis work, and taking computer hardware with Professor Oscar Gonzalez because he is a wonderful professor,” he observed.

Cogdell also won the Ignite Excellence Scholarship, which is a full-tuition award for eight semesters. In his short time on campus, the professors and students at �۶�ֱ�� have made an important impact on Cogdell and continue to encourage him to achieve his goals. “Everyone on this campus tends to inspire me in some way or another, especially the African American community on this campus,” asserted Cogdell.

As part of the Black Student Association (BSA), Cogdell and other fellow students work together to provide opportunities for conversation, education and celebration regarding minority issues, race and culture. “Black history is American history,” Cogdell affirmed. “It spans past one month.”

He believes that when the ideas and words of intellectuals are kept alive, they continue to hold the power to fight oppression. He references the poems of Nikki Giovanni, American poet and contributor of the Black Arts Movement as examples. “My favorite poem from Nikki Giovanni would have to be ‘,’ due to the confidence she exudes while using things close to African Americans, such as Egypt as metaphors to display her ideas,” Cogdell shared.

Additionally, one of the many events that come to Cogdell’s mind during Black History Month is the awe-inspiring interview that aired in 1971 between Giovanni and James Baldwin, an American writer and civil rights activist. During this conversation between poet and writer, the two discuss the depth of the human experience and the future of black culture.

Speaking about society, Baldwin asserted, “And you have—somehow—to begin to break out of all of that and try to become yourself. It’s hard for anybody, but it’s very hard if you’re born black in a white society. Hard, because you’ve got to divorce yourself from the standards of that society.” This interview remains a timeless representation of the power of conversations and also of film, which spreads these discussions around the world.

Cogdell appreciates films that highlight and celebrate the experiences of his heritage, along with directors like Spike Lee and John Singleton, who have explored race relations, the black community and black identity. “I love film because it is a generational way to tell a story, a way for us to put faces to words and be able to visualize some of our favorite moments and be able to invite those from other cultures into our world,” he observed.

Just as people on the GWU campus have inspired him, Cogdell wants to encourage fellow students to “continue being great.” Like Giovanni, Baldwin, Lee, Singleton, and many others, Cogdell believes that the consistent resilience displayed by black men and women can serve as a catalyst for the future when oppression has ended.

Writer Isabella Brown is a senior English Major.

Note to our readers: This article reflects the University’s tuition and fee schedule at the time of publication. Tuition and financial aid policies change annually. For the most up-to-date and accurate information on current tuition rates and financial aid resources, please visit the University’s official Admissions page.

�۶�ֱ�� University is North Carolina’s recognized leader in private, Christian higher education. A Carnegie-Classified Doctoral/Professional University, GWU is home to nine colleges and schools, more than 80 undergraduate and graduate majors, and a world-class faculty. Located on a beautiful 225-acre campus in Boiling Springs, N.C., �۶�ֱ�� prepares graduates to impact their chosen professions, equips them with the skills to advance the frontiers of knowledge, and inspires them to make a positive and lasting difference in the lives of others. Ignite your future at �۶�ֱ��.edu.

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Senior Biology Major Creates Community Through Music

Office of University Communications — Wed, 21 Feb 2024 14:36:41 +0000

Nadia Norman, ’24, Loves Singing and Helping Those Around Her

By Isabella Brown, ’24, Intern for University Communications

BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.—“Singing has been my entire life. It awakens my soul,” asserted Nadia Norman, president of the �۶�ֱ�� University Gospel Choir. By using her talented tenor voice, she is an inspiration to those around her.

Norman shares her story in celebration of Black History Month. During the month, �۶�ֱ�� will highlight several students who are making a difference on campus and in their communities. Through their creative passions and leadership skills, these students honor their heritage and encourage others to achieve their dream.

As a senior majoring in biology and looking forward to a career in cardiology, Norman not only loves to sing, she loves to help others. Her career path is inspired by the loving memory of her grandmother. “My grandmother passed away when I was 7 years old. “It was really hard for me,” Norman shared. Ever since, Norman’s future has been clear: Helping others is her biggest priority.

The close-knit atmosphere is something Norman truly values about �۶�ֱ��. “Being at �۶�ֱ�� is like having a family away from home. A bunch of little families,” she explained.

The Gospel Choir quickly became a place where Norman felt a sense of belonging. As president, Norman had the responsibility of rewriting the club constitution. This task was daunting but joyful, because for Norman, this was just another way to create a sense of community, and to “bridge the divide.” She added, “Music connects everyone. Everyone loves music.”

Norman has worked hard to create a space where all are welcome, no matter who they are. “This is a place of community, fellowship and authenticity–no judgment,” she affirmed. “We are here to worship.”

She is led by a mission to create appreciation for those around her despite their differences. Her love for others reflects itself in the way she speaks about her heritage and culture. “I want to help people connect to my culture, to see what it is,” Norman related. “Most people don’t know about it because it goes untaught. Without us, America wouldn’t be America. My family and their story, I feel like it represents American history very well.”

She continued, “My great-grandma inspired me to work hard in life, after listening to the life she had and how hard she worked to own a home. My mother has inspired me to stay grounded in Jesus, and my father has inspired me to go after everything that I want in life, tenaciously. The love and generosity that was given to me by my siblings has pushed me to become successful with the hopes of repaying all that they have given me.”

As president of the Gospel Choir, Norman is hopeful that her love for music can continue to connect students and create appreciation for each other’s differences. “Appreciation is my biggest goal,” she stated. “Wanting to understand someone is the root of love.”

Writer Isabella Brown is a senior English major.

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Wrestler Jha’Quan Anderson Wants to Inspire Others On and Off the Mat

Office of University Communications — Fri, 16 Feb 2024 13:32:47 +0000

Graduate Student Plans a Career in Strength Coaching

By Isabella Brown, ’24, Intern for University Communications

Jan’Quan Anderson

BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.—“I want to be an example,” asserted Jha’Quan Anderson, a graduate student and wrestler at �۶�ֱ�� University. During the 2022-2023 wrestling season, Anderson finished with more than 20 wins and made his second appearance in the NCAA Division I Wrestling Championships. Recently, he was named Southern Conference Wrestler of the Month and celebrated his 20th win for this season.

Anderson, of Conyers, Ga., aspires to share with others the life-changing impact wrestling has had on him, and he wants to equip athletes to succeed both on and off the mat. He relates his story in celebration of Black History Month. During the month, �۶�ֱ�� will highlight several students who are making a difference on campus and in their communities. Through their creative passions and leadership skills, these students honor their heritage and encourage others to achieve their dreams.

Anderson is working on a Master of Science in strength and conditioning. Upon graduation, he hopes to pursue a career in strength coaching. “The master’s program is really rigorous and prepares us for anything we have coming in our careers,” he affirmed. “I am well prepared because of my professors.”

From the first time he stepped onto a wrestling mat, he knew he would be staying in the sport for the long run. “I started wrestling in middle school, when I was 13.” Anderson recounted, “Football season had just ended, and the wrestling coach came up to me and said, ‘Hey, you should try wrestling!’ I told him, ‘I don’t know. Wrestling is not for me’. And he responded, ‘Come to one practice. If you don’t like it you can leave.’ So, I thought, alright I’ll do that.”

To Anderson, wrestling is more than just a sport, and the community aspect is something he appreciates to this day. “One of the reasons I stuck with wrestling is because I felt like it was more of a family,” he expressed. “It felt like a brotherhood.”

During Black History Month, Anderson remembers the athletes who have reshaped the world of sports by bringing people together regardless of their differences. These men and women carved a path for the future generations of athletes who would make their mark on the world. “Lebron James, Serena Williams, Tiger Woods, Lamar Jackson, they are all people who broke down barriers and walls in sports and in spaces that probably weren’t meant for us when they first started,” he explained. “Being able to break down those barriers is really important. They should really be celebrated.”

Anderson is hopeful that more conversations will be had about these topics in the future. He believes that it’s critical to learn about each other and gain perspective. “These conversations should be happening outside the month, as well,” he asserted. “Our history is an everyday event.”

When thinking about who inspired him most during his athletic journey, Anderson shares that it was American professional wrestler, Jordan Burroughs. “I’ve been watching him since I started wrestling. He’s one of the greatest wrestlers to have ever lived.” Anderson continued, “I like to think I have a similar wrestling style. I like to watch him wrestle and emulate that.”

A wrestler with dreams that go beyond the mat, Anderson believes that perseverance is key. “Keep going,” he encouraged, “and you can break down these barriers and do things people think you might not necessarily be able to do. You can do hard things. You can get it done.”

Writer Isabella Brown is a senior English Major.

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Considering Who and What is Celebrated During Black History Month

Office of University Communications — Thu, 08 Feb 2024 19:53:13 +0000

Senior Brandon Richmond Shares His Search to Discover What the Month Means to Him

By Brandon Richmond, 2023 Intern for University Communications

“What does Black History Month mean to me?” It’s a question that I asked myself a lot a few years ago. I have celebrated it for as long as I can remember. I remember my mother gathering my siblings and me together to watch various Black historical movies and documentaries, from “Roots” to the Maya Angelou documentary. My family would often spend February talking about Black history and going to various museums. And, all of this taught me what Black History Month means to Black people, but not always what it meant for me as an individual.

It was not until high school that I found myself in various conversations about the relevance of Black History Month. I defended the month tooth and nail, always talking about the foundations of the month. I would always bring up why Carter G. Woodson, the father of Black history, founded Black History Week to celebrate the freeing of the slaves and also celebrate the accomplishments African Americans made after that. I would talk about how Historical Black Colleges and Universities turned that week into a month. However, I started to feel that this answer was unsatisfactory, even though those I was arguing against found themselves satisfied.

I felt like there was something that even I was missing when thinking about Black History Month. When I was a freshman at �۶�ֱ�� University, I found myself celebrating Black History Month at college. I posted a series of Instagram stories that were facts about historical Black figures and seldom talked about Black facts. And while I did this and researched a lot of Black stories and facts to discuss, I still felt like I was missing something. People would direct message me telling me how much they loved the series. Yet, I felt like something was missing.

At this same time, I was in the “African American Literature” class with Dr. Kemeshia Randle Swanson and “Creative Non-Fiction” class with Professor Matthew Duffus. Professor Duffus had us read James Baldwin’s “Notes of a Native Son,” and for Dr. Swanson, we read African American poetry. James Baldwin in this work talked so much about life and living. He talked about his lived experience, his struggles, his frustrations, and his thoughts. And the poetry I read for Dr. Swanson was not all about suffering, oppression, and struggling—a lot of it was happy and upbeat. The poets were lamenting their situation but also expressing joy for the few things they did have.

It was then that I realized what Black History Month meant to me.

Black History Month was not just about the history of those who came before me but it was about me and my lived experiences. It was meant to be a celebration of Black culture and history not just a holiday about facts. I had been viewing it as a time of looking back on the people before me and not an active celebration of my lived experience as a Black person and celebrating the existence of my family, friends, and community. That is why Black History Month is important, because it is Black people still celebrating the continuation of Us, our stories, and our history.

Black History Month is not just about the past—it is about the past, the present, and the future. It represents the fact that Black history will always exist and cannot be destroyed. It is meant to represent the strength of our stories and experiences. Now, when Black History Month comes around, I still reflect on books like Carter G. Woodson’s, “The Miseducation of the Negro,” where he describes the importance of Black History. Yet, I also reflect on works like N.K. Jemisin’s “How Long ‘til Black Future Month,” a collection of Afrofuturist stories that center on the idea that Black History is not just about the past but also about the future.

Black People existing and celebrating our existence; that is what Black History Month is to me.

Brandon Richmond, of Salisbury, N.C., is double majoring in English and theology/philosophy and plans to graduate in May. On the GWU campus, he is active in several clubs and organizations and serves as president of the Black Student Association and senior class vice president

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�۶�ֱ�� Homecoming Queen Encourages Those Around Her to Dream Big

Office of University Communications — Fri, 02 Feb 2024 18:14:58 +0000

Gabby Bailey, ’24, Inspired by Martin Luther King Jr.’s Question: ‘What are You Doing for Others?’

By Isabella Brown, ’24, Intern for University Communications

BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.—“As a black female, I take pride in representing—and even empowering—other females of color. Obstacles will always come, that never means you have to stop pursuing your dreams,” asserted Gabby Bailey, �۶�ֱ��’s 2023 Homecoming Queen.

Bailey shares her story in celebration of Black History Month. During the month, �۶�ֱ�� will highlight several students who are making a difference on campus and in their communities. Through their creative passions and leadership skills, these students honor their heritage and encourage others to achieve their dreams.

Gabby Bailey, right, enjoys working as a teacher assistant in the biology labs.

As a senior biology major, Bailey plans to continue her education to pursue a career as a dental hygienist. Her main reason for choosing this field is her passion for helping others, which is also something Bailey has already made a priority while attending �۶�ֱ��. As a peer leader, teaching assistant and an employee for Campus Recreation, Bailey strives to motivate other students to enhance their academic experience while also enjoying college life.

Being a part of the campus recreation team includes the opportunity to design activities that enrich students’ physical, mental, spiritual, and social quality of life as part of the �۶�ֱ�� community. And as part of this team, Bailey works hard to make sure students are having fun!

While she believes all her roles on campus are important, Bailey finds the most joy in being able to inspire students on their academic journeys. “I am a teacher assistant for different biology labs in the natural sciences department,” she expressed. “This is one of my favorite activities on campus. It prepares me for my future career: being hands on and helping others as a dental hygienist.”

Her dreams of the future reflect those of civil rights leader and visionary, Martin Luther King Jr. who spoke these words: “Life’s most persistent and urgent question is, ‘What are you doing for others?”

�۶�ֱ��’s homecoming queen endeavors to answer King’s challenge by encouraging students to dream big and always make serving others their greatest mission. “When I think of Black History Month, I think of Martin Luther King Jr. A fun fact that makes his inspiration so special to me is that on the day I was born it was Martin Luther King Jr. Day!” she explained, “Martin Luther King Jr. was also an inspiration to me because each time I see a group of different races gathered, I think back to what he did to make that possible for us today.”

Gabby Bailey is inspired by the words of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., and is proud that on the day she was born, the country was celebrating MLK Day. (Photo by Taylor Payne / Intern for University Communications)

Bailey is also inspired by Simone Biles, the first female U.S. gymnast to win four gold medals and three consecutive world all-around titles. Biles’ legacy inspires Bailey and countless other women to conquer any challenge that comes their way. “She constantly shows her talent as a black woman, inspiring girls of color to participate in sports and other activities of their interest,” Bailey shared.

Women and men like Biles and King have built a foundation of hope for future generations, their message always rooted in love, an act which takes the greatest courage. Just like these empowering individuals that she looks up to, Bailey wholeheartedly encourages others to work hard to achieve their goals and take on new challenges. She noted, “Running for homecoming was important to me, because I truly wanted to make a change as well as step out of my comfort zone here at �۶�ֱ��.”

Writer Isabella Brown is a senior English major.

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�۶�ֱ�� Alumna Aliah Price Turned Internship at Starbucks Headquarters into a Job Offer

Office of University Communications — Thu, 23 Feb 2023 12:30:00 +0000

Black History Month Inspires Her to Keep Striving for Excellence

Aliah Price graduated from �۶�ֱ�� University in 2019 prepared for her next step: graduate school at N.C. State University. Through this opportunity, she was invited to attend the National Black MBA (Master of Business Administration) Conference. Many high-profile companies offered internship opportunities, but only one would develop her skills and satisfy her caffeine cravings. She applied and was accepted for an internship at Starbucks Headquarters in Seattle, Wash.

Aliah Price presented her internship project in front of over 150 people at Starbucks and later received a job offer.

“It was the perfect time and opportunity, and the Starbucks internship was exactly what I wanted to do post MBA,” Price asserted. “I was a product manager intern at Starbucks, and I was working on the core beverage team. The core beverage team is responsible for basically all the drinks that you see on the Starbucks menu.”

Her friends and family—including her sister, GWU’s Head Women’s Basketball Coach Alex Simmons—also said it was a perfect fit for her because of her affinity for Starbucks. “I tell my friends that if that Starbucks was on campus when I was there, I would have had no money,” she offered. “My Starbucks order on a regular basis is pretty complicated: a triple-iced blonde espresso with oat milk, extra caramel drizzle topped with vanilla sweet cream cold foam.”

As part of the internship, Price completed a summer project and presented it to over 150 people. Her work was so impressive that Starbucks’ management offered her a job as a project manager when she graduates in May.

As Price reflects on her success and the celebration of Black History Month, she appreciates the African Americans who paved the way for her and others. “The things they went through and the things they were able to do and accomplish helped me to get to where I am,” she acknowledged. “Now, essentially it’s up to me and my generation to do the same thing for future generations.”

One of her favorite trailblazers is Maya Angelou. “I’m a firm believer that words are very powerful and I think that her words during that time meant so much to the times that they were going through,” Price affirmed. “I think it’s very telling that people are still using her poems today. Your words are so important, and it matters how you use them. She had a really unique way of expressing herself and the things that were going on in a way that really resonated with people.”

Price also noted that knowing the history and what African Americans did to challenge barriers is worth repeating. “We celebrate this month so that some of the things our heroes did can repeat,” she explained. “It’s really important to highlight and celebrate and continue to study the history, so we can continue the excellence they started.”

She believes that her �۶�ֱ�� classes and extracurricular activities provided the foundation that allowed her to advance in her studies and be noticed by Starbucks management. She is thankful for Micah Martin, the director for the GWU Center for Personal and Professional Development, and Dean Mischia Taylor of the Godbold College of Business for pushing her to excel.

“Being Student Body President my senior year at �۶�ֱ�� prepared me for so much, because that last year I spoke at all kinds of things, but the biggest was speaking in front of the Board of Trustees,” Price related. “It’s helped me in interviews and to be in rooms with C-level people and have a conversation.”

She continued, “Micah really helped me with that too, especially at the beginning of my term as president. I wasn’t the most comfortable with speaking in front of people. Dean Taylor always had grad school in my ear. She was proud of me and knew it was something that I could do. She still keeps in touch. She was a big part of my story at GWU and my career, not only her classes but just her as a person. I really felt invested in and like she really cared about where I went after I left.”

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Doug Armstrong, ’88, Excelled with Support of GWU’s Blind and Visually Impaired Program

Office of University Communications — Thu, 16 Feb 2023 12:30:00 +0000

Alumnus Became a Lawyer to Protect People and Defend Their Rights

Doug Armstrong met his wife, Jackie, while working in Winston-Salem, N.C. They have a daughter, Jennifer.

Doug Armstrong graduated cum laude in 1988 from �۶�ֱ�� University. A student in the blind and visually impaired program, he had earned two degrees in mathematics and computer science with a minor in political science. Armstrong had planned to pursue a job in software engineering and development, but a revelation from his family history inspired him to take a different path. He decided to become a lawyer and use his analytical and problem-solving skills to protect people and their rights.

His hometown of McGehee is located in Arkansas’ Delta Region, which is one of the poorest areas in the state. When he was a junior, Armstrong discovered that his stepdad’s grandfather, a black farmer, was swindled out of his land. That’s when he vowed to make a difference. “I had been subject to and witnessed so many injustices, and I thought I don’t know what kind of impact I can make as a computer programmer, but I can make a better impact as a lawyer,” he reflected.

He was drawn to �۶�ֱ��, because his high school wrestling coach and counselor had discovered that GWU offered a specialized program for the blind and visually impaired. Armstrong applied and received a presidential scholarship. With the program’s help and support, such as braille chapters of textbooks, student readers and recordings for the blind, he excelled in academics. “The biggest thing was the attitude of the professors,” Armstrong affirmed. “They weren’t going along because they had to, they genuinely wanted to help.”

One professor in particular, Paul Jolley, was explaining a calculus problem in class and could tell by the look on Armstrong’s face that he didn’t understand. In desperation, Jolley asked the person sitting behind Armstrong to trace the problem on Armstrong’s back. The tactic worked, and Armstrong used it in other classes.

The Shelby Star wrote a story about Doug Armstrong and published this photo of him running with Coach John Haskins.

Armstrong received awards in political science and computer science and was recognized with a special award for his scholarship and participation in college activities. Armstrong played the alto saxophone and served as president of the band. He lettered in cross country and track, winning the Most Valuable Cross Country Runner Award. He ran with a guide runner, who was Assistant Basketball Coach John Haskins.

Armstrong also served as a senator to the Student Government Association, as a Big Brother, and as president of his class. He was president of the Math Club and vice president of both the Social Science Club and the Association of Computing Machinery.

Because of the support he received from everyone at �۶�ֱ��, Armstrong has served on the advisory board for the University’s Noel Center for Disability Resources since 1989. “It’s a way of giving back when so much was given to me,” he affirmed, “And, it’s another way for me to remain connected to �۶�ֱ��.”

After graduating from Wake Forest University School of Law in 1992, he passed the N.C. Bar Exam and was offered a job with the Legal Aid Society of North Carolina Inc. in Winston-Salem, N.C. He specialized in housing, employment and consumer law. �۶�ֱ�� recognized him for his work as Young Alumnus of the Year in 1995.

Armstrong met his wife, Jackie, while working in Winston-Salem through a mutual friend who worked with her at Sarah Lee Knit Products. She received a promotion and the couple moved to Cincinnati for 14 years, and he continued to work in legal aid and private practice there. They moved back to the Concord area in 2012, when Jackie took a job with the American Red Cross. They have one daughter, Jennifer.

As a student of the law and history, Armstrong appreciates the celebration of Black History Month for several reasons. “It’s a time to recognize the key roles and contributions and sacrifices of African Americans and remember those who came before us,” he acknowledged. “We are reminded of what people went through so that we don’t take our civic duties lightly.”

His heroes encompass all of his interests. “I have so many—Thurgood Marshall is my most favorite. He was the first black supreme court justice and he argued Brown vs. Board of Education,” Armstrong related. “Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. is another. He handled everything with non-violence. And Jackie Robinson; I’m a big sports fan. With all of these people, the thing that sticks out is the dignity and professionalism with which they conducted themselves.”

His list also includes Shirley Chism, the first black woman elected to the House of Representatives. She advocated for inclusion of black soldiers in War World II. In 1992, Barbara Jordan, another black female congressman, became the first black woman to give a keynote address before the Democratic convention.

He added that the celebration should recognize the contributions of white people—the preachers and journalists—who pointed out the wrongs and called for change. “Black History celebrates diversity,” Armstrong asserted. “It unites us. When we are focusing on contributions of blacks in the past, we can come together. It takes us beyond the history books. There are people and events that I’ve learned about over the years because of Black History Month that you never get in school.”

Isaac Murphy is one example. He was the first jockey to win the Kentucky Derby three times. Bessie Coleman, the first African American pilot, was known for her flying tricks. However along with the good stories, Armstrong said he’s also learned some bad and ugly history, like the Tulsa Race Massacre of 1921 where 35 city blocks of “Black Wall Street” were destroyed by burning, vandalism and violence. Over 800 people were treated for injuries, and an estimated 300 were killed because the color of their skin. There’s also Emmett Till, who went into a store to buy some candy, where a white shopkeeper accused him of flirting with her. Her husband and his brother abducted 14-year-old Till, and they tortured and murdered him. This death received international attention and is widely credited with sparking the American Civil Rights Movement.

Armstrong concluded, “You have to have it all to have the complete picture. It helps us to understand the importance of our story. When you look at how blacks have changed the world before us, it lets us know that we can make an impact as well. It serves as inspiration.”

Black History Month Events

February 1-28
- National African American Read-In (Exhibit in Dover Library)
  - Make literacy a significant part of Black History Month—and throughout the year—by reading books, poems, and speeches by black authors.
- GWU Voices – Stories celebrating alumni and students who are impacting their communities.

Monday, Feb. 20
- 6 to 7 p.m. – Diversity Dialogues: My Hair, My Crown. A discussion aimed at celebrating Black hairstyles and diversity. Third Floor, Tucker Student Center.

Thursday, Feb. 23
- Open Mic Night – 8 p.m., Tucker Student Center.

Black History Month: A Family Affair
- TBD – Sign up with friends and compete for prizes in Black History team trivia. Enjoy good music and food while you test your knowledge of Black culture and history.

Auxiliary aids will be made available to persons with disabilities upon request 10 working days prior to the event. Please call 704-406-4270 or email disabilityservices@gardner-webb.edu with your request.

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�۶�ֱ�� Experiences Help Eriana Meadows, ’23, Pursue Broadcast Journalism Goal

Office of University Communications — Thu, 09 Feb 2023 12:00:00 +0000

Senior Cheerleader Appreciates Academic and Extracurricular Activities That Improved her Leadership and Communication Skills

“While at �۶�ֱ��, I feel that I have learned what it is like to lead but to also listen and work alongside my classmates, which aligns with what the real world is like.”
Eriana Meadows

At �۶�ֱ�� University, senior Eriana Meadows, of Lexington, Ky., has participated in many leadership opportunities that will help her pursue her career goals. She is the co-editor and co-executive producer of GWU-Today, the student digital news organization, and is the founding co-anchor of the .

She is also a member of the National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ), which is the largest journalists’ organization of color in the nation and an advocacy group established in 1975 in Washington, D.C. NABJ provides professional development, and educational and other support to members from around the world.

On top of all her academic work, Meadows is a cheerleader, a member of the Student Athlete Advisory Council (SAAC) and president of Delta Alpha Pi Honor Society. These experiences have enriched her overall college experience, connected her with students across campus and improved her leadership skills. “My most memorable moments as a cheerleader would have to be NCA cheerleading camp in Myrtle Beach (S.C.), receiving choreography and a bid to go to NCA Nationals, cheering at basketball tournaments and the FCS playoffs,” she reflected. “It has been an honor to be a competitive Division I cheerleader for the past four years.”

Because of her talent as a communicator, Meadows celebrates Black History Month by utilizing social media to promote the observance and highlight past and present African American icons who have made a significant impact on history. “Social media plays a big part in today’s generation,” Meadows noted. “I’m a communication major who posts often on social media about current events, so continuing with that notion is important during Black History Month because it is a quick and easy way to educate others.”

Membership in NABJ also provides access to training, opportunity and advocacy initiatives for black journalists. “As a new member of the wonderful organization, I am honored to have connected with a few members and have received some of their expertise through conversation,” she asserted. “I look forward to connecting with more members this semester and attending the HBCYou Training Day on Feb. 25th.”

Meadows’ work with GWU-Today and the GWU-Today Newscast has refined her communication skills. “I have been able to report about campus events and connect with other students here at �۶�ֱ��,” she explained. “With this opportunity, I have gained valuable experience in leading a school broadcast newsroom. I have also been able to share my work with reputable news personalities and receive positive feedback that will give me leverage as I finish up my last semester and start my job search.”

She added, “While at �۶�ֱ��, I feel that I have learned what it is like to lead but to also listen and work alongside my classmates, which aligns with what the real world is like. �۶�ֱ�� provides a safe space where students can ask questions, receive help and perform on their own—emphasizing independence.”

Meadows continued, “The professors in the communications department have been a great influence on what type of student and person that I am today. I can say with complete confidence that I am ready to start a career after graduation in May (2023) with the help of �۶�ֱ�� and the professors who have influenced me greatly.”

Learn more about the Department of Communication, Art and Design.

Black History Month Events

February 1-28
- National African American Read-In (Exhibit in Dover Library)
  - Make literacy a significant part of Black History Month—and throughout the year—by reading books, poems, and speeches by black authors.

Thursday, Feb. 9
- 2 to 4 p.m. – A Slice of History: Trivia and Free Pizza, Tucker Student Center Lobby.

Tuesday, Feb. 14 (Frederick Douglass’ Birthday)
- 3 to 4 p.m. – Frederick Douglass Day is celebrated on his birthday to remember this author, publisher, writer, orator, and most prominent African American abolitionist of his time. Room 103, Dover Memorial Library.

Monday, Feb. 20
- 6 to 7 p.m. – Diversity Dialogues: My Hair, My Crown. A discussion aimed at celebrating Black hairstyles and diversity. Third Floor, Tucker Student Center.

Thursday, Feb. 23
- Open Mic Night – 8 p.m., Tucker Student Center.

Black History Month: A Family Affair
- TBD – Sign up with friends and compete for prizes in Black History team trivia. Enjoy good music and food while you test your knowledge of Black culture and history.

The post �۶�ֱ�� Experiences Help Eriana Meadows, ’23, Pursue Broadcast Journalism Goal appeared first on �۶�ֱ�� University.

Javonda Adams, ’22, Honors Her Black History and Culture Every Day

Office of University Communications — Thu, 02 Feb 2023 12:00:00 +0000

�۶�ֱ�� Alumna Pursuing Master’s in American Sign Language Pedagogy

“If you do not like something, change it. If you can’t change it, change your attitude.”
Maya Angelou

Maya Angelou is one of Javonda Adams’ heroes, and the above quote one of her favorites. Adams, an alumna of �۶�ֱ�� University, is inspired by the famous poet’s strong mindset and personality. “(She) helped me stand firm and keep moving,” Adams remarked. “Whenever life throws me curveballs, I still rise and keep moving.”

Adams, of Gastonia, N.C., is deaf and graduated in May 2022 with a bachelor’s in American Sign Language (ASL). She is happy to be back on campus this semester while completing her master’s degree in ASL pedagogy from the University of Northern Colorado (UNCO) in Greeley. As a requirement for the degree, Adams must observe an ASL teacher for 300 hours of her practicum to be met. “GWU feels like home,” she reflected. “I am proud to say that I am always a GWU alumna.”

Photo by Danielle Billups

During the celebration of Black History Month in February, Adams is grateful for her culture and the legacy passed down from Black leaders as well as her family and ancestors. She believes that honoring Black history should be a daily recognition of the many achievements of Black people and the ways they invested their time to make a difference for future generations.

“My grandmother was also my hero,” Adams related. “She died in March 2022. She and I were very close, and I have always admired her. She was the strongest woman, who loved God and showed how humble and loving she was, because she never judged anyone but loved everyone with compassion and kindness.”

On �۶�ֱ��’s campus, Adams was surrounded by support and friendship. Students welcomed her, and she gave them insight into what a deaf person experiences.

�۶�ֱ��’s ASL program prepares graduates for graduate school, interpreting, teaching, and other careers where communication with the deaf and hard of hearing are necessary. On the Sign Language Proficiency Interview (SLPI) rating scale, graduates typically earn advanced or higher ratings. Alumni demonstrate proficiency in receptive and expressive ASL and are knowledgeable about Deaf culture and history.

Adams appreciates her professors, Bob Moore and Russ Gribble, who prepared her with the information and skills she needed to succeed in graduate school. “I want to give them credit for everything that I learned from them. Thank you!” Adams stated. “Right now, I am a graduate teaching assistant at UNCO, teaching students via Zoom, and I am doing a little bit of teaching and reviewing with them to help their ASL skills improve. I am still focusing on my classes to complete, so I can walk onto the stage to get my master’s degree in December. I want to be an ASL teacher to college students.”

Black History Month Events

February 1-28
- National African American Read-In (Exhibit in Dover Library)
  - Make literacy a significant part of Black History Month—and throughout the year—by reading books, poems, and speeches by black authors.

GWU Voices
- Look for stories in the GWU Newscenter celebrating alumni and students who are impacting their communities.

Monday, Feb. 6
- 3 to 4 p.m. – National Inventors’ Day: Highlighting Black Inventors, celebrate the lives and achievements of black inventors in history. Room 103, Dover Memorial Library.

Thursday, Feb. 9
- 2 to 4 p.m. – A Slice of History: Trivia and Free Pizza, Tucker Student Center Lobby.

Tuesday, Feb. 14 (Frederick Douglass’ Birthday)
- 3 to 4 p.m. – Frederick Douglass Day is celebrated on his birthday to remember this author, publisher, writer, orator, and most prominent African American abolitionist of his time. Room 103, Dover Memorial Library.

Monday, Feb. 20
- 6 to 7 p.m. – Diversity Dialogues: My Hair, My Crown. A discussion aimed at celebrating Black hairstyles and diversity. Third Floor, Tucker Student Center.

Thursday, Feb. 23
- Open Mic Night – 8 p.m., Tucker Student Center.

Black History Month: A Family Affair
- TBD – Sign up with friends and compete for prizes in Black History team trivia. Enjoy good music and food while you test your knowledge of Black culture and history.

The post Javonda Adams, ’22, Honors Her Black History and Culture Every Day appeared first on �۶�ֱ�� University.

Alumnus, Dr. Kevin Prime, Promotes Overall Wellness at Chiropractic Clinic in Lyman, S.C.

Office of University Communications — Tue, 22 Feb 2022 14:34:01 +0000

GWU Scholarship Helped Trinidad and Tobago Native Reach His Goals in Medical Field

As a member of the Track and Field team at �۶�ֱ�� University, Kevin Prime, a native of Trinidad and Tobago, set in 2003 for the 60 m dash and in 2005 for the 55 m. Today, Dr. Kevin Prime is again breaking ground in the community of Lyman, S.C., as the owner of , a chiropractic practice that also employs a medical doctor and nurse practitioner.

“There aren’t many Black professionals in this arena,” Prime observed. “Most of them work for others as employees and don’t really get to express their full potential. I know my dreams are too big to be tamed by working for someone else. I exponentially grow every year and provide employment for so many community folks, which increases my awareness in the community.”

Prime is part of a group of pioneers who are the focus of this year’s Black History Month theme: This theme acknowledges the legacy of not only Black scholars and medical practitioners in Western medicine, but also the midwives, naturopaths, and herbalists throughout the African Diaspora. The 2022 theme considers activities, rituals and initiatives that Black communities have done to be well.

Prime, who double majored in biology and chemistry at �۶�ֱ��, became interested in chiropractic medicine when he was denied acceptance to graduate school. “I actually wanted to become a neurosurgeon,” he said. “They told me I needed to have clinical experience prior to applying so I decided to shadow in the ER, along with (shadowing) at a chiropractic office.”

He noticed that when patients left the chiropractic office, there was a change in their mental and physical attitudes. He liked this whole-person approach to care, so he obtained his Doctor of Chiropractic at Sherman College of Chiropractic in Spartanburg, S.C., and established his practice to focus on wellness plans to alleviate patients’ symptoms and improve their overall health and well-being.

Prime said without the opportunity to attend �۶�ֱ�� on a scholarship, he would not have had the ability to become a chiropractor. “I came from a small Caribbean Island of Trinidad and Tobago with only $1,500 in my name, and in my small way, became successful at the American dream,” he affirmed. “I chose GWU for the small class size. Coming from an island where music, parties and fetes are big in my culture, I needed to focus without distractions. The largest class I had was 18 students, so the professors were able to give me the attention I needed to be successful. I also had some intelligent international students as my classmates who were able to push me. Dr. Tom Jones, Dr. (Venita) Totten, and Dr. (Ben) Brooks were very instrumental in pushing me during class.”

Prime is honored to represent the Black community through his profession in the health and wellness sector. “Chiropractic is the expression of true health since the brain and spinal cord control all body functions,” he explained. “My office aims at building an all-in-one health center. This is promoted in my daily encounter with the patient. Our office tries to be an environment that is friendly, family-oriented, and down-to-earth. You can’t come into our office stressed and leave as you came in. With our choices of music, singing with the doctors, dancing, and high fives, we strive to bring joy to your day.”

He has many role models, local and national, and celebrates their successes. He has received guidance and leadership from Cleveland County, N.C., pastors, Dr. Billy Houze and Dr. Michael Isaac. Then, there are national leaders, like former President Barack Obama, and inventors and entrepreneurs: Jesse Eugene Russell, who created the digital cell phone; Patricia Bath, who invented laser eye surgery in 1981; Emmit McHenry, a telecommunications pioneer; Silas Adekunle, who is the highest-earning robotic engineer in the world, and many others. “These are just a few people that no one has really recognized, so I’m glad that people are making the effort to recognize some of the black professionals who might become influential in the upcoming years,” Prime stated.

Connect with Prime and Elite Wellness Center on and .

Learn more about degree programs in the Department of Natural Sciences.

�۶�ֱ�� University is North Carolina’s recognized leader in private, Christian higher education. A Carnegie-Classified Doctoral/Professional University, GWU is home to six professional schools, 14 academic departments, more than 80 undergraduate and graduate majors, and a world-class faculty. Located on a beautiful 225-acre campus in Boiling Springs, N.C., �۶�ֱ�� prepares graduates to impact their chosen professions, equips them with the skills to advance the frontiers of knowledge, and inspires them to make a positive and lasting difference in the lives of others. Ignite your future at �۶�ֱ��.edu.

The post Alumnus, Dr. Kevin Prime, Promotes Overall Wellness at Chiropractic Clinic in Lyman, S.C. appeared first on �۶�ֱ�� University.