SARAH DEMEZIER

Kafilat Abdul (KA): When were you the president/Editor in Chief of Black World?

Sarah Demezier (SD): I was the Editor-inChief of Black World during the 2009-2010 academic school year.

KA: What motivated you to join Black World?

SD: I was motivated to join Black World because there were people I knew through EOP that were in it. In my first year, I was looking into being a journalism major, and I was curious about the club, so it allowed me to see if journalism was where I wanted to go.

KA: What were your goals for Black World under your tenure?

SD: My goals during my tenure were to ensure we published many issues, increase our funding, and change the public perception of Black World perceived at the time. It often felt like Black World needed to be taken more seriously than other media organizations on campus. I wanted to change the outlook of people outside of our community.

KA: What was the climate like for Black and Latinx folks during your time at Stony Brook?

SD: The Black and Latinx community on campus was very close and supported each other a lot. As far as the other community on campus, there was no animosity.

KA: How did this organization’s actions influence the environment on campus at the time?

SD: At the time, we prioritized giving exposure to the events and clubs on campus. Being the Black media on campus, we saw topics through a Black lens and wanted to ensure that they were seen through our eyes. We wanted to support our community and further its presence on campus. ing in Black World, you represent African-Americans, Caribbeans, Africans, and Mixed folks, so reach out to them. Also, reach out to the faculty to help us understand what it means to be a Black student on campus and let them help you create goals and aspirations for the community.

KA: What impact did Black World have on your academic career and campus experience?

SD: Honestly, Black World opened doors for me. It provided me with relationships with the campus staff and networking with other organizations. I didn’t know I could get credit for it with the AFS department, which allowed me to take courses I would have needed.

KA: What advice do you want to give future successors on what it means to be Editor-in-Chief/ President?

SD: Being Editor in Chief/President of Black World, you must learn that everything is not on you. Make sure you utilize everyone’s skills and voices about the paper and your life. Make sure you balance encouraging and listening to your members’ voices but also being a leader in pushing the staff when they need to be pushed and praising them when they do good work.

KA: What do you wish for the future of Black World?

PL: I wish we maintain Black World as a force to be reckoned with in the Stony Brook community. I want everyone to read it & share in the experiences published in Black World. Although things are being written for the Black and Latinx community, I hope that the readership expands to folks outside— Becoming a melting pot of ideas and experiences, allowing everyone to learn about the Stony Brook community.

*The AIM programs and AIM students are currently known as the EOP/ AIM program.

KA: What do you wish for the future of Black World?

SD: I wish for Black World to still be in existence. I wish that our voice and presence were known and recognized on campus. Although the Black undergraduate population accounts for 6% of Stony Brook, I hope the remaining 94% see that we are still here and our voice matters.