Charlotte PinC Summer 2023

MAGAZINE DayTripping - NC Zoo

LATINAS in TECH

MELANIN AND SUNSCREEN

Student Loan Debt and the Supreme Court

GUIDE ARTbe your let

Letter from the Publisher

is the inspiration for this magazine issue.

Summer is my favorite season. I am unapologetically a sunworshipper. I relish in the warmth and bustling ambiance that only a Charlotte summer can offer. There is always something to do.

Pop-up shops offer an eclectic mix of art, fashion, and food, drawing in locals and tourists alike with their unique charm. The many Charlotte festivals pulsate with energy and offer a peek into different cultures and communities.

Few things are as joyful for me as finding a great eatery with a patio where I can enjoy great food and a good cocktail on a balmy summer evening. The city is more energetic during the summer. It’s as if Charlotte has splashed on a vibrant new coat of paint. Another favorite pastime is seeking out new artwork around the city, especially new street art. Charlotte has become an open-air gallery, the walls whispering stories in brilliant hues and textures, and I love it. This

As we navigate the fast-paced current of life, it becomes more important than ever to pause and truly see the beauty around us. In this issue, we introduce you to four local artists who bring color and vibrancy to the Charlotte landscape with their craft. Each one has a story to tell, an emotion to share, and a piece of our collective spirit to impart. Appreciating them is not only a celebration of the artists’ talent, but also a nod to our lively and evolving community.

As always, we hope this issue inspires you to explore, to discover, and most importantly, to enjoy.

Warmly,

Lynn Leary

INSIDE

this issue

DAY TRIPPING

The North Carolina Zoo

LET ART BE YOUR GUIDE

THE ARTIST

Meet Four Charlotte Creatives

RAISING THE BAR

Non-Alcoholic Hangouts

GAME ON! WITH GIGI HAMILTON

LATINAS IN TECH

SUMMER 2023

STEPPING OUT WITH LAURIN MARTIN

IS STUDENT LOAN DEBT RELEIFE DEAD?

Contributors

Letters to the Editor: Please send an email to info@charlottepinc.com, mail to PO. Box 25008, Charlotte, NC 28229.

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Day Tripping North Carolina Zoo

By Paige Leary

My summer so far has been a series of day trips. The most recent was when my brother and I embarked on our journey to the North Carolina Zoo. It was one of those southern summer days where the temperature was an unrelenting 86 degrees, but with our sunscreen applied generously and an abundance of water packed, we were ready for an adventure.

fingers and bright blossoms alike. It was a serene contrast to the grandeur of the Africa region, but no less enchanting.

Throughout the day, we made sure to stay hydrated, taking frequent water breaks.

The North Carolina Zoo, located in Asheboro, is the world’s largest natural habitat zoo, spanning over 2,600 acres. Housing more than 1,800 animals from 250 species, it provides an immersive, educational, and exciting experience.

We were so excited! It was great having the one-onone time but also, we were going to the zoo! The last time I had been to this zoo was in elementary school, and while the memories were fond, they were faint. This was my brother’s very first visit, and at the ripe age of 16, he was more than excited to experience the wildlife up close.

Our first stop was the Africa region, which is considered one of the most fascinating sections of the zoo. The expansive, naturalistic habitats allowed us to see elephants, giraffes, and gorillas in an environment closely mimicking their native homes. We watched in awe as the majestic elephants gracefully moved around, the giraffes towered over us with their long necks reaching for the treetops, and the gorillas engaged in playful interactions. It was a slice of the wild African savannah, right in North Carolina. The sight of these creatures, so close yet in such a natural setting, was by far our favorite part of the trip.

Later, we found ourselves in the Butterfly Garden. Here, we were surrounded by a kaleidoscope of colors as butterflies fluttered about landing on our

Despite the heat, we felt comfortable under the shade provided by the zoo’s natural vegetation. We enjoyed a packed lunch in one of the many picnic areas scattered around the zoo, giving us a moment of rest and reflection before heading back to explore the rest of the park.

Returning home, sun-kissed and filled with awe, we were already reminiscing about the incredible encounters we had experienced. My brother couldn’t stop talking about the gorillas, and I was smitten with the giraffes’ grace. It was not just a day at the zoo, but a journey into the heart of nature, a journey we both knew we would never forget.

If you are looking for your next adventure, visit the zoo. You can find more information about the zoo and tickets at at www.nczoo.org.

LET ART BE YOUR GUIDE

Charlotte’s art scene is a vibrant melting pot that celebrates the rich tapestry of cultures that make up the city. From thought-provoking exhibitions by talented minority artists to stunning street art adorning its walls, Charlotte is a thriving hub of multicultural artistic expression.

From captivating murals adorning the streets to spellbinding performances in world-class venues, the city offers a multifaceted artistic experience that engages and inspires residents and visitors alike. Charlotte’s art scene is a celebration of creativity, bridging gaps, and enriching the cultural fabric of the city.

Charlotte’s commitment to inclusivity and representation is reflected in its art scene, where the works of minority artists are celebrated and showcased. Museums, theatres and galleries abound throughout Charlotte. The Harvey B. Gantt Center for African American Arts + Culture offers a platform for African American artists to express their experiences, struggles, and triumphs through various mediums. The Mint Museum both uptown and on Randolph road and the Charlotte Museum of History curate exhibits in various mediums by diverse artists.

The city’s commitment to supporting the arts is evident through initiatives such as the Arts and Science Council (ASC) and the City of Charlotte Arts and Culture Program.

The ASC had played a pivotal role in championing diversity and inclusion within the local art community. Headed by Krysta Terrel, APR, the second Black woman to lead the organization, since 2021, the ASC has implemented numerous programs to support minority artists, providing them with funding, resources, and opportunities to showcase their work.

The City of Charlotte’s Arts and Culture Program also serves as a catalyst for nurturing the local arts scene. By partnering with various organizations and artists, the program facilitates the development of creative spaces, community projects, and public art installations. Through grants and fellowships, the program empowers artists to bring their visions to life, enriching the cultural fabric of the city.

Additionally, the McColl Center for Art + Innovation is renowned for its artist-in-residence program, which attracts a diverse range of artists from different cultural backgrounds. This program not only provides space and resources for artists to create their work but also encourages dialogue and cross-cultural collaboration, fostering a deeper understanding of diverse perspectives.

Another significant player in the Charlotte Art scene is the non- profit, Art Pop Gallery. From sculpture to fashion, photography, painting and mixed media artists, Art Pop showcases a diverse group of local artists.

All of these organizations and programs support a thriving street art culture in Charlotte. Throughout the city, you’ll discover awe-inspiring murals that blend colors, cultures, and narratives. One area that particularly shines is the

NoDa (North Davidson) neighborhood, where street art thrives, and the walls burst with creativity. This eclectic mix of styles and techniques brings vibrancy and cultural diversity to the streets, making it a must-visit destination.

Charlotte’s multicultural art scene is a testament to the power of art in bridging gaps and fostering understanding. It invites residents and visitors alike to explore the rich cultural fabric of the city, offering a glimpse into the diverse stories and experiences that shape the artistic landscape. So, immerse yourself in the colors, narratives, and creative expressions that Charlotte has to offer, and let art guide you on a journey of cultural discovery.

Jamie Lian Xin Katz

BUSINESS NAME: Colorfully By Katz

WHO AM I: Although I was born in China, I was raised in Durham, North Carolina. I moved to Charlotte for graduate school in May of 2020 and have lived in the area for over three years. I attended Appalachian State University for undergraduate and The University of North Carolina at Charlotte to obtain my graduate degree.

MY CREATIVE STYLE: abstract expressionist painter

WHAT SPARKS MY CREATIVITY: While several elements spark my creativity, music is what influences me the most when painting. The combination of art and sound deeply heightens my senses and interpretations of the world and is the setting that allows me to lose myself and be in my most vulnerable state of mind.

WHERE TO FIND ME: I promote some of my artwork on my Instagram account, @jamiekatzart.

Photo by Mery Ricuarte Photography

Diana R. Logan

BUSINESS NAME: Color

Creations by DLo

WHO AM I: From Maryland. I moved to Charlotte in November 2021. I have three college degrees - Bachelors in Business from Loyola University Maryland, Bachelors in Cybersecurity from University of Maryland, Master’s in Cybersecurity from University of Maryland. I’m single, with no pets.

MY CREATIVE STYLE: Painter, Creator, Inspirator

WHAT SPARKS MY CREATIVITY: Life, music and happiness. Also, the freedom of thought and allowing my imagination to do its part in my life.

WHERE TO FIND ME: Etsy Store: https:// www.etsy.com/shop/ ColorCreationsbyDLo, Tiktok: Color Creations by DLo, Instagram: Color Creations by DLo, Facebook: Color Creations by DLo

Photo by Mery Ricuarte Photography

Zuleyma Castrejon

BUSINESS NAME: Tonalli Craft Co.

WHO AM I: I am from Guerrero, Mexico. I came to the US when I was 2 years old and grew up in Monroe, NC. I am a proud graduate of Johnson C. Smith University (Class of 2016) where I received a Bachelor of Arts in Visual and Performing Arts. I describe myself as an interdisciplinary teaching artist because along with my studio practice, I also teach art workshops. I am a member of OBRA Collective, an art collective of Latinx artists. I live with my partner, our son, and our dog.

MY CREATIVE STYLE: Interdisciplinary Teaching Artist

WHAT SPARKS MY CREATIVITY: My Mexican culture sparks my creativity. A lot of my art and items in my pop up shop are inspired by my culture. I am drawn to the traditional textiles, bright colors, and floral patterns of my homeland.

WHERE TO FIND ME: You can find my work on Instagram @zuleyma_ creativestudio and at VAPA in the OBRA Collective Gallery & Studios

Photo by Mery Ricuarte Photography

Simone AtkinsBostic

BUSINESS NAME:

SoulArtBeauty Creations

WHO AM I: I was born and raised on the East side of Charlotte, I graduated from North Carolina A&T with my degree in Animal Science, as well as went to art school downtown at CPCC, which is a great program! I am single and have a dog named Koda

MY CREATIVE STYLE: I am a mixed media artist, I work with different paint medium as well as collage work and 3D work. My work focuses around womens empowerment and mental health in Afro surrealist spaces

WHAT SPARKS MY CREATIVITY: Being outside in nature and thinking and building ideas. Also listening to music, going on trips and being around my friends helps me get ideas of stories to tell through my art.

WHERE TO FIND ME:

IG: Simoonnee__ I am the gallery manager for The Honeycombexperience and owner of SoulArtBeauty Creations. At the Honeycomb Experience we have a Creative weekend and each day will be a day for the community to check out local artists including myself.

Photo by Mery Ricuarte Photography

The Art Of Mocktails

Where Pleasing Unusual Replaces the Unsual

Art comes in many forms. It can transform the dull into the delightful, the ordinary into the extraordinary. It’s the painter setting colors onto canvas, the sculptor molding shape from clay, or the mixologist crafting that perfect blend of flavors into an enticing drink. In this health-conscious and mindful living era, the latter craft has taken an exciting twist. We are exploring the art of making a drink without relying on alcohol to impress or satisfy. It’s the art of the mocktail - and it’s a craft worth acknowledging.

At twenty-something, sipping an alcoholic cocktail under the blazing sun seems like a great way to relish a summer day. But with age comes changes in taste and what was once appealing may no longer satisfy. Many begin to consciously limit their alcohol intake due to the associated health risks or just not wanting to wake up feeling like crap after a fun night out.

More and more people are opting for healthier choices. But when hanging out with friends, being the only one not sipping on an elegant cocktail can feel a bit out of place. Thankfully, the options for non-alcohol drinkers are growing rapidly, offering a multitude of beverages that are both pleasing to the palate and aesthetically perfect for those Instagram shots.

Charlotte has entered the cocktail game. Here are some top-notch spots that are mastering the art of the mocktail:

Pinky’s Westside Grill | 1600 W. Morehead Street

Pinky’s isn’t just about their tantalizing food menu.

They’re shaking things up with alcohol-free versions of your favorite cocktails. The Mai Tai and the Paloma from

their summer menu are sure to transport you to an exotic beach, sans the hangover.

The Bevery | 2215 Thrift Road

Recognized as Queen City’s first craft seltzer, The Bevery is stepping up its game with mocktail options. Any of their cocktails can be made into a mocktail, making it an ideal spot for those who love to try a variety of flavors.

Sugar Lounge | 225 N Caldwell Street

Having opened in March, Sugar Lounge boasts a menu full of non-alcoholic beverages and a selection of Hookah options. It’s a go-to spot for anyone wanting to unwind and socialize without the added effects of alcohol.

Free Range Brewery | 2320 N. Davidson Street

Not just for the beer lovers, Free Range Brewery also offers a variety of non-alcoholic drinks that will leave you wanting more.

Link & Pin

A popular brunch spot with multiple locations, Link & Pin has three low-priced mocktails that are as pleasing to the eye as they are to the palate.

These establishments remind us that there’s much more to a drink than its alcohol content. They inspire us to appreciate the craft behind the glass, the unusual replacing the usual. It’s an invitation to slow down, savor each sip, and experience the art of mocktails. Embrace this trend and let it add a dash of fun and variety to your social outings. After all, isn’t life too short to limit our experiences to the “usual”? Let’s make it pleasingly unusual.

Melenin & Sunscreen

By Briana Harper

Biscuits and gravy. Rum and Coke. Yin and Yang. All things that pair perfectly together.

This summer it is important to also add melanin and sunscreen to that list. A common misconception is that Black people do not need to wear sunscreen. Yes, we do have more protection against the sun than those with lighter skin. No, that does not mean we are fully protected against UV rays.

More importantly, without proper sun protection your skin is more susceptible to the harmful effects of UV rays like cancer. Studies show that Black people are more likely to die from skin cancer due to a lack of awareness, diagnosis at a more advanced stage and socioeconomic barriers to care.

Yet melanoma and skin cancer are not the only concerns. One of the beautiful things about our Black skin is the ageless look that people credit as “Black don’t crack.” While that may be true to an extent, it is still important to note how the use of sunscreen can also help reduce fine lines, saggy skin, and wrinkles.

But not all sunscreens are made the same. Broadspectrum sunscreen works overtime. Not only does it protect against harmful UVB and UVA rays, but there is also added protection to help prevent sunburn and premature aging. Using sunscreen regularly is one of the best ways to protect your skin from uneven tones and dark spots.

The next time you are out by the pool or at the beach and notice you are tanning, and your skin is getting darker, keep in mind that your body produces more melanin to protect your previous outer layer of skin. For best results, dermatologist recommend using broad-spectrum sunscreen with a minimum SPF of 30.

But do not just buy any sunscreen, check out these brands made specifically for your beautiful Black skin.

Fenty Skin Sunscreem Moisturizer Kinlo Glden Rays

GameOn

How Dr. Gigi Hamilton is Unlocking the Psychological Power of Gaming

BY MAYRA PARRILLA

When Dr. Gigi Hamilton first discovered her son’s love for video games, little did she know that it would lead her on a remarkable quest to unlock the hidden psychological potential of gaming for youth. As an organizational psychologist and a licensed therapist, Hamilton had spent years assisting individuals and companies in enhancing their mental health and well-being. But her unexpected entry into the gaming industry was sparked by her son’s passion, prompting her to embark on a mission to educate parents about the multifaceted nature of gaming.

It all began when Hamilton decided to help her son navigate his post-high school journey. She knew he enjoyed video games, but she was unaware of the extent to which his interest had grown and the vast opportunities it held. “I discovered that he was ranked among the Top 60 gamers globally, putting him in the professional gamer category,” Hamilton explained. As word spread about her son’s talent, he gained recognition on various platforms dedicated to highlighting top gamers. This newfound exposure attracted college gaming team coaches and others who approached him with scholarship offers.

For Dr. Hamilton, this eye-opening experience made her realize that she had underestimated the significance of gaming as a potential career path. “As a parent, I realized how little I knew about this industry, which meant that other parents were likely in the same boat,” she admitted. Motivated by this realization, Hamilton felt a responsibility to shed light on the gaming world for parents, particularly those from diverse backgrounds. “What I found is that people of color, in particular, are more super consumers; they spend money on these industries

but don’t understand how they can actually make money from them,” she observed.

Through her coaching service, Dr. Hamilton organizes information sessions led by gaming experts, aimed at educating parents and gamers about the diverse opportunities within the gaming industry. Beyond financial aspects, Dr. Hamilton and her team also address the psychological impact of gaming, working closely with parents and gamers to modify behaviors that could be detrimental One significant concern often discussed in these sessions is the amount of time children spend playing video games. “As parents, we need to stay in tune with their gaming habits, understanding what they’re doing and how it may be developing into a bad habit,” Hamilton advised, acknowledging that some children can become addicted.

In addition to psycholog-ical support, Dr. Hamilton also assists those seeking performance improvement in gaming. “Sometimes it’s about practice time, other times it’s about enhancing hand-eye coordination. We connect them with performance coaches who can identify their specific needs,” Dr. Hamilton shared.

By embracing the complexities of the gaming world, Hamilton is bridging the gap between parents and their gaming-savvy children. Through her initiative, she is debunking myths, highlighting opportunities, and equipping families with the tools to navigate the ever-expanding gaming landscape. So, the next time you spot your child engrossed in a video game, remember that within that digital realm lies a potential pathway to personal growth and success, waiting to be unlocked with the guidance of visionaries like Dr. Gigi Hamilton.

BY BEATRIZ GUERRERO

LatinasIn Tech

An international organization is demonstrating that one must not have a tech career to be into tech, but a passion for it. Stacy Whitenight, of Dominican descent, is the president of the Charlotte Chapter of Latinas in Tech.

The non-profit organization has the mission to connect, support, and empower Latina women working in technology. According to its official website, the organization is composed of more than 25,000 women representing more than 15 countries.

“If we look at consumer data in the world, Latinos are the 5th largest GDP in the world! We are a powerful culture of consumers - we go to movies, we drive and use technology, we buy houses, go to school... and yet, we are nowhere near the board seats or executive roles making the decisions to drive this innovation or technology,” said Whitenight.

“Joining Latinas in Tech as a member - whether you are a Latina or an ally, means you are directly giving visibility to the gaps in the market that can and should be filled by the brilliant minds of Latinas. Joining Latinas in Tech NC as a partner means you are looking very seriously at how your organization looks at designing innovation,” she continued.

Whitenight joined the organization established in North Carolina in December and became the president. Before joining the North Carolina chapter, Whitenight was involved in outside chapters, but their distance made it difficult for her. “I officially joined last year, but before North Carolina I was looking to be part of the DC and Atlanta, but they were not really active in events, the closest one was in New York and that would have been a big commute,” said Whitenight.

The chapter held their first official kick off in Durham in January 2023. Whitenight said the North Carolina chapter was started thanks to the connections she made with other chapters and the help of her leadership team. “We

wanted to be able to better serve larger metro communities, which is why our leadership team is in two hubs, Charlotte and the Raleigh-Durham area.”

The North Carolina chapter went from zero members to 260 in the last month. The organization does various events throughout such as panels, worships, networking, hackathons and mentorship and coaching opportunities. All events are done with the goal of getting women closer to their tech passion.

According to Whitenight the organization is addressing a big representation issue in the tech workplace, one of the big reasons why she joined. “There has been a voice and experience completely missing around the tech industry. It is a lonely place to be as a Latina, working in tech. I wanted to be part of a community that was ready to fight to make sure these voices are being surfaced as we innovate in tech,” Whitenight said.

“This is a community that advocates to get each other in the door, at the decision-making tables, and really looking at the money moving around in the industry and trying to get more of it in the hands of Latinas. Latinas have a natural and organic way of building community, when you put the power and money in the hands of Latinas, we build things bigger and better for all to benefit. I want to help Latinas find the pathways that work for them to innovate, build, and connect in the North Carolina community,” she continued.

In a previous story about the North Carolina chapter Voyage Raleigh said according to the National Center for Women & Information Technology, only 1% of professional computing jobs are held by Latinas.

Whitenight said she has been able to balance her leadership position and full-time job with the people in her life that support her to keep going.

“I have a partner that supports the cause and helps balance it all. I have a great CEO in the organization that advocates and pushes me forward. I could also never do what I do without the help of my board,” said Whitenight.

Her goal? To grow the chapter and continue to inspire other tech Latinas to follow their dreams.

“Personally, my goal is to grow Latinas in Tech into an active network of Latinas and allies that open doors for each other. To create a space that amplifies and centers the Latina experience in tech and innovation. We don’t have that here or anywhere else in the world, and it is long overdue,” she said.

It is a lonely place to be as a Latina, working in tech. I wanted to be part of a thatcommunity was ready to fight to make sure these voices are surfacedbeingas we innovate in tech.

- STACY WHITENIGHT

Stepping

Lauren Martin quit her job a year at just 23-years-old to follow her dreams. Martin, is the founder of Luminate Love, an organization and business that sells products such as affirmation cards, guided journals, and self-love notepads. “Our mission is to accompany women on their progressing journey of self-love,” said Martin.

Martin founded Luminate Love in 2022. Within Luminate Love, she also created an initiative called Soul Sisters, a membership program that allows women the opportunity to connect with other women. The organization is meant, according to Martin, to help women with their journey of self-love.

Before quitting her job as a marketing analyst at Red Ventures in April, Martin always had an entrepreneurial side. She established two organizations while in high school with the mission of empowering women. The organizations were HRHS Girl Up, a chapter of the Girl Up initiative that focused on advocating and fundraising for women and Harrisburg Girl Talk, an international peer-to-peer mentoring program that allows others to create local chapters.

“I really do believe that it’s my life purpose to kind of just help women in various different ways with even my own personal experience mixed in because I went through my own fairly deep self-discovery journey during college, specifically my freshman year, which kind of jump started those last few organizations where you can illuminate love that I was just discussing,” Martin said.

During her college career in UNC-Charlotte, Martin founded Wear Your Crown, a non-profit organization that creates a space for women to be inspired and uplifted. Those experiences led Martin to her newest endeavor Luminating Love and her Soul Sisters program. “I feel like Soul Sisters is really going to get me back to my roots like when I was running my organizations in high school and even Wear Your Crown.” Mentoring, advising and just connecting with other women is where Martin knows she is at her best.

Though she admits quitting her job at corporate America was a big decision, she said it was a decision she does not regret. “It’s definitely hard. And I will say my story is very unique. I know a lot of people can’t do that because of financial reasons.” Martin credits her lack of student debt and still living at home as a huge part of her ability to start her entrepreneurial journey.

Although she knew there would be challenges in stepping out and starting her own business, Martin said she felt she had no choice. According to Martin one day she said, “I just can’t do this anymore.” Martin has faced the usual challenges that come with starting a new business including funding, marketing, and generating business but she knows she made the right decision. Martin said her family and inner circle played a critical role in decision. She said she had a lot of support during her transition, which helped and continues to power her on her journey.

You can find more about Martin’s business at www.luminatelove.com.

Is Student Loan Debt Relief Dead?

By Briana Harper

High hopes for President Joe Biden’s Student Loan Relief Program fell flat last month following the Supreme Court’s decision to strike down the promise of loan forgiveness. In a 6-3 vote, the court ruled the Department of Education exceeded its authority to clear more than $400 billion in student loan debt.

The three justices who dissented included Ketanji Brown Jackson, the first and only Black woman serving on the Supreme Court. Jackson and the others in opposition argue the court is overstepping its authority. The discussion surrounding student loan debt relief has been highly divisive along party lines from the very beginning. Overall, Democrats criticized the court’s most recent decision while Republicans rejoiced at the ruling.

The proposal had the possibility of clearing $10,000 of student loan debt for borrowers earning less than $125,000 a year. The loan

forgiveness amount would have doubled to $20,000 for Pell Grant recipients.

“It’s frustrating to see them bail out companies that make a lot of money and then ... fight us so hard on trying to get a little bit of relief. So that’s definitely frustrating”

Emily Weir/ABC News

Borrowers expressed shock and dismay at the Court decision. Now they contemplate things like second jobs and other avenues to address their own personal debt crisis. Still others, like Emily Weir say they have to readjust their goals and expectations of home ownership and even family planning.

Now the question that more than forty-three million American borrowers are left asking is—what’s next?

President Biden shares “the fight is not over.” The loan forgiveness pledge was one of

Biden’s top priorities during his 2022 presidential campaign. He continues to stand by how much the relief could positively impact middle-class Americans and says he is committed to finding other ways to deliver this much needed relief.

Student loan payments will restart in October—the first time in three years since the pause began during the pandemic. Interest in federal student loans will also begin accruing starting in September.

In July the Biden adminstration launched the “Saving on a Valubale Education” or SAVE Plan. The plan is expected to cut the student loan payment of many borrowers in half and for others leave them with no monthly bill. The beta application for the plan is now available to borrowers at www.studentaid. gov.

Supreme Court Eliminates Affirmative Action in College Admissions

In a 6-3 decision (with a conservative majority) the recent Supreme Court ruling in Students for Fair Admissions, Inc. v. President and Fellows of Harvard College ended affirmative action in college admissions. Funded by Edward Blum, a conservative advocate, with a history of challenging affirmative action policies, Students for Fair Admissions (SFFA), argued that affirmative action policies unfairly disadvantaged Asian American applicants in college admissions.

The case was the culmination of challenges to both the Harvard and University of North Carolina’s admissions policies. SFFA alleged that Harvard’s admissions policies favored Black and Hispanic applicants over Asian Americans with similar qualifications. This lawsuit challenged the legality of considering race as a factor in college admissions, asserting that it violates the Equal Protection Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment.

What is affirmative action? Broadly speaking, it refers to policies and practices designed to increase opportunities for historically underrepresented groups. While Affirmative Action is often thought by many as a Black and white issue, the fact is that Affirmative Action has benefited minority students across the board. The 2020-2021 admissions data for Harvard and the University of North Carolina show that the admissions for Asian students exceeded 20% while admissions for Black, Hispanic and American Indian students averaged 9%, 12% and 1% respectively. Asian students however are the only group whose admissions rates outpaces their 6% population representation according to the 2022 U.S. Census.

Since its inclusion in Executive Orders 10925 and 11246 by Presidents John F. Kennedy and Lyndon B. Johnson, and even after being affirmed in the landmark Regents of the University of California v. Bakke, Affirmative Action has long been a divisive topic in the US. Nowhere has that division been more evident than in opinions issued by the two Black Supreme Court Justices, Clarence Thomas and Ketanji Borwn-Jackson.

In his concurring opinion, conservative Justice Clarence Thomas expressed his disagreement with affirmative action and argued for its abolishment altogether. He wrote, “The Constitution abhors classifications based on race because every time the government places citizens on racial registers and makes race relevant to the provision of burdens or benefits, it demeans us all.”

In her dissenting opinion, Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson emphasized the importance of affirmative action in rectifying historical injustices. She argued that considering race as one factor among many in admissions decisions is a legitimate tool to promote diversity and inclusion. Justice Jackson stated, “Acknowledging our nation’s history of racial inequities, Harvard’s use of raceconscious admissions policies to foster diversity is both constitutionally permissible and beneficial.”

In striking down the Harvard and UNC admissions policies which the Court referred to them as “elusive,” “opaque” and “imponderable,” the Court allowed for a more individualized approach to the use of race by permitting colleges and universities to consider how an applicant’s race has affected their life as long as it is “concretely tied” to a “quality of character or unique ability” that the applicant can bring to the school.

So, what does this mean going forward. The depends on who you ask. Some, like Jennifer Lee, a sociology professor at Columbia University, worries that the ruling might embolden opponents of affirmative action, leading to a further erosion of opportunities for marginalized communities. Lee states, “This ruling sends a signal that will likely embolden more challenges to affirmative action programs, potentially shrinking access to higher education for minority students.”

Others like Harvard College’s spokesperson, Sarah Donahue chose to focus on the Courts acceptance of diversity, stating “This decision recognizes the value of diversity and reaffirms our commitment to expanding