Muralist Honors Elizabeth City at Starbucks Dedication Ceremony
by Veronica G. Downing
Afrocentric vibrance. That is but one way many, including this author, have described the artistic talent of Miss. Georgie Nakima. The young muralist and Afro-Futurist is a rising star in the public art scene who continues to catch the attention of notable personalities across the country. On July 9, 2024, Nakima was honored by the Starbucks Corporation during the grand opening of their Elizabeth City location on 1313 West Ehringhaus Street, across from Domino’s Pizza in Southgate Mall.
In an exclusive interview with The Compass, Nakima explains what an honor it was to be chosen by the Starbucks Corporation to create such a timeless piece for the Harbor of Hospitality. Nakima,
founder of Garden of Journey, creates explosively colorful artworks including images of black faces on canvas, sides of buildings, parking garages, and hallways, as was the case in February 2023 when Good Morning America selected her piece titled Cosmic Ocean for their celebration of Black History Month. “I’m super grateful that I was raised in an Afrocentric household where our history and contribution to this country was a common discussion,” Nakima said of her upbringing, the motivation for her piece, in a post on her Instagram account.
According to Nakima, Ashley Sueiras from The Starbucks Arts Collaboration Program, based in Miami, Fl., contacted Nakima via ‘a beautiful email’ to create her piece
for their opening. “It was such an honor to be invited to create this piece. I have always wanted to work with Starbucks.” Their mission, as printed in Vanity Fair’s collaboration article with Conde Nast said, “Art has the power to connect people across cultures and to catalyze social good— and exposure to new artists can be a powerful way to foster that positive change.”
Nakima worked with The
Nakima shares a smile with Professor Clarence Goss of Elizabeth City State University’s 1704 Media Productions. (Image: Veronica G. Downing)
Nakima presents Lady Liberty for Starbucks Dedication Ceremony in July. (Image: Veronica G. Downing)
Starbucks Corporation in June to create a two-sided standalone art piece for their seating area. Nakima named the piece Lady Liberty, drawing inspiration from elements from Elizabeth City’s cultural history. On the front of the exquisite work, Nakima paid homage to North Carolina’s landmark aviation and oceanic beauty. To the north of the model is a golden star, recalling her visit to Elizabeth City State University to meet the faculty, staff and dynamic student body, under the leadership of then Chancellor Dr. Karrie Dixon. It was Nakima’s first trip to their hallowed halls, and one the artist epitomized in her drawing of a particular image on the flip side of her tributary work.
To the untrained eye, the image looks like an ordinary flower, but it is actually the point of the underground railroad which –historically - runs through ECSU. Several articles have been written about Elizabeth City’s connection to both the Underground Railroad and its historical connection to The Great Dismal Swamp, facts that make the addition of this possibly
overlooked detail incredibly significant. “They (Starbucks) have an amazing art program. And I’ve also always wanted to paint a mural in Eastern North Carolina, which is where I’m from,” the Charlotte, NC native said following the Dedication Ceremony. The ceremony included
appearances and speeches by the Starbucks District Manager Jessica Harlan, Hampton Roads Starbucks Regional Director Jeff Daniels, Mayor Kirk Rivers of Elizabeth City, and a host of other representatives from The Starbucks Corporation, Elizabeth City State University, and The SPCA.
“I feel like it’s such a testament when major corporations still have their ear on the ground, and they utilize ways to really fuse what they’re doing
Athletics
Beating the Heat in the Light of Plant Outage
by Kristen Bannerman
Elizabeth City State University is no stranger to handling unexpected challenges. On the night of Tuesday, August 27th, 2024 a transformer supplying electricity to the Central Utility Plant experienced a failure. The plant serves as a vital source providing ECSU with cooling and domestic hot water. As a result, over 10 buildings including residence halls and the cafeteria were affected causing inconvenience to students, staff, and faculty members. With temperatures reaching 94 degrees, the Department of Student Affairs quickly prepared a “Beat the Heat” social at the K.E. White Center to accommodate Vikings. Attendees were greeted with ice cream, games, music, study rooms, and more! Following that night, student leaders from organizations such as SGA, Royal Court, and the Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) collaborated to set up
optional housing arrangements at the K.E. White Center. The large team provided cots creating a comfortable environment for those who needed to escape the torrid temperatures. SGA President Kayla Dixon gives her reflections, “Yesterday’s Central Utility Plant failure was a challenging situation, but it highlighted the incredible spirit and resourcefulness of our ECSU community. From student leaders coordinating with campus services to ensure smooth communication and support, to the band and Greek organizations stepping up to assist in various capacities, everyone played a vital role. The ECSU CERT team’s efforts in setting up cots and organizing temporary accommodations at KE White were crucial in managing the situation. It was truly heartening to see our student body come together, demonstrating resilience and teamwork in the face of adversity.”
By Thursday, August 29th, 2024, The Central Utility Plant was restored with a temporary generator allowing ECSU to resume normal operations.
Student leaders setting up cots at the K.E. Graduate Center (Image: ECSU Cert Instagram)
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An ECSU Tour: Walking in the Shoes of Harriet Jacobs
by Devon Riddick
On Friday, August 28, 2024, ECSU students from the Department of English, History, and Interdisciplinary Studies had the privilege of visiting the historic town of Edenton, North Carolina, to be part of the “A Sojourn for Harriet Jacobs” event, organized by Johnica Rivers and Michelle Lanier. This project highlights the life of Harriet Jacobs who was an Edenton native, ex-slave, author, and abolitionist. Harriet Jacobs is widely known for her 1852 publication, Incidents in the Life of a Slave Girl, an autobiography providing insight into her life. Students visited the 1767 Chowan County Courthouse, where Letitia Huckaby’s Memorable Proof offered a reflection on Jacobs’ strength and the support she received during the decade she fled from enslavement. The first Sojourn brought together 70 Black women from across the states, who engaged with Jacobs’ history in various fashions. The goal of this initiative is to foster intentional engagement
with historical sites and information. The second Sojourn included students and faculty from Elizabeth City State University, further emphasizing the importance of connecting with historical landmarks.
During the visit, students gathered on the courthouse’s first floor and received Sojourn gift packages that included a copy of Incidents in the Life of a Slave Girl, a shoulder bag, a booklet titled Details From The Soils of Harriet Jacobs, and the Sojourn guide. The first floor featured a side room with preserved artifacts related to the life of Jacobs, including artwork and newsletters from The Liberator and the National Anti-Slavery Standard. One of the tour’s highlights included physically interacting with materials from Jacobs’ life, which deepened ECSU student’s appreciation for her contributions. Items included versions of Incidents, letters from Jacobs, and a photograph from The Freedmen’s Record in 1864 showing Jacobs with her daughter
Louisa in Alexandria, Virginia.The tour concluded at the 1825 Chowan County Jail, which included the Warden House and the Pillory. The white painted jail was small in size with minimal lighting due to the tiny windows. The proximity of the courthouse, jail, and Warden House, all within view of Edenton Bay intrigued ECSU Students. This trip has been considered a memorable one as students were able to interact with history in the backyard of our home state!
Tour guide Johnica Rivers posing with ECSU Students and Professor Brande McCleese (Image: EHISECSU Instagram)
Historical archives reflecting the life and story of Harriet Jacobs (Image: EHISECSU Instagram)
Preparing for Take Off: Students Launch OBAP to Promote Diversity in Aviation
by Amera Manigault
The Organization of Black Aerospace Professionals (OBAP) at ECSU has been established to promote community, support, and mentorship for students aspiring to enter into the aviation profession, while also addressing the underrepresentation of Black professionals in aerospace. This chapter was founded In August 2024 and has made significant impact, gathering 90 members in just two months!
Brandon Gillespie, president of the OBAP chapter, transferred to ECSU from Kent State University, where he was a part of an OBAP chapter. Leaving inspired, he worked to establish a chapter at ECSU to provide a supportive community for black students. Mr. Gillespie says, “At Kent State, OBAP was a great organization for black pilots to see each other and feel at home in a predominantly white institution. I wanted to bring that same feeling of community to ECSU.” Though Elizabeth City State University is an HBCU, the aviation department is not diverse in representation. Xyrous Cooper, the club’s treasurer expands on this stating, “Even though ECSU is an HBCU, the aviation department is not necessarily predominantly
Black. Especially as students advance through the program, the numbers shift.” This lack of representation further highlights the significance of OBAP to provide a space where Black students can feel supported and seen in an industry where they are out of the spotlight. Nationally the numbers reflect the same lack of representation, Mr. Gillespie shares,”Currently, only 3.9% of the aviation industry is made up of African American pilots, 2.2% of Asian Americans, and just .5% of Hispanic Americans.”
OBAP is working to shift the statistics by offering mentorship, networking opportunities, and industry exposure through community outreach, attendance at events, and hearing from guest speakers. One of the core missions is to assist students not only to succeed academically but prepare them for the real world challenges they may face in the profession. This is information that students won’t find in textbooks, Mr. Gillespie points out “It’s those questions you need to know before joining a corporate company — things like per diem, health insurance, and networking—which you won’t learn in class but from professionals who have been there.”
OBAP offers all students, regardless of race, the opportunity to participate in valuable experiences like the OBAP annual conference. “We’re a non-discriminatory chapter. Everybody is an ally and can join our organization.” Mr. Gillespie says, emphasizing the inclusivity of the group while keeping its focus on increasing black representation in aviation. The rapid growth of OBAP at ECSU is proof of its necessity and value to students. The organization hopes to secure long-term success by aiming to become part of the national OBAP Ascension Project. This would provide the chapter with funding and additional supportive resources. As
Students gathered at the interest meeting for OBAP (Image: OBAP Instagram)
Treasurer Xyrous Cooper speaking about OBAP at interest meeting (Image: OBAP Instagram)
the organization continues to grow, it promises to be a driving force in shaping the future by normalizing the presence of Black professionals in aerospace. As Mr.Cooper says, “The goal is to reach a point where there’s no shock factor in seeing a Black pilot or technician, that’s when we’ll know we’ve made progress.” Through OBAP, ECSU is ensuring that this vision becomes a reality. We encourage all interested students to reach out to Brandon Gillespie or Xyrous Cooper to learn more about OBAP.
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t he V A ult
Restoring ECSU’s Historic 1900s Landmark: The Rosenwald Practice School
by Kristen Bannerman
Preserving history, particularly the narratives of the African American community, stands as one of the most cherished aspects of attending an HBCU. Every student stepping onto the campus of an HBCU contributes to the continuation of its rich legacy. Whether wandering the pathways, relaxing on the yard, or attending classes in the original buildings, students actively engage with the foundational stories upon which the campus was built. Elizabeth City State University is one of many HBCUs working diligently to preserve the treasures of their campus, starting with the restoration of The Rosenwald Practice School.
Spearheaded by Dr. Melissia Stuckey, a former ECSU history professor, the
project secured a total of two million dollars in grants to allocate toward the preservation of The Rosenwald Practice School. This building has deep historical roots dating back to the early 1900s, serving as a space for African Americans to access a quality education. According to the ECSU Newsroom, “Rosenwald schools are known for providing educational avenues for Black students in the American South during the era of segregation. ECSU is the only college campus in North Carolina with an intact Rosenwald School building.” On January 25th, 2024, the first window was installed, marking a significant milestone in the renovation process. With plans to restore the building’s original beauty, renovations are slated for completion in 2025.
For Dr. Stuckey, being a part of this monumental moment in ECSU history has been an honor. In an interview, she says, “Leading the rehabilitation of ECSU’s Rosenwald Practice School building and Principal’s House
The Rosenwald Practice School, circa 1925 (Image from: DigitalNC.org)
Dr. Melissa Stuckey proving historical background about the Rosenwald Practice School
NC College Media Association 2024
is truly a dream come true. The initial idea-generating stage to determine the future use of the buildings began in January 2017, several months before I began working at ECSU. When I arrived on campus, I immediately understood the national significance of ECSU’s Rosenwald School and was eager to contribute to the project. Through research and conversations with alumni, I came to appreciate how special this building was to generations of ECSU affiliates. This project would not exist without the efforts of so many people, both current and former ECSU students, faculty, and staff. All have done and continue to do extremely important work to get us to this point where construction is actively taking place on the buildings.”
Inside, the building will include exhibits informing visitors about the history of the school, the early missions of the university to train Black teachers, and stories of people who have been impacted by The Rosenwald School since the 1930s! Continuing the practice of preserving African American history is a highly commendable act within the HBCU community. Dr. Stuckey advises students who are interested in this practice to get involved on campus by joining the ECSU History Club and 1704 Media Productions. These are two organizations that have already begun to do amazing work documenting this project.
SGA: Championing Effective Leadership and Community Engagement
by Jamal Dublin
The Student Government Association is excited to bring about new changes and advanced leadership for the 20242025 academic year! SGA has been working diligently to ensure that its cabinet leads the student body with proper governance while aligning with the constitution. The cabinet feels confident that the ECSU community will be pleased with their efforts as they move through the school year.
To kick off the year on a strong note, the Ribbon Cutting ceremony for the renovated bowling alley provided the ECSU community an opportunity to meet Interim Chancellor Edmonds and her cabinet. Reflecting on this exciting addition, SGA President Kayla Dixon stated,
“We are incredibly pleased with the renovations to the bowling alley and are sure that all students are enjoying the new comforts it offers.”Building on this momentum, SGA hosted a presidential debate watch party on September 10th, 2024 in partnership with the Royal Court. The debate between Vice President Kamala Harris and Donald Trump was streamed live, inviting all students and faculty to enjoy a night of civic engagement. This event was crucial to SGA’s agenda of encouraging political awareness and civic engagement with a non-partisan approach.
In addition to these events, the Dixon Administration has emphasized strong efforts to support clubs and organizations, including them in
ECSU 2024-2025 Student Government Association posing for group photo
Students gathered in the bowling alley viewing the presidential debate
planning events and introducing new initiatives. “The goal is to promote unity and ensure all club members feel seen and heard throughout the academic year,” said the administration. Another aim of SGA is to address the concerns of the student body quickly by hosting town hall meetings where students can speak directly to the leadership team.The Office of Student Engagement, located in RSC room 211, is open from 9 AM to 5 PM for students to connect or express concerns with SGA, CAB, and the Royal Court. The Dixon Administration looks forward to a great year, setting a new standard for leadership within the student body.
ECSU Makes History Hosting the UNC ASG Meeting
by Dayana Garza
The University of North Carolina Association of Student Government (UNC ASG) established in 1971, currently represents over 230,000 students across the UNC System addressing issues like accessibility, affordability, campus safety, and student voter participation. According to UNC ASG, “Serving as a liaison between students and the Governor of North Carolina, the North Carolina General Assembly, and the President of the University of North Carolina, and collaboratively increase awareness of issues affecting students and the University.” Elizabeth City State University has been a part of this advocacy since becoming a member school of the UNC System. ECSU’s rise in representation and involvement at the UNC ASG sessions has been noticeable. Within the 2023-2024 academic year, ECSU has been an active participant in the 52nd Session, with esteemed participation from its Student Government Association. ECSU delegates have contributed to many committees advocating on behalf of the university and the student body. This active engagement led ECSU to host the April 2024 meeting of the 52nd Session for the
first time in person since 2021. The April 2024 meeting at ECSU was a monumental one! During this gathering, ECSU celebrated the countless achievements of their Vikings. This includes the celebration of ten individuals, one including our very own Luz Rivera, a senior engineering technology major here at ECSU. She was recognized for her outstanding leadership as president of the Hispanic Heritage Club on the campus of ECSU. Ms. Rivera has successfully innovated a space where students from all backgrounds can share their cultures and identities.The meeting continued with more Viking pride as Dayana Garza, a senior business administration major was sworn in as the Senior Vice President of UNC ASG marking her as the first female student in the history of ECSU to hold such a position in over a decade. Additionally, Chancellor Karrie G. Dixon was awarded the William C. Friday Lifetime Achievement Award for her honorable service to students and the remarkable transformation at ECSU under her leadership. These achievements from ECSU students and administration led the 2023-2024 academic year to close in a historic fashion. The standard for the years to come has been set by the 52nd Session, which will have a longstanding impact on the ECSU Student Government Association. This will ensure active
participation with consistent delegation for years to come!
The April 2024 meeting at ECSU was a monumental one! During this gathering, ECSU celebrated the countless achievements of their Vikings. This includes the celebration of ten individuals, one including our very own Luz Rivera, a senior engineering technology major here at ECSU. She was recognized for her outstanding leadership as president of the Hispanic Heritage Club on the campus of ECSU. Ms. Rivera has successfully innovated a space where students from all backgrounds can share their cultures and identities.The meeting continued with more Viking pride as Dayana Garza, a senior business administration major was sworn in as the Senior Vice President of UNC ASG marking her as the first female student in the history of ECSU to hold such a position in over a decade. Additionally, Chancellor Karrie G. Dixon was awarded the William C. Friday Lifetime Achievement Award for her honorable service to students and the remarkable transformation at ECSU under her leadership. These achievements from ECSU students and administration led the 2023-2024 academic year
to close in a historic fashion. The standard for the years to come has been set by the 52nd Session, which will have a longstanding impact on the ECSU Student Government Association. This will ensure active participation with consistent delegation for years to come!
l oudspe A ker
Building a Safer Campus:
Should ECSU
Host Self Defense Classes?
by Kamiya Hill
At Elizabeth CIty State University there are rules and organizations set in place to support the safety and security of all Vikings and visitors of our campus. The Department of Student Affairs houses the office of Title IX which is an organization that provides support for those experiencing sexual harrassment, sexual assault, sexual exploitation, interpersonal violence, and stalking. The PACE Center is another resource that supports victims of sexual misconduct while serving to “Promote awareness of cultural factors that support violence and to combat these factors in efforts to change cultural norms on campus related to sexual assault, relationship violence, domestic violence, and stalking.”
According to nsvrc.org 81% of women and 43% of men experience sexual harassment or assault. Thinking of these disturbing numbers and the countless scenarios where victims have felt frightened, violated, and defenseless sickens me. Though there has been programming from Title IX and The PACE Center, I would love to see them sponsor free self-defense classes consistently offered to Vikings throughout the academic year. Programming like this is vital to equip our Vikings with education on self-defense. It is better to have this education and not need it rather than not having it at all. Would you participate in a self-defense course? Visit the Title IX and PACE Center website at www.ecsu.edu to learn more about offered resources and how to report a concern.
Suicide Prevention for Social Workers: Caring for Those Who Care
by NicCal E. Hill
As future social workers, we’re trained to support people during their most challenging moments. But who supports us when we need help?
National Suicide Awareness
Month isn’t just about raising awareness for clients; it’s also a reminder that we need to care for our mental health. While our work is meaningful, it can lead to emotional exhaustion and burnout.
Research from the National Institute of Health shows “social workers are 55.6% more likely to die by suicide” than other workers. This statistic reminds us that no one is immune to the emotional toll of
this job. We must be as committed to our well-being as we are to helping others.
Dealing with trauma like abuse, addiction, and mental illness is part of the job. However, constant exposure to these issues can cause compassion fatigue, leaving us emotionally drained. Suppose we don’t take care of ourselves. In that case, it can lead to vicarious trauma, which happens when exposure to others’ trauma affects your mental health.
It’s easy to forget self-care when juggling enormous caseloads, paperwork, and tough decisions. It’s no surprise that many social workers
feel burned out, depressed, and sometimes suicidal. We’re supposed to be solid but human and need help, too. We’re trained to see the signs in others, but what about in ourselves and our colleagues?
Here are signs to watch for:
• Feeling numb or detached from clients and work.
• Constant exhaustion, even after rest, and dreading work.
• Hopelessness, feeling like nothing makes a difference.
• Using alcohol or drugs to cope with stress.
• Withdrawing from family and friends.
Recognizing these signs early can prevent things from getting worse. Share this info with coworkers and discuss it in meetings to encourage open communication.
How to Take Care
• Normalize Asking for Help: Admitting we can’t handle everything is okay. Asking for help isn’t a weakness—it’s a strength. Consider seeing a counselor who understands the challenges of social work.
• Build Strong Support Systems: Regular check-ins with friends and colleagues help. Whether venting over coffee or talking things out, having support is key.
• Supervision and Mentorship: Supervisors or mentors are essential. They’ve been through it and can help you balance work and self-care.
• Set Boundaries: We’re always trying to do more but need limits. Saying no is important. You can’t help others if you’re burned out.
• Prioritize Self-Care: Self-care should be a top priority. Whether it’s exercise, meditation, or time with family, recharge your emotional batteries. You matter just as much as your work.
• Advocate for Workplace Change: High caseloads and endless paperwork mean we must push for wellness programs and reduced workloads. Change is possible, and your voice matters.
Social workers often seem as if they have it all together, but we can’t help others if we don’t care for ourselves. Suicide prevention in our field begins by recognizing that we need help, too. By setting boundaries and prioritizing self-care, we can keep helping others without sacrificing our own well-being.
(Flyer: ECSU Counseling Instagram)
(Flyer: ECSU Counseling Instagram)
(Flyer: ECSU Counseling Instagram)
