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Dajah Saul I never imagined I would be the editor of The Wolf Magazine, let alone be the editor in charge of bringing the magazine back to life after a long three-year hiatus. Before this semester, I had only heard rumors of a once yearbook-turned-magazine within The Maroon, with previous editor-in-chiefs desiring to return the magazine to its glory days. Now, with a highly-anticipated debut with a brand new style and layout, The Wolf Magazine returns to Loyola, with a pretty damn good theme to match. Focusing on the theme of the Black student experience, The Wolf Magazine displays features and stories not just through a Loyola perspective, but from a New Orleans point of view.
Seeing as The Wolf Magazine’s newest debut comes during the Mardi Gras season and Black History Month, the stories highlighted within proudly exhibit the Black experience as a whole. Enrich your knowledge with learning about the Black history behind some of your favorite Mardi Gras krewes. Indulge in the best Black-owned restaurants around New Orleans for the best bites after class and over the weekend. Get an inside, exclusive look into some of the most creative upcoming Black student musicians at Loyola. Find delight and amusement within the feature pieces on Black queer students and Black students within our STEM programs.
Anything you want to learn about the Black student experience, we got it for you right here in The Wolf Magazine. I couldn’t be more proud of the work put into this magazine, from the incredible staff to the unbelievable talents of the contributing writers and designers. When you’re reading through the variety of stories within this debut issue, I hope you feel a connection to our work, or even just gain a new insight into the world of the Black student experience around you.
Dajah Saul Editor, The Wolf Magazine
STAFF LIST
Creative Director Taylor Falgout
Editor Managing Editor in Chief for Print Maleigh Crespo Sophia Maxim
Design Chief Zach Cesarini
Photo Editor Laci Barrow
Wolf Photographer Sophia Renzi
Wolf Contributor Pharrell Every
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Fashion Show
STYLED FOR THE RUNWAY A La Mode, a collective for Black creatives at Loyola, hosted its first fall fashion show, which featured four acts: “Black,” “Platinum,” “White,” and “Color.” The event included looks inspired by Beyoncé’s Renaissance tour and showcased student models selected by A La Mode’s executive board. Wolf/4 TheThe Wolf/4
Against the backdrop of the Danna Center’s basement art gallery, models strutted down the makeshift runway as students from Loyola and Tulane University observed and later participated in during intermission, prompted by the show’s host inviting crowd members to partake in “‘fit checks.”
Closing the show, president Morgan Love expressed gratitude and optimism, sharing that the event was just a glimpse of what A La Mode has planned for the upcoming semester Story by Laci Barrow Photos by Laci Barrow
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BLACK S ORGANI Lemon Pepper Story by Mabel Regalado-Hernadez Photos by Laci Barrow and Sophia Renzi
Black Student Union (BSU) The Black Student Union is an organization that works to meet the needs of the African-American population at Loyola. The goal of BSU is to help not only Black students but other minority students excel and unite. The organization does this by coming up with cultural, educational, and social services that correlate to African-American culture to create a community and further create history. The board of BSU creates new ideas to incorporate in the club, such as continuing old BSU tradi-
tions such as Black Student Union Pageant and a Black student study abroad panel. Being able to make students of all different backgrounds feel supported and heard is crucial for BSU. It is important for an organization like this one to exist for Black students to feel supported while attending a predominantly white institution, which only pushes BSU to continue to strive to be a welcoming safe space for all students but especially, Black students.
A La Mode A La Mode is a fashion club chartered up at Loyola back in 2019. The name A La Mode comes from the french term “in fashion.” Their hope is to create a place to show off the creative styles of fashion the students of Loyola have. They do this by using their space
on campus as a runway to discuss the newest trends in clothing. A La Mode applies influences from fashion magazines and trends to encourage Loyola students to have fun and take a more personalized approach to fashion.
The Caribbean and African Students Association was created in 2021. Their goal is to increase the representation of diversity on campus for others. They aim to create a safe space that feels like home for students of Caribbean or African descent. They do this by holding events that demonstrate Caribbean and
African culture with dances, food, panel talks, and music. Caribbean night is one of the many events CASA holds to highlight the beauty, variety of foods, music, and dancing of the Caribbean culture. Holding events like these fosters cultural diversity on campus.
Caribbean and African Students Association (CASA)
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Lemon Pepper is a club dedicated to looking at life after Loyola, wanting to support individuals on how to steer noninclusive political, professional, and social spaces. President of Lemon Pepper Ari Jackson said, “It’s very important to have people that not only look like you but are like-minded and want to succeed,” she explained. “A lot of us are pursuing degrees
Loyola chapter of NAA There are more than 2,200 chapters of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People around the world, but in 2020, a new chapter made its home at Loyola with the efforts of Brionna Wilcher-Hudson. The goal of Loyola’s chapter of NAACP is
L.O.V.E. Living Our Vision Everyday, is an student-led organization that was adopted at Loyola under the National Association of Colored Women’s Club in 2015. Their goals is to create a safe space of sisterhood for women of color and to create leadership, community skills, and brilliance. L.O.V.E. works to help Black women show off their unique selves while supporting
NPHC
STUDENT IZATIONS
The National Pan-Hellenic Council is a chapter at Loyola made up of the Divine Nine historically Black fraternities and sororities. The Divine Nine organizations carry a standard of commitment for their sisters and brothers through the history of fraternalism. The five that are chartered at Loyola are the: Rho
Epsilon Alphas, Eta Theta AKAs, OmiKron Upsilon Nupes, Nu Mu Deltas, and Omicron Metropolitan Zetas. NPHC wants to uplift Black students and give back to their community while building a community themselves through sisterhood and brotherhood.
NABJ The National Association of Black Journalists is an organization of students who are pursuing careers as journalists or media-related professionals. These students come up with quality services and programs to help promote all Black journalists around the world. NABJ
works to give special services such as mentoring, training, opportunities for scholarships and internships, and short courses. Being able to bring Black students who want to showcase their passion for journalism and make a name for themselves is what NABJ works toward.
in areas that are predominantly white [and] knowing how to navigate those spaces, not just when you’re in college, but once you get out is so important.” The executive board of LP works hard to support and meet the needs of, not only marginalized groups, but all students who strive for success.
ACP to mobilize not only Black students at Loyola but underserved communities in the city. The chapter is also a place for members to hone their executive skills and leadership to prepare them for life beyond Loyola.
each other. By providing that safe space, it encourages women in the Black community at Loyola to feel connected to one another. One way the club works to help women feel connected is their annual induction ceremony, where they formally recognize the new members of the club.
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7 MUST TRY
BLACK-OWNED RESTAURANTS
Story by Morgan Love
WHERE Y’ALL WANNA EAT? New Orleans is famously known for its rich arts and culture, but there is one thing that New Orleans has that can’t be found anywhere else… its food! Food is one, if not the only, reason tourists visit the Big Easy. Bringing in thousands of people to the city to get a taste of the cajun and creole dishes we offer, New Orleans has some of the best restaurants to explore and try. Behind some of the most notable food spots in New Orleans are the hands of its Black residents. Black-owned restaurants in the city are everywhere, and their contribution to the food scene in New Orleans cannot go unrecognized. So much of New Orleans includes the Black community, and their influence on the city is deeply rooted and should be praised.
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Up & Adam Eatz Newly located in Mid-City, Up & Adam Eatz began as a coffee brand during the pandemic. Now, they are a casual dining experience, offering what they call, “everything you need to get up and adam!” Hours: 8 AM - 1 PM, Tue-Sun Located: 3903 Canal St
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Carrė Restaurant & Bar Located in the beautiful French Quarter, Carrė Restaurant & Bar serves Creole cuisine. A good restaurant to get some good food and see the beautiful heart of New Orleans! Hours: 5PM - 12AM, Tue - Sun Located: 239 Decatur Street
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Nonno’s Cajun Cuisine & Pastries Looking for some homemade food to make you feel at home? Visit Nonno’s for some delectable Cajun cuisine and enjoy a variety of homemade pastries. Hours vary daily. Located: 2517 Bayou Road
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Compėre Lapin Created by Chef Nina Compton, this award-winning restaurant will surely make your tastebuds sing. With a fusion of “Gulf Coast ingredients and Caribbean-inspired flavors,” this restaurant is suitable for any fine dining experience. Hours vary daily, refer to the restaurant’s website for up-to-date operating hours Located: 535 Tchoupitoulas St.
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Nice Guys Nola Coined as “a new restaurant adventure with all the vibes,” Nice Guys Nola is the spot to go to with your friends for a good time and good food. Located near downtown, this restaurant should definitely be included in your weekend fun. Hours vary daily, refer to the restaurant’s website for up-to-date operating hours Located: 7910 Earhart Blvd
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Suzie’s Soulhouse Soulfood Restaurant With food filled with soul, Suzie’s Soulhouse was made by Chef Susan G. Cosse. With an emphasis on the delectable flavors of soul food, if you are looking for a good home cooked style meal, this is the place to go. Hours: Tues. - Sat. 11 AM-2PM & 4PM8PM Located: 1205 St. Charles Ave., Suite C
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Beaucoup Eats Serving “Creole Comfort Cuisine,” Beaucoup Eats prides itself on providing traditional New Orleans flavors while sourcing their food from the community and providing authentic tastes of the city. Their motto is “taste what’s good,” and it surely is. Hours vary daily, refer to the restaurant’s website for up-to-date operating hours Location: 2331 Canal St.
BLACK WOMEN SOW SEEDS OF SUPPORT AT THE MAROON By Maleigh Crespo
hen Lea Stevenson became the first Black female editor-in-chief of The Maroon, 48 years after the newspaper’s inception, she wasn’t aware of that milestone at the time. Race wasn’t at the forefront of everyone’s minds, Stevenson said. “All three major student newspapers: Tulane’s, Loyola’s, and UNO’s were in the hands of women,” she said. To her, that feat was significant enough. Stevenson recalls everyone working hard to meet deadlines, even at 2 or 3 a.m. in the morning; to which, no one complained, she said. Racial perspective is more the focus of today than it was then, she said. Although race wasn’t a factor in the ‘70s for Stevenson and her team, 44 years later, the newsroom would elect its second Black female editor-in-chief Nia Porter, who said her time at Loyola as a Black woman was difficult. Porter describes the treatment of students of color during her time at Loyola as “pretty difficult,” but as a newsroom, she felt The Maroon’s commitment to diversity and representing marginalized communities didn’t waver. Porter said she doesn’t remember ever having a hard time doing what they wanted with the paper, but at the time, especially regarding racial issues. “There were people of different ethnicities and sexualities in every position, so everything felt super diverse when I was there,” she said. Porter describes her tenure as one of the first Black female editors-in-chief as “planting a seed” that she’s happy to see other Black women “blossom in.” Two years after Porter planted the seed, in 2017, budding pre-med freshman Starlight Williams found herself at a Maroon press night – known all too well by generations of Marooners – wherein the newspaper is assembled before hitting stands at Loyola on Friday. “After that night, I ended up becoming the Life and Times editor and I… never looked back,” she said. Williams recalls her journey to editor-in-chief as being nonlinear, as she started as a pre-med student, worked primarily as the editor of The Wolf Magazine, and even spent a semester away from the paper – all before becoming editor-in-chief. However, the day Williams was elected, hap-
pened to be the same day of the Clinton-Trump election. “It’s kind of ironic because it was the best day of my personal life, but it was a lot of struggle for the country,” she said. According to Stevenson, working journalists are subject to the “whims and prejudices” of the people around them, as well as the people who work with and for them. “And all you can do is cope with it and be prepared for it,” she said. In Williams’ time as editor-in-chief, she tried to carry on the commitment to cover every corner of campus. “The editors before me, their big thing was diversity and making sure all aspects of the Loyola community was seen in some shape or form,” she said. “And we weren’t always perfect about it. But we tried.” As a Black woman at a predominantly white institution, Williams said she felt “particularly blessed” during her time to have had Black mentors and peers around her for support. “Loyola is a PWI – technically,” she said. “I say ‘technically’ because we had a vast privilege of being surrounded by so many people of color the way we did. And it’s not to say that it’s enough, it’s not to say that we couldn’t do better.” As Porter and Williams strived to maintain diversity and inclusion within the newsroom and through their news coverage as only two of three Black editors-in-chief, Sidney Holmes found herself in their same position in 2018 – not realizing that it was rare to be a Black editor-in-chief. “When I was a freshman, Nia Porter was editor, and then, when I was a sophomore or a junior, Starlight [Williams] was editor,” she said. “For me to have two Black women ahead of me, I never thought of it as something that was rare or unattainable.” Holmes said becoming editor-in-chief of a newspaper, at all, was something she never imagined would happen. “But I never thought it was something that I couldn’t do because of who I am,” she added. “And I always felt like I had a lot of encouragement from people like Giusti.” Professor and advisor of the paper for the past two decades, Michael Giusti, was described by Porter, Williams, and Holmes as the person who watered their blossoming potential. Giusti encouraged Porter to submit her stories
for publication, pushed Williams out of her comfort zone of feature writing, and nudged Holmes into joining the Maroon Minute – all of which was instrumental in them becoming editors. “He was an amazing advisor to me and to my cohort of editors at the time,” Porter said. In addition to feeling supported by longtime Maroon advisor, Porter and Williams recalled their late nights in the office putting the paper together. “Seeing what we got to do was always worth being up, whether we were up at midnight, at 3 a.m., even if we were finished at 8 p.m., it was always a success to see what we got to put together at the end of the day.” Porter reflects on her time at the newspaper fondly. She describes it as an unforgettable time – especially on press nights. “I will always love the Loyola Maroon,” she said. Beyond building connections and fostering personal growth, the women, including Stevenson, said their experience at the newspaper gave them the tools they needed to pursue careers in media post-grad. Stevenson said, “It was a significant step for me. It launched me into my later career in television.” She added that while she appreciated the boost, she didn’t concentrate on it. As a journalist, Stevenson said, you don’t look for conflict. “You take the hand that’s dealt you, and you play it well,” she said. “And that’s all you can do, not only as a Black journalist, but as a journalist of any kind.” Stevenson said that although this doesn’t shield you from any of the things that will fly your way because of race, it certainly makes you wary. It makes you approach things with your guard up – more so today than back then, she added. Porter said that the news industry may seem precarious right now, but there will always be a need for diverse voices. “Newsrooms need different voices. And they need different experiences. And they need those people, with that experience, in the newsroom to be able to tell the stories of our world,” she said. And as The Maroon celebrates a century of journalism, the names Lea Stevenson, Nia Porter, Starlight Williams, and Sidney Holmes should all be remembered, not only as bearers of the mirror and the lamp, but as seed sowers for future generations of Black women to be seated at the helm of Loyola’s longest-standing news organization.
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A GLIMPSE OF BLACK In 1921, Black nuns, who were part
of the religious order Sisters of the Holy Family, took teaching classes off-campus under the auspices of Loyola, and their education was made possible by Jesuit leaders who saw the importance of this opportunity, Cole wrote in an email to students.
1920
Brown vs. Board of Education, Loyola’s Law School became desegregated in 1952.
1952
1947
1960s
Originally, the Board of
Even though Louisiana law
Trustees, which was composed of Jesuits, resisted because they said Black students “would be the ruination” of the university. However, two Jesuits who joined Loyola’s faculty in 1947, the Reverend Joseph S. Fichter, a sociology professor, and the Reverend Louis S. Twomey, the head of Loyola’s Institute of Industrial Relations, had a different idea.
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Two years before the
never required racial segregation at private educational institutions, it was expected to never let Black students and faculty attend and be welcomed with open arms. However, by the 1960’s, Loyola was admitting Black students and hiring Black faculty members.
HISTORY AT LOYOLA By Ecoi Lewis
In 1969, the Black Student Union formed
on campus with a goal to provide a safe space for not only Black students on a majority white campus, but for all races on campus. The BSU is one of the largest and long-standing student organizations on campus. Their founding principles are education, social betterment, and service.
1969
Introduction of the African-
American studies minor: In the course, students learn the history, cultures, & politics of Africa/ African diaspora in the U.S., Latin America, & Caribbean.
2010s
1971
2023
The Maroon was chartered in
Today, Xavier Cole is Loyola’s first Black president
1923, but it took 48 years for the first Black editor-in-chief to be elected. It also took another 44 years to elect another: Nia Porter in 2015.
and second layperson. It took 107 years for Loyola to have its first female and layperson president and 112 years to have its first Black president.
Loyola’s history is a long, well-known one, but their Black history, not so much. Although Loyola didn’t officially accept Black students until the 1950s, according to university president Xavier Cole, the institution’s focus on inclusivity began decades before that historic milestone. The Wolf/11
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Jada Gunner, Student Art
R.I.P Empathy (Brain Vomit) by Nala Aolani Scaife
No pressure! Everyone is watching, but I doubt they’re really watching I doubt they are digesting I doubt they are understanding Doubt and Pressure The pressure to have a voice The doubt that it will be heard The pressure to present yourself The doubt that you will be seen Constantly floating in between, no fine lines to define me. The pressure to conform, the pressure to outshine The doubt that I will ever be able to just… Am I making myself clear? It’s about Acknowledgement without Action. You Acknowledge my blackness. Acknowledge my background. You have “no choice”. I have no choice. I have NO choice! You say you are “with it” in many different ways! An ally. “Down with the movement”. You’re “Progressive”. You’re “Inclusive”! I feel the pressure of your words crushing mine before they even leave my two lips. You are uncomfortable. You are hesitant. You are distant. Stand-Offish. You do not seek to understand or conversate; you want me to demonstrate. You want me to perform my struggle; be a fool for the magistrate You use my story as ammunition; a stepping stool for you to reach your goals. My race, which once provoked displeasure, has become your favorite tool. You shout “I am filled with indignation!”, which raises my expectations! Only to float away from the ideals you aim to “uplift”. You do not rise to the occasion. What good is an idea floating in the air if no one nourishes its flesh. Empathy has turned to a pile of bones labeled “I wish you the best”
Justin Lee, Digital Art
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BLACK, QUEER, AND HERE!
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Design junior Justin Lee said you have to look at the world differently when you’re Black and gay. “As a gay person, it’s really easy to find community because, at least at Loyola, you’ll be accepted by pretty much anybody,” he said. As for finding safe spaces on campus as a Black person, Lee finds that many of his white counterparts try too hard to prove that they’re anti-racist, which makes everything uncomfortable. “Why are there more white people in the room talking about Black issues than the Black people? It just feels weird,” he said. Lee said he wishes his peers didn’t make the race of people in class such an important thing when they don’t have to. “You’re kind of forcing people to be comfortable, even though they’re not comfortable,” he said. Lee believes this is counterproductive and performative. “I think that they’re really trying hard to prove themselves as woke that they end up silencing Black voices. They don’t really do anything,” Lee said. “They just want to prove something, and the conversation just stops there.”
Black LGBTQ+ students express their experience being queer at Loyola. By Joshua Fletcher
Generally, Loyola fosters an accepting and open community for students, but some students question Loyola’s commitment to queer students. “It feels like they’ll wave the flag, but they won’t actually take part in fundraising or efforts to actually support communities,” design junior Isa Davis said. Since 1991, Loyola has an LGBTQ+ organization on campus, as former assistant director of publications, Arthur Stern started Gay Outreach at Loyola to support and uplift queer students at that time. Davis, who lives in Virginia, said, “It’s not the same here as it is there. You’ll get very
uncomfortable very quickly if you try to dress however you want there.” Today, GOAL is known as PLUS+. Loyola alum and former PLUS+ president LillieMarie Johnson, who was afraid to join the organization as a freshman, said her vision for the organization was to be welcoming of all students. “PLUS+ [isn’t just] for Black queer students,” she said. “These organizations are made for [everyone].”
Photos by Laci Barrow and Sophia Renzi
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EXTRAORDINARY EXPERTISE WITHIN OUR BLACK FACULTY By Alana Thompson
Our Black professors at Loyola help mold the minds of students and push the university forward. These professors go above and beyond to provide students with the best academic experience. They are an important and integral part of our Loyola community.
Andrea Armstrong
Raney M. Antoine, Jr.
College of Law
College of Music and Media
Prior to teaching, Andrea Armstrong received her bachelor’s degree from New York University in 1996. In 2001, she obtained her master’s degree from Princeton University and her Juris Doctorate from Yale Law School in 2007. Armstrong has been teaching at Loyola’s College of Law for about 14 years. She’s taught courses including constitutional and criminal law, criminal procedure, race and law, poverty and law, and incarceration law and policy. She provides Loyola’s law students with the knowledge and information to achieve in the legal field. Armstrong has devoted her career to incarceration law, publishing numerous journal articles, policy reports, and book chapters in her career. She has acquired multiple research grants and awards during the process. In 2021, she received the Dux Academicus award, which highlights excellence in teaching, service, and scholarship at Loyola. Most recently, she was recognized as a 2023 MacArthur fellow.
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Raney M. Antoine, Jr. is a Louisiana native and a Loyola New Orleans alum. From a young age, he cultivated a love for music from various genres ranging from gospel to hip hop. He returned to his alma mater to teach students about music and the business side of the music industry.
William Snowden College of Law William Snowden is a 2007 graduate of the University of Minnesota. He received his juris doctorate from Seton Hall University Law School in 2013. Snowden said his motivation to enter the legal field was “to represent poor people accused of crimes.” His specialty is constitutional and criminal law. Snowden has been published in the New England Journal of Public Policy and in chapter four of the book Progressive Prosecution: Race and Reform in Criminal Justice. Snowden received the nation’s Best Advocate Award from the National Bar Association and was acknowledged as a Camille F. Gravel Public Service Awardee. He began teaching at Loyola’s College of Law in the summer of 2023. He teaches courses in Constitutional and Criminal law and Trial Skills.
Gregory Lee, Jr.
Willie C. Horton, Jr.
College of Music and Media
College of Music and Media
Gregory Lee, Jr. is a graduate of Xavier University of Louisiana with a long-standing career in sports journalism. Throughout his career, Lee was an editor and writer for renowned publications, such as The Boston Globe and The Athletic. He has served as president of The National Association of Black Journalists and uses his experience and expertise to educate students about sports journalism. Lee is currently in his first year of teaching at Loyola where he is using his knowledge and experience in his Sports Communication course.
Willian C. Horton, Jr. received his bachelor’s degree and master’s degree from the University of New Orleans. He has shared his knowledge of cinematography and film with students over the past eight years. Horton has been the recipient of the Cable Ace Award and theLumiere Best Film Award. He was also a finalist on BET Lens on Talent short film competition and featured in the “Gestures of Refusal” series at the Contemporary Arts Center. Horton was also the youngest filmmaker to have a film included in an exhibit at the New Orleans Film Festival.
BLACK ALUMNI REPRESENT Loyola University New Orleans has produced a successful variety of Black alumni over the years, so it’s only right to acknowledge some of them and their accomplishments since graduating from Loyola. From psychology to graphic design majors, fraternity and sorority members and beyond, the Black alumni community of Loyola deserve to be honored for their vast achievements from and after their time at Loyola.
Dr. Ansel Augustine serves as an active member of the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Mardi Gras Indians, and the Knights of Columbus within New Orleans. Earning his certificate in Youth Ministry from Xavier University, Augustine has worked in prison ministry for over 25 years, while also contributing to the local community through his time at the Loyola Institute for Ministry once he obtained his master’s in Pastoral Studies. Kristen Lee hails from the class of
2012 and 2015, obtaining a bachelor’s in political science and a Juris Doctor (JD) from Loyola’s College of Law. A member of the Student Government Association and Alpha Kappa Psi during her time at Loyola, Lee uses her experiences and leadership skills in her current career path. Lee works full time as an attorney for the state of Louisiana, still continuing her judicial service to her community.
Benjamin Fields graduated as a finance major in 2018 from Loyola, serving within his fraternity, Alpha Psi Alpha. Receiving the honor of being the 2023 Young Alumnus of the Year, Fields is a member of the University’s Board of Trustees, continuing his Jesuit values within Loyola and its community. A’Niya Robinson received her
bachelor’s in political science in 2016, with continuing her Loyola studies at the College of Law, where she earned her Juris Doctor (J.D.) in 2019. A licensed lawyer in the state of Louisiana, Robinson continues her judicial work nowadays as an Advocacy Strategist at the American Civil Liberties Union.
Elyse Harrison is a psychology graduate from the class of 2017. Harrison was a member of Loyola’s psychology honors society and is still active within her sorority Alpha Kappa Alpha. Previously serving as Loyola’s Young Alumni Board president,
Harrison is no stranger to leadership. She has worked in secondary and higher education systems, with now running Tulane’s Newcomb Institute as the senior program director of Newcomb Alumnae Relations. When she’s not at work, you can find Harrison volunteering with her sorority and her Mardi Gras krewe, the Mystic Krewe of Femme Fatale.
RoSha’e “Ro” Gibson hails from the graduating class of 2020, finishing with a bachelor’s degree in mass communication and journalism. A consistent writer for The Maroon, Gibson also used his communications skills as a sports anchor and reporter during his time at Loyola. He is a member of the Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, and he still uses his knowledge from Loyola to enact Jesuit values within New Orleans. Brandi Boatner graduated Loyola in 2006 as a Mass Communication major, with an emphasis in advertising, public relations, and applied communication. Ever since her time at Loyola, Boatner has worked in a variety of communications positions with IBM. In 2019, Boatner became the youngest member inducted into the School of Mass Communication and Design’s Hall of Fame, earning a well-deserved spot amongst the Den of Distinction. With also using her skills to provide insight into diversity, equity, and inclusion programs, Boatner continues to utilize her communications skills crafted from her time at Loyola. Antonio Carriere, MPA earned a bachelor’s in political science and government as a 2014 graduate. Carriere volunteered with various organizations on campus to better his college experience and career. A member of the Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity, Carriere uses the knowledge he received from Loyola to make Louisiana a better place and market to grow up and develop life in.
By Dajah Saul
LaMicha Jackson is an international business graduate of 2016, placed her stamp of involvement onto Loyola during her time here. She was a member of the Student Government Association and the Black Student Union, all while being a part of the Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority. Previously serving as Loyola’s University Sports Complex manager, Jackson continues her time at Loyola as its program coordinator. Joshua Hughes is a 2019 Criminology graduate and he established himself all around campus with being a part of multiple organizations during his time at Loyola. Even after graduating, Hughes still instills his Jesuit values with Loyola by volunteering with the university’s College of Business. He now works as a business development representative to better his community and service around the city.
Antoine Barriere was a double major in music industry studies and graphic design, 2018 graduate Antoine Barriere paved the path for his career. Professionally known as “ANTWIGADEE,” Barriere has made his name known as one of the best DJ’s in New Orleans, with performing at New Orleans Pelicans games and the ENERGY!BALL. Outside of his success as a DJ, Barriere also owns his own company and serves as an entrepreneur. Jasmine Brewer is a Houston-native Jasmine Brewer graduated from Loyola with a degree in psychology in 2014, where she was a guard on the women’s basketball team. In her time at Loyola, she converted the most free throws (467), hauled in the second-most career rebounds (923), and scored the fourth-most career points (1,747) in program history. After leaving Loyola, Brewer became a graduate assistant women’s basketball coach at Tulane University, where she earned a master’s degree in social work. Currently, she is coaching high school girls basketball in her hometown. In 2022, she, along with the 2013-2014 women’s basketball team, made their into the Wolf Pack athletics Hall of Fame. Now, in 2024, Brewer was inducted into the Hall of Fame on her own. The Wolf/17
Black student musician Black Student Musicians Find their Voices at Loyola By Natalia Silva
In the heart of the music industry’s ever-evolving landscape, a powerful and resonant movement is taking center stage – Black musicianship. And Loyola has become a place for Black musicians to pursue their artistry and hone their musical talents. Junior Renaissa Avari chose to study music at Loyola because it was one of the only schools that had a program that focused on R&B music. “Most people, when they think of music majors, the focus is only jazz or classical, so to be a part of a program such as Hip Hop and R&B here at Loyola, which is the first of its The Wolf/18
Photos by Sophia Renzi
ns SPREAD kind, is everything that I could’ve wanted for my Loyola experience,” Avari said. Avari enjoys exploring different ranges and possibilities to find her sound. Some artists that influence her are Victoria Monet, Jazmine Sullivan, and Brandy. “I like to make music that I love to listen to. I am always listening to music to gain new perspectives in terms of melodies, lyrics, background vocals, etc.,” she said. Similarly, junior Treniti Akoi said Loyola has impacted her experience as a musician by giving her the space to freely explore her creativity and participate in events. “I have been blessed to partake in many opportunities that are so uniquely specific to Loyola and the community surrounding it,” Akoi said. Akoi believes that being a Black musician is a beautiful thing and that their art comes from their experiences, which are uniquely
different from other demographics here in America. “To be a Black musician in this day and age is to be an unsung pioneer for pop culture,” she said. Along with pioneering artistry and genre-bending within the music industry, Black musicians are fostering spaces in the industry for other Black musicians.
Avari said seeing Black women represented in the media is important, not only to other Black women but to anyone who enjoys music. “So often we are not credited for our everlasting influence on the music industry, but I feel as though, in recent years, Black musicians have been receiving their flowers,” Akoi said. The Wolf/19
Loyola alum makes waves in music industry By Avanni Joseph Loyola alumna and Los Angeles, California native NCognita is a rapper on the rise, seeking to dominate the hip-hop industry. Loyola was one of the universities that made an appearance at her high school college fair and grabbed her attention. “I was immediately convinced by their music department and made it one of my top choices,” the artist said. NCognita admits that going to school in New Orleans changed her view of music with its beautiful culture and music as its main staple. “While living there, it’s almost impossible as an artist to not pick up some of the sounds and use it for the production in your own process.” When asked how Loyola impacted her experience as a musician, the star said the wide range of classes she was involved in helped her recognize the importance of having full knowledge of your creative field. “Loyola allowed me the space to develop into the artist I wanted to be but also taught me music as a whole,” she said. “I am very grateful that I got a full packaged
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version of that at Loyola.” Loyola was also where she met, now close friend, Thomas Zeitler, who could not be prouder. “That’s like my sister, man. You will never meet such a fun-loving, grounded and caring individual,” Zeitler said. “I think the love she gets from the outside world comes second to her after the love and positivity she can give to others.” The “Clap Clap” singer originally planned to graduate last year in 2023 but left during her junior year in 2022 to go back home to Los Angeles. “[I wanted] to devote my time to my career. So, basically what I would’ve done post-grad is what I’m doing right now,” NCognita said. And devotion was something she maintained. Zeitler said he and the rapper lived together for a year, and they had a studio in the basement for her to keep working. “If she was stressed, she’d have a quick conversation about it and then let it go,” he said. “She pushes herself to stay focused, and she’s a perfectionist.” Although a hard worker and perfectionist, NCognita shares that being a Black musician comes with unique challenges. “Not only do you have to appease the pressures of the world and social media but also carry t h e
weight of being consistent in your creativity while going through the trials of life,” she said. The artist admits the flaws of turning a hobby into a “9-5.” She explains that she went from using music as an escape to losing that outlet as it became a career. “It’s a job and a commitment. And sometimes the pressures of that and the world leave you between a rock and a hard place,” she said. Still, NCognita said that her work life is actually everything she’s ever wanted. She has the opportunity to meet and work with people who were her inspiration and were once a dream to work with, all while still being able to make time to prioritize the things that are important to her. “It’s really authentic, especially because it’s her and her friends working on the music. And it’s always about her, her family, and her close friends,” Zeitler said. The artist is happy to have met the beauty of making a passion into a career. “I am grateful to have made a career in doing something that I love,” the musician said. “I’m able to travel, sustain myself, and work with people I’ve only dreamt of working with.” When asked about the possibility of upcoming music this year, the artist gave a promising response. “Fasho,” she said. “Music is coming all year round, but we plan to heat up the summer. Keep on the lookout for me.”
NEWSROOM CHANGE-MAKER By Blakeley Cathey Maleigh Crespo has achieved many firsts in her life, such as chartering her high school’s first newspaper and now becoming the first Afro-Latina woman to serve as Editor-in-Chief for The Maroon. Crespo is a junior majoring in English with a minor in journalism, and she is obtaining her teacher certification with a goal to go forth and teach others. Growing up in south Mississippi, Crespo always had a passion for art, but it was through writing that she discovered her potential. She attended The Mississippi School of the Arts, where she was accepted for creative writing. During high school, Crespo received positive feedback and recognition for her work, which was often published. “It was required for us to write every day and to submit our work to be published. I started getting published and winning awards for things,” she said. “I didn’t even know what good writing was. I was new to it all, and that is where I got my start,” Crespo said. Crespo had a passion for creative writing but soon found herself wanting to discuss what was happening in the world and share the stories of her community. “I feel like with creative writing, you focus more on your personal journey, but I wanted to incorporate news and what was going on. I didn’t even know what journal-
ism was, I never found myself wanting to be a reporter, but I just knew that I wanted to talk about things that were bigger than myself,” she said. In response to the COVID-19 pandemic during her senior year, Crespo started a digital school newspaper to document moments in time and highlight the community’s experiences. “I learned how to make a website in my bedroom on a Chromebook that I rented from the school and began to write stories, not just about the pandemic but the community around me,” she said. When applying for colleges, Loyola, and more specifically, The Maroon immediately caught Crespo’s attention. “When I found Loyola and discovered The Maroon, I was like, ‘this is where I am going to be,’” she said. At the start of her freshman year, her dedication to writing was evident to The Maroon staff when her opinion article about the representation of plus-size women in the media went viral. “It got like 10,000 views in under three days. I think this really helped people to see how serious I was about writing,” she said. “They asked me to apply for the opinion and editorial editor position for the spring semester of my freshman year.” Throughout her time at The Maroon, Crespo has held various positions and made it her goal to involve students of color in the newspaper. She realized the importance of representing underrepresented communities on campus and used her platform to highlight their stories. One of Crespo’s achievements was covering a week-long Black History Month program called “The Reunion,” despite initial resistance from some staff members. Her efforts resulted in positive feedback from the community.
“I had so many [Black] students coming up to me, saying ‘thank you for putting us on the front page,’ she said. “Students were able to finally see themselves on the front page and feel seen for their positive work on campus.” This moment helped Crespo realize that she could create change at The Maroon. “This fueled a fire in me. And that’s when I was like, ‘I am going to be Editor in Chief, and I am going to make a difference and be a representative of all these communities on this campus,’” Crespo said. When it came time to run, she admits there was a moment of self-doubt, but she hoped her commitment to the newspaper was evident to her peers, even the ones who were just getting involved. “There are a lot of freshman and sophomore staff members. And I felt like I was sort of the only person who had the experience of what we used to be and now knows what we have become and how we have grown,” Crespo said. “I have done pretty much all the positions, so I knew that I had the experience and passion for this new role.” Crespo said she hoped to be a mentor to the incoming staff members. “The Maroon is currently going through a post-pandemic transition. When I started, it was all seniors, and they all graduated. And since then, we have been trying to rebuild the organization and rebrand from being known as exclusive to inclusive for all students,” she said. Crespo is aware of the challenges that BIPOC student writers face in The Maroon. Her goal is to rewrite the narrative of The Maroon being a toxic work environment and promote it to be a safe space for all, but especially BIPOC students. The one thing Crespo is most excited about is bringing back The Wolf Magazine, which hasn’t published since 2020. She said she’s heard almost every Editor in Chief since then has mentioned bringing back, but it is never done. “I am not one of those people that talks to talk. This is something that I am going to bring back for the community,” she said. Crespo is focused on bridging the gap between Loyola students and the newspaper. “I feel like The Maroon has this very exclusive brand, and I think we are starting to move away from that,” she said. “I do understand that we have a one-hundred-year legacy, but that does not mean that people cannot come and work with us – whether you are a journalism major or not. I want us to continue being a diverse newsroom with students who are representative of our entire campus,” she said. And as the 4th Black female Editor in Chief, Crespo is more than determined to make a difference and pave the way for future BIPOC Editors-in-Chief.
Photo: Kloe Witt
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STELLAR ACHIEVEMENTS
Leila Jones
Jariah Johnson
Domonique Tolliver
If you’ve ever noticed the aesthetically-pleasing purple hues of the Loyola English department’s Instagram, @loynoenglish, then you’ve seen the work of history senior Leila Jones. Jones, who hails from Denver, CO, is an Ignatian Scholar. Outside of her social media work, she enjoys research and archival work. She was a research assistant for the Norman C. Francis Biography Project in spring 2022. In spring 2023, Jones received the Women's Resource Center’s Nancy Fix Anderson Award for her research paper, "Homemakers and Culture Makers: The Role and Contributions of Qashqa’i Women in Their Tribal Confederacy, 1800 to 1979." Currently, she is working on her thesis research paper, which has led her to doing archival research at the National Library of Medicine in Bethesda, MD and the World War II Museum in New Orleans. In line with her passions for research and archival work, after graduating from Loyola this spring, Jones plans on gaining a masters degree in library science.
Jariah Johnson is a Baton Rouge-native and a ray of sunshine in the school of communication and design. You’ve probably heard her boisterous laugh ringing through the halls of the Communication/Music Complex or seen her on screen anchoring for The Maroon. Outside of Loyola, Johnson has interned at WHERE Y’AT magazine and WBRZ-TV, as well as working as a marketing assistant at Southern Rep Theatre. More recently, however, Johnson was named the 2024 recipient of the $47,000 WGNO scholarship, which is awarded each year to one Loyola student who exemplifies journalistic excellence. Johnson is also one of two co-recipients of the 2024 Sister Fara Impastato Outstanding Women's Studies Award from Loyola’s Women's Studies department.
Domonique Tolliver is a journalism senior, who specializes in culture reporting and digital news. She is an intern at NBCUniversal. In 2023, Tolliver alongside Brendan Heffernan and Rae Walberg won a national Edward R. Murrow award for their work on The Maroon’s podcast "Engulfed: St. John’s Fight." Tolliver won first place in the Louisiana Society of Professional Journalists' professional feature category for print or online stories. She also earned a spot in the top ten list of the 202223 Hearst Investigative Reporting awards in the writing division. She claimed second place in the solutions journalism category of the 2023 Association of Alternative Newsmedia awards alongside three other colleges at Gambit Weekly for their collaborative series titled “Climate of Change.” At Loyola, she is one of two co-recipients of the 2024 Sister Fara Impastato Outstanding Women's Studies Award from Loyola’s Women's Studies department.
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Jada Gunner Design senior Jada Gunner was chosen out of 311 applicants and 14 nominees as the recipient of the WorldStudio Scholarship from the American Institute of Graphic Arts. The scholarship is awarded to college-enrolled students who demonstrate positive social change, environmental responsibility, and cultural awareness through visual arts. In her time at Loyola, Gunner has served as art director for Loyola’s design firm The Collective. Upon graduation, Gunner plans to enter a graduate program.
Olufemi “Femi” Adegoke
Torron Brown Jr.
Political science senior Olufemi “Femi” Adegoke is the president of Loyola Community Action Program and the recipient of the 2024 Reverend Larion Elliot S.J scholarship, which is awarded to members for their commitment to social justice and service. Adegoke was also awarded the Loyola Alumni Association graduation award, which is awarded to graduating seniors who exemplify community service and campus leadership and/or involvement.
New Orleans-native and computer science junior Torron Brown serves as president of the Omicron Upsilon Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Inc., second vice president of the National-Panhellenic Council, and as an SGA Senator. Brown also serves on the Student Leadership Council, where he is a liaison between the student body and the Vice President of Student Affairs.
Tofarati Okenimkpe
ery Network, whose mission is to reduce food waste at Loyola and hunger in the New Orleans community, it won Organization of the Year in that same year. Now, she serves as the network’s vice president. Okenimkpe also received the International Student Scholarship award issued by the Center for International Education.
Tofarati Okenimkpe is a neuroscience-psychology junior with a special interest in the intersection of where healthcare, data analytics, and policy meet. She is an incoming Health Consulting intern at Mercer. In 2023, Okenimkpe was the recipient of the Outstanding Sophomore Student Leader award. As a member of the Food Recov-
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VOICES FROM THE COURTS
By Matthew Richards
Loyola New Orleans is a proudly diverse institution that caters and serves as an incubator for ideas to a variety of students from different countries, states, ethnicities, cultural, and socioeconomic backgrounds. One area that sentiment is exemplified is on the playing fields (and courts) where the Wolf Pack roam. Loyola’s student athletes are often at the forefront of the image the university presents to the larger outside world, and I sat down with some of Loyola’s Black student athletes to get their thoughts on how Loyola has made them feel at home. “I started my college career at a junior college in Pensacola, Florida, which is a couple hours from my hometown,” psychology senior and volleyball middle blocker Amaya Bazemore said. “I was looking to play at the next level, and I kind of fell in love with the school, the city of New Orleans and its culture, so I decided I wanted to play here. So the diversity here was a big reason I chose
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to come, so it’s been really easy to find a supportive community of people here,” she said. The diversity on campus was a crucial factor for another transfer athlete – finance senior and volleyball outside hitter Simone Tyson, who arrived at Loyola three years ago from Fairfield University in Connecticut. Tyson graduated high school in 2020, so when she got to Fairfield, she wasn’t able to play volleyball until the spring. Although Tyson loved her time at Fairfield, he felt there was a lack of diversity in their student body. “I didn’t really fit in there. I needed more than just a good volleyball team to stay at a school,” she said. “When I came to New Orleans to visit schools in the area, I met coach Jesse [Zabal], and we had a great conversation about the values of the team and the culture here.” Tyson said the campus was beautiful, and she loved everything Loyola has to offer both on and off the volleyball court. “I committed here because I felt like I
could really find myself here,” she said. And once student-athletes land on Loyola’s campus, finding a community isn’t difficult because of the resources the school provides to its student-athletes, according to women’s basketball team guard Taylor Thomas. “It’s been really easy to be a Black student athlete here at Loyola,” she said. “I don’t feel like I’m treated any differently. I feel the opposite actually, and I feel like I was welcomed with open arms and treated fairly here, and that’s why I’ve spent five years playing here.” Men’s basketball guard Leonard Jackson III expressed similar sentiments, saying he was able to find community by hanging out in the One Loyola Multicultural Center. “I’ve made a lot of friends there and even found some of my teammates there as well, so that room has played a big role in helping me find a community,” he said. Jackson said he recognizes that being a Black student athlete is a privilege, and he views being able to share that privilege with other people who look like him as a blessing. Because of the welcoming community student athletes have been able to find during their time at Loyola, they’ve been able to focus on maximizing their abilities on and off the playing field. This is the experience of women’s basketball forward Sandra Cannady, who said she came to Loyola because she felt comfortable here. “Because of that [comfort], I’ve been able to focus on achieving goals we set throughout the season and being the best me,” she said. Cannady is the reigning Southern States Athletic Conference Women’s Basketball Player of the Year. Tyson believes Loyola has done a great job of recruiting diverse student athletes. “There is way more diversity here than at my last school, even with the school’s history as a predominately white institution, they do a great job of maintaining diversity across campus, especially in the athletic department,” he said. Jackson said he feels Loyola has always been a place where people can share their different ideas and not be criticized and shamed. “And that is why I love to not only play basketball here, but be a student here as well,” he said. Photos: Sophia Renzi
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CELEBRATING BLA themselves with diverse voices and recruit those who strive to empower women and their accomplishments. Standing by their motto of “we serve before we roll,” Nefertiti makes its mark as a newer krewe within New Orleans for everyone in attendance of Mardi Gras to embrace.
By Dajah Saul In such a diverse city like New Orleans, the Mardi Gras season is always a time to look forward to, whether you’re from the city or live states away. In appreciation of the holiday season, it is only right to highlight the Black voices and krewes of Mardi Gras that makes the season special. From coveted coconut throws to compact mirrors, from recent years to centuries ago, here is a list of predominantly African-American krewes and organizations that embody Mardi Gras to understand the diverse impact of the Carnival season: Krewe of Nefertiti: Founded in 2018, the Krewe of Nefertiti established themselves as an all-female krewe focused on volunteer and community service within New Orleans. With a parade route located in New Orleans East, the Krewe of Nefertiti surround
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Krewe of Zulu: Founded in 1909, although marching since 1901, the Zulu Social Aid and Pleasure Club, or Krewe of Zulu, is an all-male krewe who possess one of the most desired throws of Mardi Gras: decorated coconuts. Inspired by the Zulu Tribe, the krewe established themselves as Zulus, wearing face paint and grass skirts while marching. Known as the largest Black krewe in New Orleans, Zulu makes their presence known and heard every Mardi Gras season, and you better hope you’re one of the lucky people who gets to take home a coveted coconut on Feb. 13. The Mystic Krewe of Femme Fatale: Founded in 2013, the Mystic Krewe of Femme Fatale are no strangers to having a good time during Mardi Gras, even if they are relatively new on the scene. As an all-female krewe, Femme Fatale strives to highlight and lift up diverse women and their voices during the parade season and beyond. Known for their compact mirror throws during the parade, Femme Fatale was the first krewe founded by Black women, for Black women, even though women of all races, ethnicities, and nationalities are welcome to be members. Mardi Gras Indians: Composed mainly
of Black men from the inner wards of New Orleans, the Mardi Gras Indians are not your average krewe, if a krewe at all. The community named themselves after various neighborhood wards in New Orleans, as well as after Native Indians who assisted them out of slavery during its height. As a way for inner city neighborhoods to participate in Mardi Gras without fear of being judged or not enough, the Mardi Gras Indians developed out of the “ghetto” to diversify their voices, giving Black neighborhoods a chance to create their own form of the holiday season. Although an exact founding date cannot be determined, the Mardi Gras Indians have history that goes back more than a century ago in the 1880’s. Each “tribe” within the Mardi Gras Indians has their own unique style and traditional Native attire, which proposes an appreciation of culture and diversity within their community and for New Orleans.
ACK MARDI GRAS
Photos by Sophia Renzi
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CALLING ALL BLACK STUDENTS IN STEM By Jariah Johnson Chemistry senior Tori Johnson and chemistry sophomore Jessica Valerio are creating a Black Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics club, so Black students at Loyola will not feel underrepresented within STEM majors. Johnson and Valerio will serve as president and vice president, respectively, of the Loyola chapter of the National Organization for the Professional Advancement of Black Chemists and Chemical Engineers, or NOBCChE. As a senior, Johnson wants to make sure future Black STEM students feel comfortable in ways she didn’t when she was an underclassman. I became president so that more Black students feel comfortable coming into the space, and I want to give students resources that I did not have back then,” Johnson said. Similarly, Valerio wants students to learn more about STEM within the club not only for undergraduate purposes, but for their future careers. The club will have a major
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focus on life after college. Valerio said she knows what it feels like to not know what to do post-grad, and she wants to make sure her peers are on the right track. “We need connections, internships, and people to go to after we graduate,” she said. “I did not have a clue what grad school was, and I am a first generation college student, so it wasn’t until I asked Tori [Johnson] about it that I knew what it was.” Valerio said they want to have guest speakers come in and talk about what grad school is, how to apply to real-world jobs, resume advice, and generally, providing a space to give STEM students what they need. The club will be a safe space for students to ask questions that they are scared to ask their professors, Valerio said. According to Johnson and Valerio, being in a small minority group, as Black STEM students, can be intimidating. They said Loyola demands a lot when coming to college, and it can be hard to ask questions, go to office hours, or even talk to the professor. Chemistry junior and NOBCChE member Breonna Scott feels that not only are Black STEM students underrepresented at Loyola, but so is the faculty. “It would be nice to see more Black
professors teaching the STEM curriculum at Loyola because representation matters,” Scott said. The community at Loyola is welcoming, but STEM students feel like they can’t speak out openly. “My biggest barrier has been asking,” Valerio said. “Leaving high school and coming to college, they already expect you to know certain things, and it is hard to ask questions they think you should already know.” Valerio said she’s usually the only Black girl in the room. “If not, then there’s only one or two other Black girls, and it’s a little intimidating,” she said. Johnson believes Black STEM studentsbeing unable to approach their professors or being scared to get help, leads Black chemistry majors to switch to biology. She said it is a trend because biology is believed to be easier, and students feel like they can’t do chemistry. Johnson wants the club to be a solution for Black students in STEM to turn to for help and for students to feel empowered to go to faculty for help without judgment. “Students knowing other people who know exactly what they’re going through, that is motivation for people to stay in it,” Johnson said. “So, I want to bridge that gap between teachers and students.”
Photo by Sophia Renzi
THEATRE FOR THE CULTURE Black theatre organziation to come to Loyola
By Isabella Castillo After noticing a lack of Black representation in the theater department, senior Jaylin Darby and alumna Aria Jackson are starting Theatre for the Culture. Theatre for the Culture intends to be a space for Black creatives of all backgrounds. Darby said she hopes Theatre for the Culture will become an empowering new space for Black students to “look like each other, to understand each other, and be present with each other.” Darby said she felt frustrated and disconnected from the white faculty and stories dominating the theater program. “I feel like there’s just so much happening in the world right now and just so so many pressing topics,” Darby said. “People are suffering, and I’m not going to waste an opportunity to put [it] in theater, on the stage, and just not talk about these things.” Darby recounts nights of frustration and tears due to her experience within the theater program “I’ve dealt with microaggressions and
felt the need to bottle myself up,” Darby expressed. “I don’t feel any kind of unity to some people that have been in the theater department [..] I’ve had white costume designers tell me what looks good in my hair.” Theatre for the Culture is a response to a “cultural divide” noticed by Black students in the theater department, Darby said. When speaking to other Black women in the theater department, Darby noticed a pattern of collective discontent with the program. Having a funded space where Black creatives can come together is a privilege, according to Darby. Theatre for the Culture is fueled by the founder’s passion and authenticity. Visioned to be a safe and unified space, this organization is meant to permeate Loyola’s artistic community and last a long time, Darby said. “Having this ensemble means we are all together as one. We all feel for one another. We all understand each other. Even if we
don’t understand one another, we’re going to be present,” she said. Representation weighs on the minds of young creators, Darby said. Committed to authenticity, Theatre for the Culture will permit representation on and off stages. It will connect people who do fashion, poetry, music, and dance, according to Darby. The new club will allow new stories to be told, especially for Black students who were once cast only as maids or other stereotypical roles, she said. Darby added that the unity of this club will allow for the “humanization” of Black stories and characters. Despite moments of discouragement, Darby feels driven to continue this organization. “We collectively feel like we are going to make a difference with this organization,” Darby said. “I’m calling this a revolution.”
RESIDENTIAL REFLECTIONS By Melody Newsome Comfortability in your living space is one of the most important things a resident could ask for, and representation in those spaces is equally important for people of color. Loyola’s residential life staff consists of mostly Black staff members on the professional level, as well as the student level with resident and desk assistants. Camilla Johnson, a sociology junior and Biever RA, shared that relating to her RA as freshman is what prompted her to become an RA herself. “A lot of our student population are minorities. As a minority, I felt more comfortable talking to an RA who could relate to me,” she said. “My RA was very invested, and she acted like a friend,” she said. Living spaces can affect more than you think. This goes for your grades in school to your social life.
An RA is often a student’s first impression of college life. They are a guide for the college journey, which is why it is crucial for students to be able to relate and feel seen by these guiding leaders on campus. Aaron Johnson, the Associate Director of Housing Operations, said his college experience played a major role in his current job. “As a Black man, I have been positively impacted by the help and guidance that I was given. I felt heard and seen,” he said. “I work hard to make intentional connections with our Black students at Loyola and hope that my presence in these spaces allows them to see what is possible.” Students carry what they learn from college into their everyday lives. It’s that foundation they make before entering the real world that makes all the difference.
And everyone wants to feel like they have a safe space and that they belong, which is why representation matters. Ryan Webb, a resident in Biever, said she benefits greatly from having a Black RA. “My RA promotes a respectful living environment and ensures our voices are heard by everyone,” she said. “I feel more comfortable communicating my thoughts and opinions by having such a supporting RA.”
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STUDENTS REFLECT ON FIRST BLACK PRESIDENT
By Pharrell Every
W
hen mass communication freshman Kennedy James saw that Loyola would have its first Black president, she was filled with hope and comfortability, as she believes that her voice will truly be heard now. For her family, having a Black president means that they can know there will be someone in her corner fighting for her, with her, and making sure she’s comfortable. For James, it means that there is someone there that will listen and not disregard her, she said. “I feel that now and in the future having a president that’s Black will help us get further,” she said. March 23, 2023, marks a turning point for Loyola, as the Board of Trustees named Xavier Cole the 18th president of the university. Cole is the first African American president and second layperson.
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Students and faculty shared a common delight upon hearing the news. Computer science junior and president of the Omicron Upsilon Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi fraternity incorporated Torron Brown said he feels that President Cole is the foundation and that he gives the community something to strive for. “The type of impact that he gives and puts out to the campus and to the university is going to be there for years to come,” Brown said. When the university was in search of a new president, Brown was one of the students chosen to interview the candidates. Brown believes in the importance of representation in academic spaces, so he kept this in mind when listening to the interviews. Cole stood out amongst all of the other presidential candidates, according to Brown. From that experience, Brown said he was able to learn about Cole and make a genuine connection with him. Through interviewing Cole, Brown also learned that he is extremely committed to making sure that Loyola continues to thrive and is dedicated to learning and becoming a better person. If Cole were sitting in front of Brown, he would ask him to play one of his jazz instruments and have a casual conversation with him. “He feels like that family uncle you can count on,” Brown said. Public relations junior and president of the Loyola chapter of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, Nyla Cunningham said that for her, having a Black university president means that there’s a level of influence that the Black community on campus has that it never had before. “[It’s] an opportunity for us to take things to the next level,” she said. Currently, she believes that there hasn’t been a great impact this year, but she’s hopeful that with time, Brown’s
impact and influence will begin to take hold. “Now, we have someone who can be in our corner and understand our perspective whenever we are trying for new initiatives or implement new programs that might have some pushback,” Cunningham said. She hopes that Cole will connect with students on a personal level and show that he’s not out of reach as a university figurehead. As a member of campus organizations such as the Student Government Association and the Black Student Union, James believes that having a president she’s close to and can relate to is beneficial for many reasons, especially those surrounding diversity, equity, and inclusion. For Brown, it means a lot to have a university president that looks like him and can share aspects of culture and experiences as a Black man. “Him being a Black president, I feel like he can better understand us and better relate to us,” Brown said. “[He is] able to understand how to adjust his initiatives to be able to accommodate students and be able to properly prioritize students in a way that can satisfy us and the community,” Brown said. Photo: Sophia Renzi
“I feel that now and in the future, having a president that’s Black will help us get further.” —Kennedy James Mass communication freshman
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