Black e g a t i Her Class o f 2020
K o o B r a e y
This yearbook is brought to you by HSU’s African American Center for Academic Excellence (AACAE). Designed by a staff member of the Student Marketing Center.
“
poke around enough in life, places, jobs and among people. one day you’ll get lucky and stumble upon JOY. in love it feels like fluttering butterflies deep inside. it’s a job where you often go in even when you really don’t have to. it’s the solace of a stream deep in the woods. wherever you find yours, you’ll know it when you FEEL it. so, when joy finds you - don’t be headstrong thinking you find joy - NURTURE it. don’t sabotage or squander the luck of joy. and throughout your life it will nourish you. this is one of the most important life lessons i’ve ever learned. and it’s essential to start cultivating that AWARENESS when you’re young and ready to step up and out into the vast world. an awareness to know when you’re LUCKY in life and the determination to nurture that luck. -Kirby Moss, Ph. D. Journalism faculty Humboldt State University
TABLE OF CONTENTS
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Message from the AACAE Coordinator
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Graduating class of 2020
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Black Liberation Month
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Grad Mixtape
A Few Words... A letter to the Black graduates of HSU’s Class of 2020, from AACAE Coordinator Doug Smith. Dear Class of 2020, You made it! You have ascended
to a level that many people from our community could only hope and dream of. A level with new challenges, where possibilities and opportunities begin to open themselves up to your creativity and passion. This began as a dream of someone somewhere, and whether you are the first or fifth from your family to graduate, the sense of pride is the same. Your achievement is the beginning of something transformational, not only for yourselves, but your family, loved ones and ancestors. You aren’t a finished product yet, continue to sharpen the tools you’ve gained. When you reflect on your educational journey and when you think about all that it took you to get from point A to Z: the ups, the downs, the sleepless nights,
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Doug Smith. | Photo by Jose Herrera
the worst moments, the success and triumph, you know firsthand what you are capable of. Stay tapped into that because you will have to call upon that strength again, YOU have the answer. Continue to stay true to who you are and to remain rooted in our cultural wealth. Enjoy your moment. CONGRATULATIONS CLASS OF 2020. - Doug Smith
CLASS of
2020
Mia Carley Arnold
Deion Latrell Alston
Major: Environmental Science Management Ecological Restoration Concentration
Major: Journalism
Hometown: San Diego, CA
Hometown: Los Angeles, CA
“Came here with the juice, left with the sauce. The juice is temporary, the sauce is forever!”
“This accomplishment is not only for myself, but also the women who raised me and the family who supported me. Although you aren’t here with me now, I know you would be proud Grandmother and Granny. This accomplishment is especially for you.”
Cameron Bretz Major: Psychology
Hometown: Brentwood, CA “My time at Humboldt was an amazing time of growth. Thank you to all of the staff that helped me the past two years and my fiancée, mom and grandmother for being right by my side. Congrats class of 2020! We did it!”
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Miarea Z. Christy Ardell Busby
Major: History Minor: Politcal Science Minor
Major: Social Work
Hometown: Alameda/Oakland, CA
Hometown: Susanville, CA
“Never be limited by other people’s limited imaginations.” - Dr. Mae Jamison
“One of the hardest things I have ever done. To all my 2020 hosts, be blessed in all y’all good work.”
Zachariah T. Christian Major: Criminology
Hometown: Los Angeles, CA “I graduated, call me big fish.”
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Amaris Alleya Clark
Isaiah O. Dairo
Major: Botany Minor: Chemistry
Major: Kinesiology-Exercise Science and Health Promotions
Hometown: Elk Grove, CA
Hometown: Hayward, CA
“She believed she could, so she did.”
“Family and friends have heped me persevere with my college experience. I will be the first grandchild and first son in my family, and to have a college degree in the Bachelor of Science is amazing! Shoutout to the HSU soccer team for the amazing year I will never forget.”
Quianna Garrett Major: Wildlife Management & Conservation Hometown: Lancaster, CA
“It is good to have an end to journey toward; but it is the journey that matters, in the end.” - U.K Le Guin
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Regina Hamilton
Andre Lorenze Hascall
Major: Business Management
Major: Journalism Public Relations Emphasis
Hometown: Eureka, CA
Hometown: San Diego, CA
“As I look back, hindsight is definitely 2020.”
“Without my aunt, uncle and their two sons, I would’ve never made it here. So the biggest of thanks goes out to Aunt Tanya, Uncle Rob, Tyler and Spencer. Love y’all.”
Desha Regino Hill Major: Liberal Studies Elementary Education Hometown: San Diego, CA
“I am truly thankful for the last four years at HSU. I would like to give a huge shout-out to my parents for always motivating me to be persistent in my educational journey. A big thank-you to my major department, and my friends who’ve supported me through my career at HSU. WE DID IT!”
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Skye Kimya Ramsey Hopkins Major: Journalism Minor: Communication
Adrianna Maria Kaplan Major: Psychology
Hometown: San Fernando Valley, CA
Hometown: San Fransisco, CA
“Be so committed to your growth, you’re willing to say no without guilt and yes without fear.”
“A big shout-out to my village, my tribe, my whole support system. A special shout-out to my husband for always holding it down when life got crazy for me. I love you.”
Amanda Nicole Madden Major: Environmental Science & Management, Energy and Climate Hometown: Pasadena, CA
“Get wisdom, though it’ll cost all you have, get understanding... when you walk, your step will not be hampered.” -Proverbs 4:12
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Brittney Lynn Mitchell Major: Marine Biology & Chemistry Minor: Astronomy-Physics
Thomas Ian Mendoza Major: Rangeland Resource Science
Hometown: Hemet, CA
Hometown: Hemet, CA
“To my family - I could not have done this without you. Your encouragement helped me to challenge my limits and embrace the unknown.”
“If it wasn’t for my dad, Sophia, challenging and supportive teachers, and wonderful friends and classmates, I don’t think I would have made it through college. Shout-out to Plant Id team, Jasmine Westbrook, Todd Golder, and Susan Marshall for being the best mentors inspiring and pushing me in the right direction.”
Megan Fredericka Mitchell Majors: Rangeland Resource Science (Wildland Soil Science) & Microbiology Minor: Chemistry Hometown: Hemet, CA
“Thank you to my family and all my academic supporters.”
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Valetta Molofsky Master of Social Work
Hometown: Austin, TX “I love the quote by Stevie Wonder, “God gave me life to continue to do things that I would never have done.” This statement has been so true in my life since moving to Humboldt County. I feel my work is just beginning here, advocating for better programs that increase wellness and improve cultural identity for people of color. I’m blessed by the relationships I made with my Legacy sisters, and the HC Crew at HC Black Music and Arts Association. I’m also grateful to the Molofsky Tribe, and the Addison pack for supporting me while in graduate school.”
Indiana Sophia Monique Murillo Major: Psychology
Hometown: San Diego, CA “I don’t need these lenses, 20 on 20 my vision. It’s 2020, the year of hindsight, you should’ve seen me coming. Wisdom works.”
Tanae Kaylynn Nichols Major: Cellular Mollecular Biology Minor: Chemistry Hometown: Sacramento, CA
“With sweat and tears, I’ve worked 5 years to break generations curses to prove we can do anything no matter how long it takes. I dedicate this degree to Troy and Cassandra Nichols for pushing me when I didn’t think I could do it anymore. And to my sister and all my family members that look up to me. WE CAN BE ANYTHING.” 13
Jonéa Kiara Parks
Natalie Aaliyah Pinzon
Major: Wildlife Management & Conservation
Major: Criminology & Justice Studies Hometown: Rosamond, CA
Hometown: Oceanside, CA
“I want to thank my family, friends, teammates, and coaches for supporting me and encouraging me to strive for the best. I appreciate the entire athletics department for everything they are and have been doing for all of us. I would never have been able to succeed as I have without everyone around me!”
“I would like to thank my parents for the endless love and support that they’ve shown me throughout this experience. My family has always given me the strength and encouragement to push forward, and I would not be here today without them. I love you both so much!”
Nicole Marie Rahman Major: Marine Biology Hometown: Utica, NY
“My mission in life is not merely to survive, but to thrive; and to do some with some passion, some compassion, some humor and some style” - Maya Angelou
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Kassandra Alexis Rice
Briana Rene Scott
Major: Political Science
Major: Communication
Hometown: Merced, CA
Hometown: Sacramento, CA
“I want to thank my family and friends who have supported me throughout my journey.”
“I’m so grateful to have the support of my loving family and friends throughout this entire journey. Without them, I never would have made it as far as I have.”
Melinda Cheree Stevens Major: Business Administration Management Emphasis. Minor: Journalism Hometown: Eureka, CA
“Be fearless in the pursuit of what sets your soul on fire.”
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Nayshia Emonie Streator
Aliah Marie Bueno-Strong
Major: Psychology
Major: Rangeland Resource Science Minor: Forestry
Hometown: Sacramento, CA
Hometown: Corona, CA
“Words to live by: “When they go Low, we go High”- Michelle Obama Also words to live by: “ When they go Low , I keep that same Energy”- Amanda Seales ”
“No words could explain how valuable the support of my family has been. My mom has been by my side through every obstacle in this journey and my dad is the captain of my cheer squad. My siblings truly inspire me to go above and beyond what I ever thought I could do.”
Brandin Thomas Major: Kinesiology
Hometown: Inglewood, CA “BU, Legacy, Doug Smith, Rob Keever, Clint Rebik, Jenni Robinson: It wouldn’t have been possible if I didn’t have you guys in my corner. Thank you for all your help and the lessons you helped me understand.”
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Craig S. Thompson Jr. Major: Communication Minor: Business Marketing Hometown: San Jose, CA
Alexia Faye Thrower
“Thank you to my mom for pushing me to want to be a better person. Thank you Jordan & Jackee’ for The guidance and support even when I fought y’all tooth and nail thinking that I knew better. Finally, thank you to my baby brother Jon’MAE for helping remember my purpose when I gave up… It’s your time, chase your goal!”
Major: Criminology & Justice Studies Hometown: Las Vegas, NV
“Nobody should expect more than you expect of yourself ”
Bailey Jordan Tibbs Major: Business Administration, International Business Hometown: Menifee, CA “So thankful I had the opportunity to go to college and make my family proud. I know my dad is smiling down at me. Thank you Humboldt for making this experience incredible.”
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Tyra Elise Turner
DeReginald Walker
Major: Psychology
Major: History/Social Science Education Minor: Ethnic Studies
Hometown: San Bernardino, CA
Hometown: Rancho Cordova, CA
“I just want to thank God and my parents for always supporting me and loving me. I am blessed and grateful to have these wonderful people in my life.”
“I want to say thank you to my Auntie, my siblings, my major/minor professors and my track coaches for all their support. Also, thank you to my teammates and my friends for an unbelievable and unforgettable 4 years.”
Jaye T. Washington Major: Kinesiology Major Minor: Ethnic Studies Hometown: Torrance, CA
“Thank Mom, Dad, my family, friends, Micaela and my teammates.”
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Gia Janaye Willis
Kezia Yifru
Major: Leadership Studies Hometown: Chicago, IL
Single-Subject Credential, English
“Continue to chase after everything you dream. They will become reality with hard work and dedication. Thank you Mom for everything!”
“As you enter positions of trust and power, dream a little before you think.” – Toni Morrison
Hometown: Hayward, CA
Now, more than ever All family must be together Every brother & sister everywhere Feels the time is in the air Common blood flows through common veins And the common eyes all see the same Now, more than ever All the family must be together -Gil Scott Heron
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Black Liberation Month As President of The Legacy, I must say Black Liberation Month was one of our major highlights for our organization! We were truly honored to host Ms. IIyasah Shabazz and Modi, two influential Black women, who have made amazing strides within the Black community. BLM gave Legacy the opportunity to reflect on our “why” and the importance of serving ourselves as young women who are more than capable to make change. We are strong, powerful, and destined for the stars! Top: Members of Legacy take a group photo during Black Liberation Month. | Photo via Legacy
- Janae Sykes, President of Legacy
Below: Members of Legacy pose with Ilyasah Shabazz | Photo via Legacy
BLM gave Legacy the opportunity to reflect on our “why” and the importance of serving ourselves as young women who are more than capable to make change. 20
Above: Vice President of Enrollment Management Dr. Jason Meriwether and Modi pose before Modi takes the stage. | Photo by Skye Kimye Top right: Lawrence Ross listens to a students story while autographing his book on Feb. 24. | Photo by Skye Kimye Bottom right: Brothers United gather backstage before welcoming keynote speaker Dr. Cornel West on Feb. 7. | Photo by Skye Kimye
Black Liberation Month is a representation of what black excellence has become because we are able to be out in the world and say, “I’m Black and I’m proud!”
Black Liberation Month is important to the Black Student Union because it creates a feeling of respect and admiration for successful Black men and women who have paved the way for today’s Black youth to be able to achieve other things that might not have been in reach for them. For myself personally, Black Liberation Month mattered to me because growing up I never really got to experience it with activities every week dedicated to educating and promoting Black excellence. Also, I know that for BSU, as a whole, Black Liberation Month is a representation of what black excellence has become because we are able to be out in the world and say, “I’m Black and I’m proud!” Peace, Amya Thomas, President of BSU 21
Grad Mixtape
2019-20 playlist by staff of the AACAE 1. BIG - Young M.A
8. Bad Guy - Billie Eilish
3. Savage Remix - Megan Thee Stallion ft. Beyonce
10. Hot Shower - Chance the Rapper ft. MadeinTYO & DaBaby
2. Blackstone - Clerel
4. Panini - Lil Nas X
5. Hot Girl Summer - Megan Thee Stallion ft. Nikki Minaj 6. Earfquake - Tyler, The Creator 7. Bop- DaBaby
9. Say So - Doja Cat
11. Lottery - K Camp
12. SICKO Mode- Travis Scott ft. Drake 13. The Box- Roddy Ricch 14. Thotiana-Blueface ft. Cardi B
