JCSU POLÍTICA NEWSLETTER, FALL 2022

POLÍTICA

THEPOLITICALSCIENCEPROGRAMNEWSLETTER

It has been three years since our last issue! This delay speaks to the impact that the pandemic has had not only on students but also faculty and staff, and our abilities to go back to some sense of normalcy The world has transformed in so many ways and not only due to the health pandemic Quite a few changes also happened at the University For example, social sciences and interdisciplinary studies have merged and are now part of one department The psychology program is now part of theCollegeofSTEM

In this issue, led by special guest editor, and political science senior, Boteh Keita, our students share what's on their minds about the most pressing social and political challenges of our time, advice to their fellow Smithtites, andhowtocopewiththisnewnormal!

POLÍTICA is a newsletter published by the Program in Political Science at JCSU. Named after the Portuguese and Spanish word for Politics, this publication highlights events, activities, and achievementsofthePrograminPoliticalScience,its faculty, and students. It’s also a space for campus wide scholarly and social engagement. Submissions are open to all University members and not limited to political science majors and minors. If you have opinion pieces, news, or events you would like to submit for publication or are interested in becoming a staff member please contactDr.TerzaLima-Nevesattlneves@jcsu.edu.

POLÍTICA

THEPOLITICALSCIENCEPROGRAMNEWSLETTER

The program supports the mission of the University, College of the Liberal Arts, and the Department of Social Sciences and Interdisciplinary Studies in providing qualityprofessionalpreparationinthefield of political science as well as academic preparationforgraduateandprofessional studies.ItalsoaimstofulfilltheUniversity’s purpose of producing graduates who are able to communicate effectively, think critically, learn independently and demonstrate competence in the field of political science while being responsible globalcitizens.

PROGRAM MISSION

The political science major provides students with an in-depth understanding of the philosophical and practical issues associated with political systems, institutions and organizations, and political participation and governance and encourages critical thinking about the nature of citizenship, rights, and dutiesinthemodernworld.

UNIVERSITY MISSION

Rooted in legacy and tradition, Johnson C. Smith University endeavors to provide a multicultural and transformative experience, which educates, prepares and graduates a diversegroupoftalentedandhighlymotivated students who can communicate effectively, think critically and learn independently as well as collaboratively. Further, JCSU cultivates an inclusive environment in which students are equipped to be global citizens who develop a compelling sense of social and civic responsibilityforleadershipandservice.

A NOTE FROM OUR SPECIAL GUEST EDITOR

Boteh Keita Senior, Political Science Major/Pre Law Minor

I first enrolled at Smith in 2017, I can say it’s something I needed. Entering college is the time you open your mind to new experiences. Throughout my time at Smith, I got to enjoy being my freshman class president, joined the student leadership organization, and also started a modeling team. I could honestly say juggling multiple classes and being involved with extracurricular activities is one of the biggest challenges any student will face. For me, every obstacle I faced was worth it. If I had to give students advice, I would say enjoy the experience, try something new, don’t be afraid to be different, and evolve from every experience.

"...enjoy the experience, try something new, don’t be afraid to be different, and evolve from every experience."

CLIMATE CHANGE THE MOST PRESSING ISSUE OF THIS GENERATION

Op-Ed By Justin Nixon Junior, Political Science Major

There are many issues impacting America such as the delegitimizing of democracy, worsening gender, racial, and economic inequality, along with a highly polarized government. These are uniquely American problems that are important to deal with but not an existential threat to me and my generation. Upon considering the issues that are most impacting the world and my generation, climate change comes to the forefront of my mind. Climate change is not only impacting America. It is impacting the quality of life in nearly every corner of the Earth and is an existential threat to my generation and those after mine. It is imperative that every country takes steps to prevent the worse impacts of climate change.

The climate change my generation is experiencing, also known as global warming, is the increase in average global temperaturesincetheIndustrialRevolution.Humanactivities,suchastheburningoffossilfuels(i.e.,coal,naturalgas,and oil), to power vehicles, factories, and homes, release carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. These greenhouse gases trap the sun’s heat in the Earth’s atmosphere causing a rise in global temperatures. Scientists who have studied the issues of global warming have a consensus agreement that human activity is the main driver behind global warming. Thus, knowing that humans have caused this accelerated increase in global temperatures, is a problemthathumanscanandmustfix.

Climate change has caused an increase in more intense and extreme weather like storms, heat waves, droughts, and hurricanesasseeninHurricaneIaninFlorida Theimpactsofclimatechangehaveledtothedeforestationofplacessuch as California Climate change has also contributed to droughts across the US, Europe, and parts of Asia among other places. These droughts can have deleterious effects on food production leading to food shortages that affect the entire world.

As stated earlier, accelerated climate change was caused by humans and thus it is a problem that humans must fix. Climate change is an existential threat to me and my generation and it must be treated as such. Humans have the tools andresourcesnecessarytofixtheissue;however,itisamatterofcountriesworkingtogetherandputtingthebottom line ofmega pollutersasidetoensuremygenerationcanlivewithahighqualityoflife.

I

MEET THE FACULTY

Terza A.

Silva Lima-Neves,

Ph.D.

Professor of Political Science Chair, Department of Social Sciences

and Interdisciplinary Studies

I am a Black African woman, wife, mom, award winning educator, and scholar. I was born and raised in Cabo Verde, West Africa. As a teen, I emigrated to the US with my parents and 2 sisters. I am a graduate of Providence College and Clark AtlantaUniversity.Ilovephotography,true crimeshows,andhallmarkmovies.Ilivein Charlotte, NC with my husband and our children. I am also known on campus as "Dr.T."

As an educator, researcher, and expert with 20 years of experience in critical pedagogy, Black diasporic feminisms,globaleducation,access,equity,andinclusion,IteachcoursesonAfricanpolitics,Blackwomen's studies, and most things international studies. I have delivered keynote lectures and presentations, and facilitated workshops for Vanguard Corporation, Charlotte Teachers Institute, UNC Chapel Hill, Howard University,BrownUniversity,NationalHumanitiesCenter,andUniversityatBuffalo,amongotherplaces.The topics range from global education for girls and Black women's empowerment to bringing our authentic selvestoworkandcriticalpedagogiesinteachingaboutAfrica.Ihavebeenfeaturedinseveralnationaland international media publications including Inside Higher Ed, Diverse Issues in Higher Education, Women in Higher Education, and CNN Africa. Recently, I completed a certificate in Leadership Foundation training at the Harvard Business School for Executive Leadership through the International Women's Forum's FellowshipProgram.Formoreinformationonmyworkvisitmywebsite,www.terzalimaneves.com.

am the principal editor of the book, Cabo Verdean women Writing Remembrance, Resilience, and Revolution: Kriolas Poderozas (Lexington Press, 2021) and co founder of the Poderoza International ConferenceonCaboVerdeanWomen.

MEET THE FACULTY

Helen King, Ph.D. Assistant Professor of Political Science

How did the pandemic transform teaching and learning in the last 3 years?

The pandemic essentially mandated a high degree of flexibility for both teaching and learning. Class formats suddenly had to be able to adapt on very short notice. This was very difficult, especially in the beginning, for both students and instructors.

I personally switched to the electronic delivery of all assignments. This way I could easily transition from online to hybrid, to in person. While I have kept that delivery format intact, I am very happy to be back in person. Class discussions are so important and are so much better in a room together.

You joined us during the pandemic. How was that and how has your experience been?

To be honest, I hate the fact my first semester at JCSU was the spring of 2020. Just as I was beginning to settle in everything shut down. Then we were remote for over a year and I did not get to see any students or even colleagues in person. That was hard That said, I love teaching at JCSU and I am extremely happy to be fully back on campus In fact, I think that I appreciate the community even more because of the pandemic!

What classes do you enjoy teaching and what are you thinking about developing in the future?

My favorite class to teach is Women in Politics. That is my primary area of research. In the future I would like to develop a course about Campaigns and Elections and specifically about running for office. There is a lot to untangle with so many elections at different levels of government I would ultimately love to see students and alumni running for office!

What advice do you have for students in general and about being prepared for classes, taking care of themselves mentally?

Number one, ALWAYS read the entire syllabus. This will help you know what is expected and when. Number two, put all important course dates on a calendar This helps you to make a plan and identify times of high stress You can even plan ahead. Number three, come to class and be engaged. I always see a high correlation between class attendance and final grades. Number four, communicate with your professors. If you are struggling or have problems, let your professors know. They can help. Number five, take advantage of all that JCSU has to offer!

There are so many ways to use a degree in political science! The degree is not limited to law school and politics. The sky really is the limit. I love connecting students with opportunities outside of JCSU.

FROM THE BAHAMAS TO JCSU THOUGHTS FROM AN INTERNATIONAL STUDENT-ATHLETE

Shay’Tonya Missick Sophomore, Sports Management Major

"Ihavehadtheopportunityofvolunteering with the athletic trainer, joining a mentorship program, networking with alumni, and more. My overall experience thus far has inspired me to pursue my master'sdegree."

One of the best decisions I have ever made was to pursue a degree in Sports Management at Johnson C. Smith University. In 2021 I was offered an athletic scholarship to play tennis. Since then, my time at JCSU has been great. The students, staff, and family-oriented culture on campus are something that I did not experience at the universities I attended in the past. My experience as an international student-athlete has been one I will cherish forever. It has its challenges, but it's nothing that I can't handle. Aside from participating in sports, I have had the opportunity of volunteering with the athletic trainer, join a mentorship program, network with alumni, and more. My overall experience thus far has inspired me to pursue my master’s degree.

Despite my flourishing abroad, I do have times when I miss home and the Bahamian culture. I would be lying if I said I have not had many cultural shocks since moving to the United States. For example, where I am from, it is mandatory to greet people when passing by or entering a room/building. I always find myself walking by someone and greeting them with "good afternoon/morning," only to get no response, and I would say to myself, "these people have no manners." It took me a while to get used to it. Nevertheless, I appreciate how different things are, and I am grateful for the opportunity to be here because I have overcome many obstacles to get to where I am now.

FINDING THE WAY BACK TO MYSELF ON BEING A WIFE, MOM, SCHOLAR, AND STUDENT

A conversation with Jess McDonald Sophomore, Psychology Major/Africana Studies Minor HowIsItBeingaWife,Mommy,andScholar?

What Are You Most Proud Of?

Honestly, I'm most proud of my determination and willingness to get involved. My original plan was to attend classes, earn my degree and go home, which is what most "non-traditional" students do. I did not see myself engaging with students and joining organizations but from the moment I stepped on campus, I had people pushing me to do more, telling me to take advantage of all opportunities My husband is constantly telling me to go for it, reminding me not to limit myself and live out my fullest potential. I'm so glad I listened and didn't allow my age or title to stop me from getting the college experience I always wanted. I am here unapologetically and I'm proud of myself and anyone who has the courage to change the narrative and do what others deemed as "unorthodox." In order to grow you have to be uncomfortable, in order to change you have to be willing to learn. I'm enjoying this journey and chapter in my life and I'm proud of everything I have accomplished so far.

Surreal!Ifsomeonehadtoldme,Iwouldbeafull timecollegestudentdoingallthesethingswhilebalancing myresponsibilitiesathome,Iwouldn’thavebelievedthem.Ialwayswantedtogobacktoschoolandearnmy degree,butlifekeptgettingintheway.IwouldtellmyselfI'msatisfiedbeingastay at homemotherandwife but honestly, I felt less than that. I wanted to do something that served me, gave me purpose, and reminded me of the goals and dreams I had prior to becoming a wife and mother. Sometimes it's overwhelming, but I have an amazing support system that truly wants to see me succeed and won't allow me to give up. Am I tired?Everyday,butinaweirdway,IlovebeingsobusyandactuallydoingwhatJesswantstodo.Asaparent, we are constantly sacrificing for our kids, we have to be very selfless in order to be a great parents. It is very rewarding, and I wouldn't trade it for the world but if we’re not careful we can lose ourselves and forget who weareasindividuals.Notthewifeorthedaughterorthemom,justus!BeforedecidingtoattendSmith,Ifelt myselfgoingdownthatpath,thereforeIknewIneededtomakeachange.

ATTENDING COLLEGE DURING A PANDEMIC

Kofi Asafu-Adjaye

Junior, Political Science Major/History Minor

My college experience in the middle of a pandemic has been quite interesting. At first it was difficult because my freshman year was fully online. Being back on campus has allowed me to have opportunities that I’ve never been presented with before, especially because of COVID. For example, the opportunity to be a member of the University's Royal Court is one of the opportunities I’ve been granted. It allows me to network and representsmyselfaswellasmyuniversityinapositivelight.

Lastly, I’ve been able to better develop my personality, while also being able to build connectionswithpeoplefromdiversebackgrounds.

"I’ve been able to better develop my personality, while also building connections with people from diverse backgrounds."

Isys Seward

Senior, Political Science Major/Pre-Law Minor

My advice is to try and stay active with your fellow classmates. Also to really connect with them because they end up being your support system in the event that professors and family cannot be.

Lastly, stay proactive with assignments and prioritize self-care to make sure you practice good mental health!