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Proactivism Among Black
College Students
Black college students, whether they attend a historically black institution
or a predominantly white one, often complain of some of the same issues in
terms of involvement and leadership development. Typically, due to the
population make up on black campuses, students have more leadership
opportunities, while often on white campuses, Black student leadership is
focused to historically and predominantly black organizations. A bigger
issue, however concerns whether or not the faculty and staff who serve as
advisors to these organizations, are providing the correct and necessary
guidance to assist Black students develop as strong leaders.
Student affairs professionals at white campuses are often required to hold
at least a masters degree in student affairs or a related area, and while
through earning an advanced degree, they are likely well versed in some sort
of European, male- based, development theory. Professionals at black
campuses are more likely to hold a bachelor’s degree, or in some cases, no
degree. Those with degrees may have held leadership positions as undergrads
and therefore will be able to share some other personal experiences, however
those who are non-degreed will be limited in their ability to assist
students in the academic, cultural and psycho-social development.
A major issue students from both campus types complain about it getting
their peers motivated to even get involved in campus organization. Usually
it ends up being the same small group of students who are the most active,
while the larger non -active group sit back and complain about there is
nothing to do.
As a student development practitioner, with over 14 years of experience in
higher education and working specifically with Black college students, I
have found that there are certain methods that have proven to be successful
in pulling in those who tend to not be involved. The first thing that must
be done is to get the students to come out, so I suggest a social function:
Not a party, but an event that has become known as a mixer. Set this up
where by each student, faculty or staff in attendances MUST sign in. Have
two people at the door with a sign in sheet. In additional to the usual
contact info of name, phone and email, include a space to write in ones
interest or special talents. Also have a list available of who needs
tutoring in which subjects. Make sure to ask and encourage Black faculty and
staff to attend, and if there is not a formal mentoring program, ask the
Black faculty to set one up. Also, start a peer mentoring program, whereby
upper-class students mentor and tutor new students, to assist them get
through all the red tape, as well as to get them involved. Give away door
prizes. Try the campus bookstore, local restaurant, or simply pull together
your change and hit up the neighborhood dollar store. College students can
always use paper, pens, soap, Kleenex, chapstick, and at least one piece of
candy.
Remember, students who are not involved are less satisfied with their
college experience, and tend to drop out, stop out, or change colleges. New
students, returning students, and those students who only go to class and to
their dorm room, must be encouraged to get involved, while maintaining their
academics. They must see a friendly face and hear a friendly “hello”, “how
are you doing” and “how are your classes going”. And they need to hear this
not only from other Black students, but also from Black faculty, staff and
administrators.
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