Students Reflect on Resilience, Representation, and the Ongoing Impact of Black Culture

BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.—The ���سԹ� Black Student Association (BSA) is sponsoring a spirit week and several events to highlight African American culture and heritage. Shiasia Jefferies, BSA president, explains why February is the perfect month to honor Black History. Along with BSA, the Office of Campus Unity and Connection is sponsoring two programs. Learn more here.

“February, often referred to as the ‘month of love,’ offers a meaningful opportunity to reconnect with our roots and honor the traditions we continue to cherish, despite the hardships our ancestors endured,” Jefferies noted. “This month gives us the space to educate, celebrate, and inspire others to understand the depth of Black history. I believe Black History Month goes far beyond simply acknowledging that we are no longer in bondage; it is about recognizing resilience, contributions, and the ongoing impact of Black culture.”

The BSA Vice President Naliah Codjovi shared that Black History Month reminds her how much strength can be found in unity and perseverance. “Black History Month allows me to dedicate time to learn about and be inspired by figures who created great changes in the world, even when the world was against them,” she related.

Codjovi, of Charlotte, N.C., is an Ignite Scholar at ���سԹ�, an award that includes full tuition to the University. A biology major with a biomedical concentration and a minor in health administration, her goal is to become a Physician Assistant and enter the field of hematology. She appreciates all those who have led the way into the field of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM).

“I’ve been very inspired by people of color in science,” she shared. “I’ve been seeing a lot of news about black inventors. I love hearing and seeing people of color in STEM. Growing up interested in STEM, I’ve definitely found myself being the only black girl in the room. I didn’t see people who look like me in these roles, but lately I have had black doctors and black professors and they remind me that in a world that tries to doubt us and hold us back, we can still come out on top and pave the way for those behind us.”

Jefferies is a senior sociology major from Hickory, N.C. She is also inspired by the number of African American inventions that are still used today and points out other contributions to society. “Another powerful expression of Black culture can be seen in the way we wear our hair and dress, which has influenced and inspired people across many different racial and cultural backgrounds,” she acknowledged. “Music is also especially meaningful to me, as the soul, emotion, and deeper messages behind many Black songs are incredibly moving and reflective of our shared experiences.”

Jefferies and Codjovi said BSA planned its celebration of Black History Month to educate and foster connection. “Even within our own community, some people have limited understanding of what Black history is meant to represent,” Jefferies stated. “Ultimately, we aim to bring everyone together, as our events are not just for Black students on campus but for the entire community.”

Jefferies concluded, “Black History Month and the Black Student Association represent more than a celebration of the past; they are spaces for growth, education, and community building. They provide opportunities for meaningful conversations, shared experiences, and continued learning that extend beyond a single month. Through BSA, students are encouraged to engage with Black history and culture in ways that promote understanding, empowerment, and unity across the campus community.”

Join the celebration by participating in the days or events listed below.

Black History Month Spirit Week

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• Feb. 10 – Sound of Movement, dress like your favorite artist, music year, or music genre.
• Feb. 11 – Power in Roots – express yourself through your hair.
• Feb. 12 – Unity and Culture Day – Wear a T-shirt promoting a black music group or one displaying a powerful quote.
• Feb. 13 – Walk into Your Purpose, wear were favorite shoes.

Events

• Feb. 10 – 7 p.m., Open Mic Night celebration of Black History Month. Tucker first floor.
• Feb. 11 – 7 to 9 p.m., Debate on relationships and dating, snacks served, Clubhouse.
• Feb. 12 – 2 to 4 p.m., DIY Bar, decorate a trucker hat or tote bag (materials provided), Tucker Rm. 141.
• Feb. 24 – 6 p.m. Black History Month Bingo Night with pizza, snacks, drinks, prizes, Clubhouse.

For more information, email ncodjovi@gardner-webb.edu.

���سԹ� is North Carolina’s recognized leader in private, Christian higher education. A Carnegie-Classified Doctoral/Professional University, GWU is home to nine colleges and schools, more than 80 undergraduate and graduate majors, and a world-class faculty. Located on a beautiful 225-acre campus in Boiling Springs, N.C., ���سԹ� prepares graduates to impact their chosen professions, equips them with the skills to advance the frontiers of knowledge, and inspires them to make a positive and lasting difference in the lives of others. Become More at .

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Programs, Library Display, and Black Student Association Events Spotlight Black Voices, Identity, and Resilience

BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.—The observance of Black History Month at Gardner‑Webb University features a series of events and initiatives designed to connect the campus community to the past, celebrate the present, and strengthen relationships. The Office of Campus Unity and Connection, the Black Student Association (BSA), and Dover Library are collaborating to highlight the rich history, culture, and creative contributions of Black Americans.

Dover Library

���سԹ� Instruction Librarian Katie Hartley has curated a special display featuring new releases from African American authors. She designed the exhibit to showcase a range of voices, spotlighting both emerging writers and well‑known authors. The goal, she explained, is to give patrons an opportunity to explore diverse perspectives and perhaps discover a new favorite book.

BSA Spirit Week and Events

The Black Student Association is also leading the campus in celebration through Black History Month Spirit Week, held Feb. 9–13, and hosting other events throughout the month. Read more about their events here.

Office of Campus Unity and Connection

Jessika Raduly, director of Campus Unity and Connection, said understanding history is foundational to building a stronger community. “Celebrating Black History Month at ���سԹ� is more than learning about history; it is about applying that knowledge to build a more unified and empathetic student body in the present. When students engage with the stories, struggles, and triumphs of Black history makers, they create a shared language of resilience that resonates across all backgrounds.”  

Campus Unity and Connection is offering two additional programs that invite students to explore identity and perseverance through storytelling. Graduate student Alexis Wideman, who helped plan the events, says each one provides space for connection and reflection. Refreshments will be available at both programs while supplies last.

The first event on Feb. 16, “The Story We Tell,” will invite participants to create their own quilt square—no sewing required. Guest speaker, Dr. Simone McIntyre, assistant professor in the Department of Counselor Education, will discuss “Stitches, Strength, and Stories: Honoring Black History Month.” Inspired by the historic significance of quilting in Black communities, this event encourages students to express aspects of their identity, culture, and heritage. The completed squares will later be displayed in Tucker Student Center.

“For enslaved Black Americans, quilts served not only as a pathway to freedom but also as a powerful way to tell and preserve history within their familial roots,” Wideman explained. “This event allows participants to create and share the story they want to tell about who they are, so that each time they pass by the display, they can see their personalized quilt square and be reminded of their identity and story.”

The celebration continues on Feb. 19 with a movie night featuring “Harriet,” the acclaimed 2019 film starring Cynthia Erivo. The biographical drama highlights Harriet Tubman’s courage, leadership, and enduring impact on the fight for justice. Wideman describes Tubman as a symbol of resilience and conviction. She described, “Harriet Tubman demonstrates how faith in God can make the impossible possible. This film also sheds light on the history of slavery and the daily hardships endured by enslaved Black Americans. Regardless of how painful or difficult this history may be, it should never be forgotten, as it shows how resilience in the face of hate and ignorance continues to flow through the veins of Black Americans.”

Together, these programs invite the Gardner‑Webb community to honor Black history in meaningful, multifaceted ways throughout the month of February.

���سԹ� is North Carolina’s recognized leader in private, Christian higher education. A Carnegie-Classified Doctoral/Professional University, GWU is home to nine colleges and schools, more than 80 undergraduate and graduate majors, and a world-class faculty. Located on a beautiful 225-acre campus in Boiling Springs, N.C., ���سԹ� prepares graduates to impact their chosen professions, equips them with the skills to advance the frontiers of knowledge, and inspires them to make a positive and lasting difference in the lives of others. Become More at .

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Observance Invites Reflection on King’s Enduring Legacy and Encourages Community Outreach

BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.—The ���سԹ� Office of Campus Unity and Connection invites the campus community to participate in Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Week of Celebrations and Service. The observance offers a time to reflect on King’s enduring legacy and actively contribute to building stronger communities.

King, a champion for justice, equality, and nonviolent activism, inspired a movement that led to the end of legalized segregation with the passage of the Civil Rights Act in 1964. Later that same year, the 35-year-old King became the youngest person to win the Nobel Peace Prize. Americans celebrated the first official Martin Luther King Jr. Day on Jan. 20, 1986. In 1994, Congress designated the holiday as a National Day of Service and marked the third Monday in January every year as the “Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service: a Day On, Not a Day Off.”

The schedule for the week and suggestions of service opportunities follow.

Martin Luther King Jr. Week of Celebrations and Service

• Monday, Jan. 19
• Attend the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration hosted by the Cleveland County NAACP in Shelby, N.C.
  • Peace Walk: starts at 10:30 a.m. at the Justice Center and ends at Malcolm Brown Auditorium at Shelby High School.
  • Main program: 11:30 a.m. in Malcolm Brown Auditorium. Free and open to the public. Shuttles will run from Malcolm Brown to the Justice Center at 9:30 a.m. The speaker is Ronald Harrill, who has volunteered in education for more than 20 years, serving as a mentor, lecturer, consultant, lunch buddy, coach, advisory committee member and community advocate. The Shelby native released the second edition of his children’s book “Makeda: Queen Of Sheba” under his own publishing company, R. Harrill Enterprises.

• Tuesday, Jan. 20
• 2 p.m., Voices of Unity: The Pennant Project, Tucker Student Center—The Campus Office of Unity and Connection will provide blank pennants that individuals can write on, describing their dreams, experiences, and identities. The display will create a shared visual expression. Each pennant will represent a unique voice, and together they form a powerful symbol of community, collaboration, and unity.

• Thursday, Jan. 22
• 7 p.m., MLK Week Featured Film, Spectrum Theater, Tucker Student Center
  • Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.: King in the Wilderness: The Last Years of MLK Jr.’s Life’—this documentary explores a portrait of Martin Luther King Jr. during the last years of his life, from his part in the Voting Rights Act of 1965 to his assassination in 1968.

Service activities

Throughout the week, ���سԹ� students are encouraged to join our MLK Day of Service activities:

• Donate or volunteer safely with food banks and pantries—Visit or to find an organization near you.
• Deliver meals and groceries to vulnerable seniors—Help out someone you know or contact your local to learn ways to volunteer.
• Stay in Touch—Check on your neighbors, friends, and family, especially those who are older or maybe alone. A phone call, text, or a conversation through the door could brighten their day.
• Volunteer from home—Check out for service ideas.

For more information, please contact: Jessika Raduly, director of Campus Unity and Connection, at jraduly1@gardner-webb.edu.

Auxiliary aids will be made available to persons with disabilities upon request 10 working days prior to the event.  Please call 704-406-4270 or email disabilityservices@gardner-webb.edu with your request.

���سԹ� is North Carolina’s recognized leader in private, Christian higher education. A Carnegie-Classified Doctoral/Professional University, GWU is home to nine colleges and schools, more than 80 undergraduate and graduate majors, and a world-class faculty. Located on a beautiful 225-acre campus in Boiling Springs, N.C., ���سԹ� prepares graduates to impact their chosen professions, equips them with the skills to advance the frontiers of knowledge, and inspires them to make a positive and lasting difference in the lives of others. Become More at .

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GWU Alumna Brings Institutional Experience and Proven Commitment to Student Well-Being to Her New Role

BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.—���سԹ� Vice President for Student Development and Dean of Students Lesley Villarose has named Jessika Raduly, previous associate director of Student Engagement, as the new director of Campus Unity and Connection. Raduly earned both her Bachelor of Science and Master of Business Administration from GWU.

Villarose noted Raduly’s experience and praised her skills as a communicator and leader. “Jessika Raduly is the best person to lead Campus Unity and Connection because she brings nearly two decades of deep institutional knowledge, a proven commitment to student well-being, and a unique ability to build bridges across our entire community,” she emphasized. “Her leadership style is rooted in empathy, collaboration, and genuine care—exactly what this role requires.”

Raduly joined the University staff in 2006 and has served in multiple areas, including the Departments of Health, Sport, and Physical Education, and Housing and Residence Education.

“Over the last 19-plus years at ���سԹ�, I have remained deeply committed to helping students grow into the best version of themselves,” Raduly shared. “As I continue to develop in my new position, I will seek out opportunities to expand my specialized skills and support an increasingly diverse student population. In my work with international students and multicultural groups, I will focus on strengthening global student support, enhancing cross-cultural programming, and enriching the overall campus culture.

Raduly and her husband, Jody, and their two children are active members of Pleasant City Church in Shelby, N.C. In her free time, she enjoys being outdoors, exercising, and spending quality time with her family.

In alignment with ���سԹ�’s core Christian values, the Office of Campus Unity and Connection is designed to promote a positive and supportive educational experience for all faculty, staff and students. Further, the Office of Campus Unity and Connection fosters a welcoming campus environment to all, where students can engage, grow, and thrive.

Through meaningful programs, leadership opportunities, and community partnerships, Raduly will work to help students build relationships, develop essential interpersonal skills, and find their place at the University. Whether through student organizations, cultural programs and initiatives, or campus events, Raduly is dedicated to creating a vibrant and supportive community that enhances the student experience, both inside and outside the classroom.

���سԹ� is North Carolina’s recognized leader in private, Christian higher education. A Carnegie-Classified Doctoral/Professional University, GWU is home to nine colleges and schools, more than 80 undergraduate and graduate majors, and a world-class faculty. Located on a beautiful 225-acre campus in Boiling Springs, N.C., ���سԹ� prepares graduates to impact their chosen professions, equips them with the skills to advance the frontiers of knowledge, and inspires them to make a positive and lasting difference in the lives of others. Learn more at .

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Local and Regional Events Celebrate African American Trailblazers and Culture

BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.—The Black Student Association (BSA) at ���سԹ�, along with the GWU Office of Diversity and Inclusion, is hosting several events and activities to celebrate Black History Month. The BSA empowers Black students to voice concerns, discuss issues, and foster meaningful community conversations. This organization is open to all undergraduate students.

Black History Month was founded by Dr. Carter G. Woodson in February 1926. Woodson also formed the Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH), which sponsors the month each year.

The 2025 theme of Black History Month is African Americans and Labor, which focuses on the various and profound ways that work and working of all kinds—free and unfree, skilled and unskilled, vocational and voluntary—intersect with the collective experiences of Black people.

Black History Month Events

Find more information about the Black Student Association on Instagram (@gwu.bsa)

• Feb. 17 – 2 to 4 p.m., Guess the Quote, Tucker Student Center.
• Feb. 18 – 6 p.m., R&B Paint Night, Clubhouse, R&B music, paint and snacks.
• Feb. 19 – 2 p.m., Customize your trucker hat, Room 141 Tucker, hats and an assortment of patches are provided, while supplies last. Contact Joanna Woods, BSA president, at jwoods9@gardner-webb.edu or DM on Instagram @gwu.bsa.
• Feb. 20 – 7 p.m., Line Dance, Stewart Hall, Tucker Student Center.
• Feb. 25 – 6 p.m., Soul Food and Game Night, Clubhouse. RSVP required before Feb. 25. Register .

Black Student Association (BSA) Spirit Week

• Feb. 17 – Melanin Monday – wear shades of brown.
• Feb. 18 – Thrive for Excellence – dress to impress.
• Feb. 20 – Throwback Thursday – wear your best >2000s attire
• Feb. 21 – Black is Beautiful – Blackout Friday. 

Find regional events on the North Carolina African American Heritage Commission’s calendar, .

Auxiliary aids will be made available to persons with disabilities upon request 10 working days prior to the event.  Please call 704-406-4270 or email disabilityservices@gardner-webb.edu with your request.

���سԹ� is North Carolina’s recognized leader in private, Christian higher education. A Carnegie-Classified Doctoral/Professional University, GWU is home to nine colleges and schools, more than 80 undergraduate and graduate majors, and a world-class faculty. Located on a beautiful 225-acre campus in Boiling Springs, N.C., ���سԹ� prepares graduates to impact their chosen professions, equips them with the skills to advance the frontiers of knowledge, and inspires them to make a positive and lasting difference in the lives of others. Ignite your future at ���سԹ�.edu.����

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Documentary Chronicles History of Movement to Advocate for Women in Ministry

BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.—The School of Divinity and the Department of Religious Studies and Philosophy are sponsoring the screening of “Midwives of a Movement” on Monday, April 15, at 7 p.m. in Dover Chapel. Produced by Baptist Women in Ministry (BWIM), the film features the organization’s Executive Director, the Rev. Dr. Meredith Hare Stone.

Stone will also attend the ���سԹ� event and participate in a Q&A session following the movie. The screening is free and open to the public.

Baptist Historian and Baylor University professor, Mandy McMichael, provides commentary for the film, as well. The documentary chronicles the four-decade history of the movement to advocate for women in ministry within and beyond the Southern Baptist Convention.

“Midwives of a Movement” interviews 11 women who were active in the early days of the women’s movement within the Southern Baptist Convention in the 1970s and 1980s, and includes archival material from these years. The women tell how they came to feel called to ministry and what they needed as they began seek opportunities to live out their calling. The film ends as each of them reflect on what their involvement in this movement means to them today.  

More information about the film is available .

Auxiliary aids will be made available to persons with disabilities upon request 10 working days prior to the event.  Please call 704-406-4270 or email disabilityservices@gardner-webb.edu with your request.

���سԹ� is North Carolina’s recognized leader in private, Christian higher education. A Carnegie-Classified Doctoral/Professional University, GWU is home to nine colleges and schools, more than 80 undergraduate and graduate majors, and a world-class faculty. Located on a beautiful 225-acre campus in Boiling Springs, N.C., ���سԹ� prepares graduates to impact their chosen professions, equips them with the skills to advance the frontiers of knowledge, and inspires them to make a positive and lasting difference in the lives of others. Ignite your future at ���سԹ�.edu.

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Activities Planned Throughout the Month Spotlight Women Leaders in Community and Region

BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.—Women’s History Month celebrates and recognizes the achievements of women in a variety of fields across the United States and globally. ���سԹ�’s Office of Diversity and Inclusion has several events planned throughout the month of March to highlight women who have made significant contributions in fields such as business, science, art and health.

Director of Diversity and Inclusion, Lawrence Brinson, explained that while Women’s History Month recognizes the perseverance, creativity, and unyielding determination of these women, it is also a time to look to the future. “These events at Gardner Webb are not merely a way of looking back at the past; they also serve to empower women in the present and shape the future,” Brinson noted. “By highlighting the accomplishments of women from various fields, we honor their contributions and inspire the next generation of trailblazers to aim for greater heights.”

Assistant Director of Diversity and Inclusion Lauren Washington observed how she personalizes Women’s History Month. “For me, it allows me to honor, celebrate, and reflect on the strong yet feminine figures who have helped shape me into the person I am today such as: my mother, grandmother, aunt, and cousin,” she reflected. “Oftentimes, I’ve looked to them for guidance on growing into the person God ordained me to be while trying to figure out life. Learning and living based on the platform they built for me, I have learned to be confident in taking up space and keeping my eyes focused on the plan God has for me and my life.”

According to the Library of Congress, the first women’s history celebration lasted a week. Congress passed a law authorizing and requesting the president to proclaim the week beginning March 7, 1982, as “Women’s History Week.” In 1987 after being petitioned by the National Women’s History Project, congress passed a law designating the month of March 1987 as “Women’s History Month.” Between 1988 and 1994, congress passed additional resolutions requesting and authorizing the president to proclaim March of each year as Women’s History Month. Since 1995, presidents have issued a series of annual proclamations designating the month of March as “Women’s History Month.”

International Women’s Day, held this year on March 8, traces its beginning to 1908 when 15,000 women marched through New York City demanding shorter hours, better pay and voting rights. A year later, on Feb. 28, 1909, the first National Women’s Day was observed. In 1911, the first International Women’s Day was held to recognize the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women.

Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Karen Aubrey praised the women who inspire and challenge others. “I am grateful to the women who have opened the doors of opportunity for those generations who followed them, who have been advocates and champions for women and girls to be able to dream and aspire,” she noted. “And, I am thankful for those women who continue to lead and expand access for all.”

In looking ahead to the month of activities planned, Vice President for Student Development and Dean of Students Lesley Villarose emphasized everything the celebration encompasses. “Recognizing Women’s History Month isn’t just about celebrating the achievements of extraordinary individuals,” she asserted. “It’s about acknowledging the diverse perspectives, talents, and contributions that enrich our academic community. By honoring women’s history, universities affirm their commitment to inclusivity, equality, and the empowerment of all students and faculty.”

Women’s History Month Events

���سԹ�’s Office of Diversity and Inclusion and other departments on campus have events planned in observance of the month.

Empowering Women Day

March 7 – 9, 10 and 11 a.m. in Hamrick Hall, Blanton Auditorium. The Godbold College of Business will have alumnae on panels at both sessions and then Superior Court Judge Sally Kirby Turner will speak to students at 11 a.m.  Alumnae include:  Savannah Burns, Brittney Spangler Beam, Candice Hayes and Catherine Fox. 

Art Exhibit – HerStory Unveiled

March 19 – Tucker Student Center

Description: Showcase of artwork celebrating the contributions of women throughout history.

Film Screening

March 21 – Doors open at 6:30 p.m. and movie starts at 7 p.m. Bottom Patio of Tucker Student Center

Description: Screening of the inspiring film about the unsung heroines of the early space program.

Women in Business & Empowerment Workshop – Leading with Confidence

March 27 – 3 to 5 p.m. Dover Campus Center, Bottom Floor Lounge

Description: Leadership development workshop focusing on building confidence and empowering women in various aspects of life.

Auxiliary aids will be made available to persons with disabilities upon request 10 working days prior to the event.  Please call 704-406-4270 or email disabilityservices@gardner-webb.edu with your request.

���سԹ� is North Carolina’s recognized leader in private, Christian higher education. A Carnegie-Classified Doctoral/Professional University, GWU is home to nine colleges and schools, more than 80 undergraduate and graduate majors, and a world-class faculty. Located on a beautiful 225-acre campus in Boiling Springs, N.C., ���سԹ� prepares graduates to impact their chosen professions, equips them with the skills to advance the frontiers of knowledge, and inspires them to make a positive and lasting difference in the lives of others. Ignite your future at ���سԹ�.edu.

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Issa Cogdell Appreciates How ���سԹ� Faculty and Students Inspire Him to Achieve His Goals 

By Isabella Brown, ’24, Intern for University Communications

BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.—“Always strive for the greater—for you, and everyone around you,” challenged Issa Cogdell, a freshman computer science major. He appreciates how film, poetry, and literature are used to celebrate his heritage.

Cogdell shares his story in recognition of Black History Month. During the month, ���سԹ� will highlight several students who are making a difference on campus and in their communities. Through their creative passions and leadership skills, these students honor their heritage and encourage others to achieve their dreams.

As a computer science major, Cogdell plans to become a cybersecurity professional and eventually open his own cybersecurity firm. “My favorite parts of being a computer science major would be two things: Learning how things I use on an everyday basis work, and taking computer hardware with Professor Oscar Gonzalez because he is a wonderful professor,” he observed.

Cogdell also won the Ignite Excellence Scholarship, which is a full-tuition award for eight semesters. In his short time on campus, the professors and students at ���سԹ� have made an important impact on Cogdell and continue to encourage him to achieve his goals. “Everyone on this campus tends to inspire me in some way or another, especially the African American community on this campus,” asserted Cogdell.

As part of the Black Student Association (BSA), Cogdell and other fellow students work together to provide opportunities for conversation, education and celebration regarding minority issues, race and culture. “Black history is American history,” Cogdell affirmed. “It spans past one month.”

He believes that when the ideas and words of intellectuals are kept alive, they continue to hold the power to fight oppression. He references the poems of Nikki Giovanni, American poet and contributor of the Black Arts Movement as examples. “My favorite poem from Nikki Giovanni would have to be ‘,’ due to the confidence she exudes while using things close to African Americans, such as Egypt as metaphors to display her ideas,” Cogdell shared.

Additionally, one of the many events that come to Cogdell’s mind during Black History Month is the awe-inspiring interview that aired in 1971 between Giovanni and James Baldwin, an American writer and civil rights activist. During this conversation between poet and writer, the two discuss the depth of the human experience and the future of black culture.

Speaking about society, Baldwin asserted, “And you have—somehow—to begin to break out of all of that and try to become yourself. It’s hard for anybody, but it’s very hard if you’re born black in a white society. Hard, because you’ve got to divorce yourself from the standards of that society.” This interview remains a timeless representation of the power of conversations and also of film, which spreads these discussions around the world.

Cogdell appreciates films that highlight and celebrate the experiences of his heritage, along with directors like Spike Lee and John Singleton, who have explored race relations, the black community and black identity. “I love film because it is a generational way to tell a story, a way for us to put faces to words and be able to visualize some of our favorite moments and be able to invite those from other cultures into our world,” he observed.

Just as people on the GWU campus have inspired him, Cogdell wants to encourage fellow students to “continue being great.” Like Giovanni, Baldwin, Lee, Singleton, and many others, Cogdell believes that the consistent resilience displayed by black men and women can serve as a catalyst for the future when oppression has ended.

Writer Isabella Brown is a senior English Major.

Note to our readers: This article reflects the University’s tuition and fee schedule at the time of publication. Tuition and financial aid policies change annually. For the most up-to-date and accurate information on current tuition rates and financial aid resources, please visit the University’s official Admissions page.

���سԹ� is North Carolina’s recognized leader in private, Christian higher education. A Carnegie-Classified Doctoral/Professional University, GWU is home to nine colleges and schools, more than 80 undergraduate and graduate majors, and a world-class faculty. Located on a beautiful 225-acre campus in Boiling Springs, N.C., ���سԹ� prepares graduates to impact their chosen professions, equips them with the skills to advance the frontiers of knowledge, and inspires them to make a positive and lasting difference in the lives of others. Ignite your future at ���سԹ�.edu.

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Graduate Student Plans a Career in Strength Coaching

By Isabella Brown, ’24, Intern for University Communications

BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.—“I want to be an example,” asserted Jha’Quan Anderson, a graduate student and wrestler at ���سԹ�. During the 2022-2023 wrestling season, Anderson finished with more than 20 wins and made his second appearance in the NCAA Division I Wrestling Championships. Recently, he was named Southern Conference Wrestler of the Month and celebrated his 20th win for this season.

Anderson, of Conyers, Ga., aspires to share with others the life-changing impact wrestling has had on him, and he wants to equip athletes to succeed both on and off the mat. He relates his story in celebration of Black History Month. During the month, ���سԹ� will highlight several students who are making a difference on campus and in their communities. Through their creative passions and leadership skills, these students honor their heritage and encourage others to achieve their dreams.

Anderson is working on a Master of Science in strength and conditioning. Upon graduation, he hopes to pursue a career in strength coaching. “The master’s program is really rigorous and prepares us for anything we have coming in our careers,” he affirmed. “I am well prepared because of my professors.”

From the first time he stepped onto a wrestling mat, he knew he would be staying in the sport for the long run. “I started wrestling in middle school, when I was 13.” Anderson recounted, “Football season had just ended, and the wrestling coach came up to me and said, ‘Hey, you should try wrestling!’ I told him, ‘I don’t know. Wrestling is not for me’. And he responded, ‘Come to one practice. If you don’t like it you can leave.’ So, I thought, alright I’ll do that.”

To Anderson, wrestling is more than just a sport, and the community aspect is something he appreciates to this day. “One of the reasons I stuck with wrestling is because I felt like it was more of a family,” he expressed. “It felt like a brotherhood.”

During Black History Month, Anderson remembers the athletes who have reshaped the world of sports by bringing people together regardless of their differences. These men and women carved a path for the future generations of athletes who would make their mark on the world. “Lebron James, Serena Williams, Tiger Woods, Lamar Jackson, they are all people who broke down barriers and walls in sports and in spaces that probably weren’t meant for us when they first started,” he explained. “Being able to break down those barriers is really important. They should really be celebrated.”

Anderson is hopeful that more conversations will be had about these topics in the future. He believes that it’s critical to learn about each other and gain perspective. “These conversations should be happening outside the month, as well,” he asserted. “Our history is an everyday event.”

When thinking about who inspired him most during his athletic journey, Anderson shares that it was American professional wrestler, Jordan Burroughs. “I’ve been watching him since I started wrestling. He’s one of the greatest wrestlers to have ever lived.” Anderson continued, “I like to think I have a similar wrestling style. I like to watch him wrestle and emulate that.”

A wrestler with dreams that go beyond the mat, Anderson believes that perseverance is key. “Keep going,” he encouraged, “and you can break down these barriers and do things people think you might not necessarily be able to do. You can do hard things. You can get it done.”

Writer Isabella Brown is a senior English Major.

���سԹ� is North Carolina’s recognized leader in private, Christian higher education. A Carnegie-Classified Doctoral/Professional University, GWU is home to nine colleges and schools, more than 80 undergraduate and graduate majors, and a world-class faculty. Located on a beautiful 225-acre campus in Boiling Springs, N.C., ���سԹ� prepares graduates to impact their chosen professions, equips them with the skills to advance the frontiers of knowledge, and inspires them to make a positive and lasting difference in the lives of others. Ignite your future at ���سԹ�.edu.

The post Wrestler Jha’Quan Anderson Wants to Inspire Others On and Off the Mat appeared first on ���سԹ�.

Gabby Bailey, ’24, Inspired by Martin Luther King Jr.’s Question: ‘What are You Doing for Others?’

By Isabella Brown, ’24, Intern for University Communications

BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.—“As a black female, I take pride in representing—and even empowering—other females of color. Obstacles will always come, that never means you have to stop pursuing your dreams,” asserted Gabby Bailey, ���سԹ�’s 2023 Homecoming Queen.

Bailey shares her story in celebration of Black History Month. During the month, ���سԹ� will highlight several students who are making a difference on campus and in their communities. Through their creative passions and leadership skills, these students honor their heritage and encourage others to achieve their dreams.

As a senior biology major, Bailey plans to continue her education to pursue a career as a dental hygienist. Her main reason for choosing this field is her passion for helping others, which is also something Bailey has already made a priority while attending ���سԹ�. As a peer leader, teaching assistant and an employee for Campus Recreation, Bailey strives to motivate other students to enhance their academic experience while also enjoying college life.

Being a part of the campus recreation team includes the opportunity to design activities that enrich students’ physical, mental, spiritual, and social quality of life as part of the ���سԹ� community. And as part of this team, Bailey works hard to make sure students are having fun!

While she believes all her roles on campus are important, Bailey finds the most joy in being able to inspire students on their academic journeys. “I am a teacher assistant for different biology labs in the natural sciences department,” she expressed. “This is one of my favorite activities on campus. It prepares me for my future career: being hands on and helping others as a dental hygienist.”

Her dreams of the future reflect those of civil rights leader and visionary, Martin Luther King Jr. who spoke these words: “Life’s most persistent and urgent question is, ‘What are you doing for others?”

���سԹ�’s homecoming queen endeavors to answer King’s challenge by encouraging students to dream big and always make serving others their greatest mission. “When I think of Black History Month, I think of Martin Luther King Jr. A fun fact that makes his inspiration so special to me is that on the day I was born it was Martin Luther King Jr. Day!” she explained, “Martin Luther King Jr. was also an inspiration to me because each time I see a group of different races gathered, I think back to what he did to make that possible for us today.”

Bailey is also inspired by Simone Biles, the first female U.S. gymnast to win four gold medals and three consecutive world all-around titles. Biles’ legacy inspires Bailey and countless other women to conquer any challenge that comes their way. “She constantly shows her talent as a black woman, inspiring girls of color to participate in sports and other activities of their interest,” Bailey shared.

Women and men like Biles and King have built a foundation of hope for future generations, their message always rooted in love, an act which takes the greatest courage. Just like these empowering individuals that she looks up to, Bailey wholeheartedly encourages others to work hard to achieve their goals and take on new challenges. She noted, “Running for homecoming was important to me, because I truly wanted to make a change as well as step out of my comfort zone here at ���سԹ�.”

Writer Isabella Brown is a senior English major.

���سԹ� is North Carolina’s recognized leader in private, Christian higher education. A Carnegie-Classified Doctoral/Professional University, GWU is home to nine colleges and schools, more than 80 undergraduate and graduate majors, and a world-class faculty. Located on a beautiful 225-acre campus in Boiling Springs, N.C., ���سԹ� prepares graduates to impact their chosen professions, equips them with the skills to advance the frontiers of knowledge, and inspires them to make a positive and lasting difference in the lives of others. Ignite your future at ���سԹ�.edu.

The post ���سԹ� Homecoming Queen Encourages Those Around Her to Dream Big appeared first on ���سԹ�.