African American Studies

Why did you choose Lake Forest College? I originally chose to attend Lake Forest College because I wanted to continue playing basketball after high school. I also liked that it was close to home, and after visiting during the fall of my senior year of high school, I had a chance to meet some professors and get a better idea of what academic possibilities would be available to me. I knew that I wanted to study Economics in college, and Lake Forest has a great department. It seemed like the best fit for me. 

How did you leverage skills you learned as an African American studies major in order to get a job? Advocacy. AFAM taught me to ask questions that might be uncomfortable or result in me walking away from something. During each of my interviews, I made sure to ask about resources and plans surrounding COVID-19 and asked about resources for Black employees due to the racial injustice taking place across the country. If jobs were giving me answers that I was uncomfortable with or seemed to avoid giving me a straightforward answer, I took that as enough information to walk away from that opportunity because I wouldn't be in an environment that would be able to support me the way I needed. 

Looking back on your college experience, what resources and opportunities set you up for success, and which would you recommend to students in the African American studies department now? Building relationships with my professors was the best thing I did at Lake Forest, along with finding a great group of people within the United Black Association. One of the best professors I ever had was Dr. Joseph. She challenged us in every class I had, and she made us think. I always left her classes wanting to see how I could change the world and make a difference somewhere. She's helped me believe in the possibility of making a difference for the people that come after me, and I'm grateful for that. 

How has your degree in African American studies helped you with your current position? My degree in AFAM is what pushed me to pursue a degree in Public Policy. It laid the foundation for the potential opportunities to help other people. AFAM is why I'm in graduate school right now. 

How did the African American studies program help you engage with the world beyond the College? The department helped me see how my voice matters, even when other people tell you it doesn't. Majoring in African American studies helped me learn how to advocate for myself and vocalize when something isn't right and needs to be changed. 

Can you tell us about a research project or internship you participated in as part of your major? I participated in a research program my freshman and junior year. The summer of my junior year, I participated in the Graduate Student Exploration Fellowship through the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign's Summer Research Opportunities Program. I conducted research on single Black mothers living in Englewood in Chicago, Illinois enduring high levels of gun violence while trying to raise their children. I focused on how these women utilized their financial resources to make ends meet. I was able to work with a professor at the University and gained more insight into what it would be like attending an R1 Institution for a PhD program. I really enjoyed my research because it taught me more about what is needed in the communities that people choose to overlook or forget about. 

What’s one thing you want others to know about majoring in African American studies? You'll never be bored, and you'll always be challenged. I never left an AFAM class without curiosity or more questions and a desire to learn more. It's infectious, and if you're willing to challenge your ways of thinking and open yourself up to knowledge, it'll be one of the best things you can do for yourself while at Lake Forest, and it will prepare you for life after that.