Black male students talked about their experience as students on Wednesday during a “rap session” hosted by the Black Male Institute.
The Student Achievement and Success Program, which oversees BMI, started the Black Male Institute Rap Session as a topic-based discussion group to build community and create a safe space for students to increase their “visibility,” according to Rayna Simon, the SASP director.
“I am excited for the potential and the opportunities that I think are going to come from these rap sessions,” Simon said.
The rap session will become a monthly series that takes place on the first Wednesday of each month, Simon said.
“It’s not supposed to be a one-off conversation,” Simon said. “It’s about … meeting more faculty and staff, understanding their role in how they support the program and allowing us to be able to facilitate more conversation. That’s what I’m hoping that the rap sessions will allow for us as we grow throughout the academic year.”
Kenneth Gilliard, the SASP retention adviser and event organizer, said BMI is “constantly evaluating” what students want from events.
“It’ll be up to the students,” Gilliard said. “What do they want to see? What are they interested in? … So for example, if the students opt out of a rap session next semester, let’s turn it [around] and change it to a different title or different event-type style. We’re always open to [change]. … That’s what we’re here for. [We want] to make sure we’re listening to the student voice.”
Donavan Smith, a first-year digital forensics student who attended the session, said the event was “great” and he is “surprised” events like this exist on campus.
“I never saw something like this before,”Smith said. “I like it already.”
Christopher Robinson, a second-year transfer studies student, said he liked the event because it offered a safe space for black men to talk.
“Growing up [as a black man] … you’re on your own most of the time,” Robinson said. “So [BMI] is a good community with a good purpose, and I like how they be doing things so far.”
