MONICA MANNEY
Special to The Leader
Fredonia’s campus flooded with former college students, despite the rain, last weekend for homecoming. In one room, the less than 10 percent of students of color found a safe space with black alumni.
The Black Student Union invited former students from all over the country to return to campus to share their stories of triumph and struggle during their time at Fredonia.
“I learned that even though the some of the alumni went here years ago, the current students are still facing the same problems they faced back then so when talking to them it felt like they had a some type of understanding of us,” said junior Deoniss Jackson. “Also it was great seeing how successful they have become and how that tough skin they had to develop here in Fredonia helps them in today’s white society.”
Aluma Instisar Abdul-Sami organized a networking event, a basketball game and a dinner for students to meet and learn from those who came before them.
The networking event allowed students to connect with alumni in their profession and ask not frequently answered questions like “How do you know when you are off course?”
“I feel like the event was very helpful in inspiring students to continue [in] school and shows us where the future may lead us if we continue and strive for greatness” said junior accounting major Kemari Wright.
During the midday game, alumnus Sean Findlay showed current students he still has skills from his days on the basketball team.
Over dinner, alumni shared the stories of their pathway to where they are and how BSU helped them overcome adversity on campus.
“As a recent alumnus, I felt ecstatic and at home being in a room filled of former students and current students … Hearing all of their stories and hearing how they overcame those hard times let me know that I too, can overcome any problems in my life and become successful,” said Resident Director and 2018 graduate Jalen Wright.
This was the first time the event was held on Fredonia’s campus, but with its success, organizers anticipate there will most likely be another next year.