In This Issue: - Harvard Black Students Association

Issue 3, November 2012 

BLACKTALK Issue 3, Nov. 2012 

B 

BLACK TALK 

The Official Newsletter of the 

Harvard Black Student Association 

TALK 

In This Issue: 

Wait, What Just Happened?................pg. 2 

You Don’t Want to Miss This.............pg. 4 

Introducing the FBT................................pg. 5 

Community Spotlight: HSBSE.........pg. 7 

The Talented Four.....................................pg. 8 

Membership and Sponsors..................pg. 12 

Share Your Talents! 

Every month, BlackTalk will recognize one student 

from each class as one of the “Talented Four”. 

Read their story to learn about their journeys 

and successes. 

page 1


Wait, What just Happened? 

Apollo Night 

The BSA’s annual talent show, included performances 

by FBT step, dance organizations from 

inside and outside Harvard, and several talented 

seniors, among other performances. Congratulations 

to Dara Carter who won the cash prize 

with her performance of “Save Me”! 

First General BSA Meeting 

Through a game of Jeprody, participants learned 

about different opportunities on campus for 

making quick money, studying abroad, summer 

opportunities, and campus jobs. 

page 2


Wait, What just Happened? 

Freshman Parents Welcome Reception 

The FBT organized a lovely reception to welcome 

the parents of the black class of 2016. 

Presidential Watch Party 

Chillin with the presidential candidates as we 

watched the second presidential debate in the SOCH 

cinema. 

Resume Workshop and Popeyes Party 

We collected just over 50 resumes and had a delicious 

celebration for those who submitted. 

page 3


You Don’t Want to Miss This! 

Calender of Events 

Nov. 5 

Nov. 6 

Nov. 9 

Black Community 

Faculty Dinner 

6:30pm 

SOCH rm 104 

Election Night 

Watch Party 

9pm 

Queen’s Head Pub 

Panel for kids in 

grade school from 

Brooklyn. 

location TBA 

Nov. 

16-17 

Harvard-Yale 

Weekend! Look 

out for tailgate 

party info in the 

days to come. 

Nov. 17 

Kuumba Hosts 

Body and Soul 

Harvard-Yale 

Arts Showcase 

8:00pm 

Lowell Lecture 

Hall 

Harvard-Yale Weekend 

is soon aproaching! 

Sign up to host a Yalie using THIS form. 

Look out for updates on BSA festivities! 

page 4


Introducing..... 

The Freshman Black Table 

Sarah Cole 

President 

I was born and raised in Kansas 

City, Missouri, which is a real city 

with lots of people and very few 

tractors. I am interested in education 

policy and black people. 

I ran for FBT because the Black 

community at Harvard is a big 

reason why I chose this school. I 

would like to see 2016 come together 

like no grade ever has before. 

It’s been busy, but that’s a good 

thing. FBT Step 2016 has definitely 

been the highlight so far. 

Justin Porter 

Vice President 

My name is Justin and I am from 

Jackson, Mississippi. Like 94% of my 

incoming freshman class, I’m pre-med. 

(Yes, I am about that life.) Kanye West is 

my favorite rapper, and 2 Chainz is my 

favorite comedian. I love being politically 

active, pretending to know how to 

dance, and sleeping excessively. 

I ran for FBT because I care about 

promoting an environment where black 

students feel like they belong. Without a 

support system, Harvard can be such a 

harsh place, so one of my biggest aspirations 

for FBT is to create a sense of cohesion 

in the freshman class. 

Being a student at Harvard is like trying 

to drink water from a firehose. An 

insane number of things are thrown at 

you in such a short period of time, but 

that makes the experience both exhilarating 

and challenging. The combination 

of classes, outside activities, and social 

life requires plenty of work and time 

management skills, but the experience is 

well worth it. 

Alexis Dominique 

Secretary 

Some things about myself: I love to 

cook just as much as I love to eat! I 

also believe in the power of a smile. 

You never know what someone else 

is going through and your smile 

may be the only one they see all 

day. So smile! 

I ran for FBT because I believe in 

fostering strong ties through out 

the black community. My goal this 

year is to celebrate and share black 

culture as a whole-- from Africa 

to the Caribbean to right here in 

America. 

Freshman year so far has definitely 

been an adjustment as well as a 

learning experience. There are so 

many opportunities available that 

you have to be careful and choose 

the right ones for you. I learned 

that you can’t do everything. 

page 5


Introducing..... 

The Freshman Black Table 

Chesley Ekelem 

Treasurer 

My name is Chesley Rose Ifeoma Ekelem 

and I am from Southern California. My 

favorite things to do are eating, laughing, 

traveling, but I also like to run. I come 

from a unique background...my father is 

Nigerian and my mother is Jewish Czech. 

In the future I want to enter the medical 

field, but for now I want to study Biology 

or Bio Engineering. 

I wanted to be a part of the FBT because 

culture is large part of my life and I wanted 

to continue my involvement in Black organizations 

as I made the transition into college. 

The community being built between 

the black freshman is already on its way 

to becoming a strong network of friendships. 

I want to do everything that I can to 

make sure that people know that we are a 

welcoming and accepting community. 

Freshman year has been AMAZING! I 

love how there are opportunities is every 

single direction and all sorts of people to 

be met. I have definitely been taking advantage 

of all of the free food and special 

events, and I am looking forward to the 

upcoming months. 

Whitney Anderson 

Social Chair 

I am from South Florida, but I was 

born in Boston. I lived in Jamaica for 

two years as a child and I continue to 

return to Jamaica at every chance I get. 

i was heavily involved in my school’s 

BSA and was President my senior 

year. I’m currently interested in FBT, 

ABHW, IOP, and I’m looking into 

becoming a PCC. I live in Weld. 

I ran for FBT because I am really interested 

in bonding Black Harvard 2016 

over the different social events that I 

am excited to plan. 

So far I love freshman year and I am so 

lucky to have really awesome roommates. 

Its been a slight adjustment 

getting used to living away from home 

and in the cold, but I love it. I’m especially 

grateful for Anthony Morgan 

organizing the Chick-Fil-A delivery to 

remind me of home! 

Colette Bishogo 

Publicity Chair 

I’m from the Democratic Republic of 

Congo but I currently live in South 

Africa. I love watching a lot of sports 

and just happen to be a pescatarian. 

I love goofing around and am often 

accused of not taking anything serious. 

I’m very adventurous and my greatest 

joy comes from helping people live up 

to their potential. 

I saw FBT as a way for me to get to 

learn more about the African American 

culture and meet new people. I 

hope that through my involvement 

with the FBT, other students who aren’t 

necessarily African American will feel 

at ease to be part of the FBT and know 

that it is open to everyone and anyone. 

It’s hard to believe that I’ve only been 

a frosh for two months. So far, I’m 

having the best time of my life and 

the best part is that the course work is 

manageable!...Well, at least for now 

page 6


Community Spotlight 

TheHarvardSociety ofBlackScientists andEngineers 

Planning, preparing, and mentoring for successful careers 

in medicine, research, and engineering. 

Five HSBSE board members and mentors 

Upcoming HSBSE Event: 

The Harvard Society of Black Scientists and 

Engineers (H.S.B.S.E.) is a student-run organization 

that seeks to provide a support system 

for students interested in science, mathematics, 

and engineering. Aware of the dearth of minority 

scientists and engineers both at Harvard 

and in the world at large, this organization 

aims to address the issues that have led to this 

underrepresentation. HSBSE seeks to provide 

members with academic and social support, 

and the resources to build professional networks 

in order to prepare them for successful 

careers in science, mathematics, and engineering. 

Furthermore, HSBSE seeks to establish 

and maintain tutorial programs for college, 

high school and junior high students in order 

to provide them with proper career counseling, 

so that they too can be successful. Membership 

is open to all Harvard undergraduates. 

page 7


Freshman of the month 

Autumne Franklin 

Class: 2016 

Hometown: Owings Mills, Maryland 

Concentration: Engineering 

Dorm: Matthews 

Extracurriculars: Track and Field, FBT and ABHW 

Share with us your talents and accomplishments 

I’ve been running track since 7th grade. I’ve developed 

from the new kid in the blocks to a force to be reckoned 

with. I’ve won 4 national titles on amazing relay 

teams and been named All-American, as well. I, also, 

competed in Puerto Rico with a U.S. Team, where I 

won 2 golds and a silver. 

What did you do to prepare for these accomplishments and develop your talents? 

I prepared myself for these accomplishments by giving 

my all, staying dedicated and listening to my coach. I 

was blessed with an amazing high school coach who 

made me the athlete I am today. I was an asset to my 

high school team and I hope to become an asset at 

Harvard too! I recall a meet my high school hosted, 

meets we didn’t take too seriously, but I was the last 

leg on our 4 x 400m relay. We were over 100m behind 

because my coach chose a Junior Varsity relay, excluding 

me. At the last minute, he shrugged and said, “Ehh, 

go for it.” I listened. It seemed impossible to catch 

her, but I just gave it a try. While approaching the last 

100m, I felt close enough to first place, jolted past 

her, and won! That was one of my most fun experiences 

and hopefully from that you see that if you put 

your mind, heart, and soul into something, you CAN 

achieve it. Can’t doesn’t exist in your way of life. 

Running hurts like hell sometimes... But I can’t imagine 

my life without it. 

What advice would you give to someone aspiring to achieve similar greatness? 

Work hard. Keep your goals in sight. Remember the 

moments in life that are rigorous and tough are minute 

compared to the satisfaction of your future success that 

will resonate with you forever. 

“If you’re going through hell, keep going.” 

- Winston Churchill 

page 8


Sophomore of the month 

Ashley Ifeadike 

Class: 2015 

Hometown: Johns Creek, Ga 

Concentration: Biomedical Engineering 

Secondary Field: Global Health and Health Policy 

House: Mather 

Extracurriculars: Varsity Track and Field, BSC Tutoring, 

HSBSE 


This summer I took part in Northwestern’s CURE program, 

which selected 12 college students from around the 

country to work with the accomplished doctors at Northwestern’s 

Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Research 

Cancer. As a part of this program I worked with 

Dr. Robert Bergan and the Bergan lab, which focuses 

on understanding the molecular pathways behind prostate 

cancer invasion and metastasis. The majority of my 

work took form in analyzing the human prostate cancer 

tumors the lab had previously grown in the mice. The results 

of my research actually left us with more questions 

than answers, but it was a great experience, and I cannot 

wait to get back into a lab! 

What advice would you give to someone aspiring to achieve similar greatness? 

I would advice anyone who wants to do research, explore 

all your options and apply for everything. Although it 

is good to know what you want and know where your 

research interests lay, I encourage students to explore 

all options. I originally wanted to research the processes 

that regulated cancer growth or stopped apoptosis, but I 

loved my experience learning about cancer metastasis. It 

taught me a lot about a field I never really explored, and 

broadened my understanding of cancer. So whatever you 

want to research, don’t limit yourself! 

What advice would you give to underclassmen regarding academics, advising, 

seeking opportunities, and/ or extracurricular life? 

Again, I advise underclassmen not to limit themselves. 

We’re at Harvard and we have countless opportunities, 

take advantage of them. Talk to your professors, talk to 

your TFs (they are younger and probably remember what 

its like to in your position and probably have great advise 

or know about programs you can explore), talk to upperclassmen 

friends. Regarding extracurricular life, I know 

it is difficult to balance them and school, but if you are 

passionate about something you will find a way to make 

time for everything. I have the same experience being an 

engineering concentrator, track athlete, peer tutor, and 

Data Information Specialist for the development department 

at GSD. 

page 9


Junior of the month 

Neema Kanyua 

Class: 2014 

Hometown: Nairobi, Kenya 

Concentration: Economics 

Secondary Field: Spanish 

House: Quincy 

Extracurriculars: HASA, DAPA, The Seneca, Inc. 


I am fluent in English, Kiswahili and Spanish. While 

serving on the executive board of a development nonprofit, 

I helped raise ~$13,000 and oversee building 

of new classrooms, libraries, and kitchens in schools 

in rural Kenya. I worked as a Summer Business Analyst 

for McKinsey & Co this past summer, and will be 

returning next summer as well. 

I currently serve on the boards of HASA as well as The 

Seneca, Inc. Most importantly, I am now an aunt to 

the cutest nephew (which is technically not my own 

accomplishment, but it’s still my favorite). 


I try to learn from everyone around me and be open 

to new opportunities. Getting advice from the people 

around me means that instead of starting anything 

from scratch, I can always start with many experiences 

to learn/draw from. Being open to new experiences 

is what led me to The Seneca, the HASA Board, and 

Having a plan in mind is great, but it can’t hurt to 

keep your eyes and ears open for new opportunities. 

Whether that’s in choosing classes, concentrations, 

summer activities, internships, or extra-curricular activities, 

pay attention to what opportunities surround 

you that you may not have considered. Be willing to 

McKinsey –all incredible experiences for me so far, 

none was “part of the plan”. I also try to be conscious 

about committing myself to opportunities/activities 

that make me happy, not ones that I think I should be 

doing. 



try new things, and be willing to change course if you 

fall in love with something new. Also, reaching out to 

people who have already done what you’re interested 

in will probably make your experience easier/better 

all around –upperclassmen from your Black/African 

communities are a great place to start! 

page 10


Senior of the month 

Erika Butler 

Class: 2013 

Hometown: Largo, MD 

Concentration: History & Literature 

Secondary Field: African-American Studies 

House: Lowell 

Extracurriculars: Harvard KeyChange 

The Fashionesta (http://thefashion-e-sta.blogspot.com/) 


I’ve been a musician (singing, playing the piano, 

composing, studying music) for almost six years 

now. I know that isn’t a very long time, but I didn’t 

start singing until age sixteen. Before then, I had 

always been an athlete (basketball, softball, track) 

and my focus shifted to music once I started singing 

in 10th grade. 

I love fashion and am pursuing a career in the 

field. I started planning and developing The Fashionesta, 

my personal style blog, a little less than a 

year ago. I launched it almost two months ago and 

I am so glad that I did! I really love doing it and 

all of the support that I have received thus far has 

been incredible. 


I worked hard and I learned to be selective. Once 

I got to Harvard, I realized (rather quickly) that 

there was no need for me to try to do everything. 

The things that I am truly passionate about became 

apparent and those are the things that I love 

working on and am constantly developing. I work 

hard on them, but they don’t feel like work. If you 

don’t love what you’re doing, why do it at all? 



Don’t be afraid to take a risk and step out on 

your own — to do what isn’t being done by those 

around you. Just be aware that it’s going to take 

more work: the unpaved road doesn’t just have to 

be traveled, it has to be built, too. 

page 11


Share Your Talents! 

Every month, BlackTalk will recognize one student from each class as one 

of the “Talented Four”. Look for their stories in the monthly newsletter. 

Nominate yourself or someone else for the talented four here or e-mail 

publications@harvardbsa.com for details. 

BSA Membership Dues 

$20 Academic Year 

$35 Lifetime membership 

with free black card 

$40 Lifetime membership 

with free black card & T-shirt 

B 

The BSA would like to thank 

the following sponsors: 

That’s a Wrap! 

E-mail us at publications@harvardbsa.com for inquiries, comments, 

etc. on this month’s newsletter. 

Send us pictures, ideas, etc. that you would like to see in future installments 

of BLACKTALK. We love to hear from you! 

WWW.HARVARDBSA.COM 

Newsletter Edited by Ahsante Bean 

page 12

In This Issue: - Harvard Black Students Association

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