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As a senior journalism major at Northern Illinois University, I’ve seen firsthand the challenges Black students face on predominantly white campuses. From microaggressions in classrooms to feeling physically unsafe, the reality often falls short of the diversity and inclusion rhetoric universities proudly promote.
According to a 2023 report by Gallup, 21% of Black students report feeling “frequently” or “occasionally” discriminated against at school, compared to 15% percent of their peers of other races or ethnicities.
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That’s why I’m excited to report on racial healing efforts at NIU over the next six months. Located roughly an hour’s drive west of downtown Chicago, my campus, like many others, is grappling with how to address racial trauma and build a more inclusive community. Through initiatives like the Truth, Racial Healing, and Transformation (TRHT) framework, NIU is taking steps toward healing — but there’s still much work to be done.
Journalism is more than just reporting facts. It is about giving voice to the unheard and shedding light on issues that often remain obscured. In a society grappling with racial inequality, storytelling serves as a powerful tool for understanding, empathy, and, ultimately, change.
My journey towards this ambition has been intertwined with navigating the complexities of racism and racial trauma within my own university community. I have witnessed firsthand the pervasive preferential treatment of international students, especially in the areas of student hiring and housing. It often feels like the needs of Black students are overlooked.
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While the university touts its dedication to diversity and inclusion, the reality on the ground, in my observation, paints a starkly different picture. This discrepancy between rhetoric and practice is frustrating and often disheartening, highlighting the structural inequalities that persist even in institutions of higher learning.
The disparities I have observed are not limited to my campus. They are prevalent in the larger societal fabric, affecting every aspect of our lives — the justice system, employment, and health care. While I’ve been fortunate to receive a good education, my journey has not been without its challenges.
I’ve had to navigate social environments that often reinforce racial prejudices and navigate situations where my experiences were either underestimated or ignored entirely. However, these experiences have solidified my commitment to using my voice to challenge such injustices and foster a more just and equitable world.
We can create a campus where everyone feels valued, respected, and empowered to thrive.
By amplifying Black voices and telling stories that matter, I hope to contribute to a crucial shift in the narrative surrounding race and identity. The journey towards racial healing will undoubtedly be challenging, but it is a journey we must undertake.
It requires courage, compassion, and a commitment to continuous learning and growth. By embracing the TRHT framework and amplifying the voices of Black students, we can create a campus where everyone feels valued, respected, and empowered to thrive. This is not just about fixing a broken system; it’s about building a truly inclusive and equitable future for all.
Quentin Brown is one of Word In Black’s four Racial Healing Youth Ambassadors. He reports on and amplifies African American student experiences with his campus Truth, Racial Healing, and Transformation groups. Launched by the W.K. Kellogg Foundation, the TRHT effort promotes inclusive and community-based healing activities and policy designs that seek to change community narratives and broaden the understanding of diverse experiences among people.
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