For Maelah Proctor ’26, that reminder has shaped her path from uncertainty to leadership. Now she has become a voice for others on campus.

Her confidence did not always come naturally. Over time, she came to understand that she holds her leadership roles because her skills, perspective and voice are needed in those spaces.

Throughout her time at Elon, she has intentionally stepped into spaces where students need to be heard, amplifying voices, advocating for equity, and building community as president of the Black Student Union and as a Student Athletic Council representative for the cheerleading team.

As she reflects on her Elon journey, she points to the people who shaped her path and the purpose that continues to guide her work.

The power of community

Proctor’s confidence did not grow in isolation but through community.

What began as attendance at a Black Student Union event soon evolved into leadership, first serving as vice president for Black Excellence and now as president.

For Proctor, a political science and policy studies major from Charlotte, North Carolina, belonging is deeply connected to visibility. If you don’t see yourself in the community that you’re supposed to represent, she said, it’s hard to feel a part of that community

That understanding now shapes how she leads, ensuring other Black students can find the same affirmation and space that once grounded her. “BSU made me feel comfortable and gave me the confidence to continue here,” Proctor said. “Because sometimes going to Elon and not seeing a lot of people who look like you can be very alienating.”

In addition to finding belonging within the Black Student Union, she has also built community as a Leadership Fellow, a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated and a cheerleader.

“I’ve been able to find community in different spaces on campus, and each one has shaped me in a different way,” Proctor said.

Each role has strengthened her confidence and deepened her understanding of what it means to lead with intention.

Mentorship as momentum

Proctor recalls meeting Simone Royal ’17 G’25, associate director of the Center for Race, Ethnicity and Diversity Education, at her first BSU brunch.

“I didn’t really know anyone, so I sat with Simone because she was a staff member and it felt less intimidating,” Proctor said.

A simple conversation evolved into mentorship.“She has been someone I could go to with questions, someone who helped me navigate things when I didn’t have all the answers,” Proctor said.

Throughout their relationship, Royal has witnessed Proctor’s growth firsthand.

“She has not only stepped up to be the leader that the organization needs, but she’s learned how to extend her leadership skills to others — how to prepare other students to be the best of themselves as well,” Royal said.

Through Royal’s example, Proctor learned that leadership is not about being the loudest voice in the room, but about ensuring others feel heard.

Refusing to shrink

As Proctor deepened her leadership on campus, she became more aware of navigating hyper-visibility and invisibility.

“Sometimes it feels like you’re the only person in the room that looks different,” she said. “You’re holding a certain perspective that might be an outlier.”

She once tried to soften her presence to avoid stereotypes. Over time, she realized shrinking herself served no one. Proctor has chosen to lean into her voice.

“She is a tireless advocate for the community that she serves,” said Abdul-Malik Harrison ‘21, assistant director of the Center for Race, Ethicity and Diversity Education. “When she has a vision, she wants it enacted. She is the epitome of, ‘if you want it bad enough, you can get it done’.”

Rather than simply demanding space, Proctor works to create it.

As Proctor looks ahead to law school and life beyond Elon, she hopes to continue advocating for equity and expanding access through public service and policy work. Her experiences navigating visibility, representation and leadership on campus have only deepened her desire to pursue law school as a tool for systemic change.

For now, her message remains clear: take up as much space as you want.

“Be unashamed in who you are,” she said. “The second you stop letting other people’s opinions, stereotypes or perceptions limit you is the second you’re free to pursue what you want to pursue.”

Proctor said her time at Elon serves as proof that when a student chooses to step forward, their voice does more than fill a room — it amplifies others. And that amplification, she said, is what creates lasting change.

Black History Month

As part of Black History Month, �þ��� is sharing stories through Today at Elon that highlight Black students, faculty and staff who actively contribute to a campus environment where cultural histories and identities are celebrated year-round. In February, Elon is also recognizing the month through a series of events and programming.

Housing Selection for 2025-2026

Housing Application Due Tuesday, Feb. 10

The Housing Selection Process for next year will start later this week. Rising juniors and seniors – don’t miss Tuesday’s deadline to submit your housing application. Additional information about the timeline and process can be found on the Residence Life website.

Student Government Association Events This Week

SGA Fireside Chat with President Book and Dr. Dooley

Wednesday, Feb. 11, 6:30-8:30 p.m., Moseley Center, Irazú Coffee Shop

Come grab a cup of coffee and participate in this opportunity to ask questions and share your thoughts with senior University leaders.

SGA Spring Elections Candidate Info Session

Thursday, Feb. 12, 6:30-7:30 p.m., Moseley 215

Attend this info session to learn what it takes to serve as a leader for your SGA, including information about the elections process, candidate advice, and an opportunity to connect with current members. Come with questions and leave ready to run.

Alexander “Lex” Silbiger: Holocaust Survivor

Thursday, Feb. 12, 4:30-5:30 p.m., Turner Theatre

Holocaust survivor Lex Silbiger will be visiting Elon to share his powerful story of escape, survival, and resilience. Silbiger will recount his family’s journey through Nazi occupation, displacement, and eventual resettlement in the United States. This meaningful event offers an opportunity to learn firsthand about history, courage, and the importance of remembrance. .

Weekend Events from Late Night Elon, SUB, Milk Club and BSU

SUB Coffeehouse Performance

Thursday, Feb. 12, 10-11:45 p.m., Irazu

Stop by Irazu for a cozy coffeehouse-style performance with free coffee and treats. Come relax, listen to live music and enjoy a laid-back night.

SUBCinema presents: Pitch Perfect

Friday, Feb. 13 & Saturday, Feb. 14,  8 p.m., Turner Theatre

Watch “Pitch Perfect” as The Bellas take on their rivals in this feel-good campus competition classic. Bring friends, grab a seat, and enjoy a fun movie night.

Late Night Elon and the Milk Club present: The Milk Soiree 2

Friday, Feb. 13, 9:30-11:30 p.m., Upstairs Lakeside

Join Late Night Elon and the Milk Club for the Milk Soiree 2. Dress up and head to Upstairs Lakeside for a fun, fancy night filled with creative milk-themed treats, games, live performances, and prizes.

Black Student Union presents: “Lovers and Friends”

Friday, Feb. 13, 10 p.m., College Street Taphouse

Join the Black Student Union to celebrate Valentine’s Day at the Lovers and Friends party! Whether you’re bringing a date or your best friends, this late-night event is the perfect way to keep the Valentine’s spirit going. Dress up, head out, and enjoy a fun night with music and good vibes. Visit for more information.

The Department of Performing Arts presents “RENT”

Friday, Saturday, Feb. 13 & 14, 7:30 p.m., Sunday, Feb. 15, 2 p.m., McCray Theatre

Experience the award-winning musical RENT, following a group of young artists navigating life, love and creativity in New York City’s East Village! Admission is free with an Elon ID. !

And here are my five tips for events to attend this week:

1.) Talking Across Difference: An In-the-Moment Dialogue

Monday, September 15, 4 p.m., McKinnon F

Recent events remind us that college campuses are not separate from the tensions or challenges of broader public life. In moments like these, it can be difficult to know how to talk across differences without deepening divides. We aspire to be a campus where everyone has a chance to pause together, listen and speak with care, and consider how we might build understanding in challenging times. Join us Monday night for an important opportunity to connect for conversation about division, polarization, and the pathway forward.

2.) Business Job and Internship Career Fair

Tuesday, September 16,  2:30-5 p.m., Alumni Gym

Get ready to take your next professional step! The Business Job and Internship Career Fair, open to students from all majors, is your chance to meet employers, explore opportunities, and discover what’s possible. Whether you’re seeking a full-time role or an internship, stop by the SPDC ahead of time to polish your resume, grab some business cards, and put your best foot forward. Dress in business formal or business casual and come prepared to impress! To view a list of employers and fair details, .

3.) Fall Organization Fair

Wednesday, September 17,  5-7 p.m., Young Commons (Rain Location – Alumni Gym)

The Fall Organization Fair is back. This annual event is the perfect chance to meet student leaders, explore clubs, and discover groups that align with your passions and interests. Whether you’re into service, culture, the arts, or sports, there’s something for every Phoenix. For more information on all student organizations, visit .

4.) Elon Common Reading Lecture: Alejandra Campoverdi

Thursday, September 18, 7 p.m., Alumni Gym

Alejandra Campoverdi’s bestselling book, First Gen, is �þ���’s 2025-26 Common Reading and the winner of the Dolores Huerta Award by the International Latino Book Awards, which also named Campoverdi its 2024 Rising Star in Nonfiction. First Gen was also the winner of the Martin Cruz Smith Award and was chosen by the Council for Opportunity in Education as their 2024 Opportunity Matters Book Club selection, a nationwide book club for first-generation and low-income students at colleges and universities across the country. Get your tickets at and join us for Campoverdi’s visit to Elon!

5.) Stargazing for Mental Health

Thursday, September 18,  8-10 p.m., Daniel Commons in the Danieley Neighborhood

Take a break and reconnect under the stars. Sponsored by the Astronomy Club, Counseling Services, and campus partners, this event combines the wonder of stargazing with conversations about well-being. Multiple telescopes will be available!

**

See you at the Org Fair, if not before. Please say hello when you see me on campus and let me know how things are going with your semester.

There are plenty of ways to get creative, stay connected and show your Phoenix spirit across campus this week:

Get Involved with Phoenix Athletics!

Support your phoenix on the field and the court

• Follow on us on Instagram: Phoenix Athletics and Phoenix Phanatics
• Check out the
• Attend the this Thursday, September 11, at 6 p.m. in Koury Athletic Center, 141

Phoenix Mascot Tryouts

Tuesday, Sept. 9, 5:30–6:30 p.m., Alumni Gym 

Do you have what it takes to be the Phoenix? Mascot tryouts are happening this week. Bring your energy and spirit for a chance to represent Elon at events throughout the year!

Elon Volunteers Interest Meeting

Wednesday, Sept. 10, 5-6 p.m., Moseley 215

Interested in volunteering? Join Elon Volunteers for their fall interest meeting. Discover how to join a Serve Alamance team, become a member of EV!, and explore opportunities to get involved in your local community. Explore more details on .

Have Questions? Ask Alumni!

Elon Q&A allows you to ask alumni about specific majors, industries, careers, cities, or life in general. Never tried it? No login needed. Already asked? Ask again and connect with someone new. Submit a question to Elon alumni by Sept. 30 and be entered to win a $100 gift card. !

Use PhoenixCONNECT to Find Out What’s Happening this Weekend

When you search PhoenixCONNECT events using the category “this weekend at Elon” you can see what’s planned on campus for the weekend. This week’s events include:

Student Union Board Interest Meeting

Thursday, Sept. 11, 5:30 p.m., SUB Office, Moseley First Floor

The best way to find out about weekend events is to help plan them!

SUB Cinema Presents: One of Them Days

Friday, Sept. 12 and Saturday, September 13 at 8 p.m., Turner Theater, Schar Hall

Late Night Elon: Art Around the World Fashion Show

Friday, Sept. 12, 7:30 p.m., Alumni Gym

Co-sponsored with the Black Student Union. Check out the details here on .

Suicide Prevention Week

This week is National Suicide Prevention Week, a time to come together for awareness, connection and hope. In observance of the week, Counseling Services is hosting Weaving Threads of Hope, a weeklong series focused on mental health, healing, and support. Events include:

• Daily Reflection Spaces — opportunities across campus to pause, reflect and share support.
• Evening Programs — music, conversation, and moments of solidarity.
  Workshops & Discussions — learn the warning signs, build skills to support friends, and explore campus resources.
• Walk for Hope — Join your peers in showing support for mental health on Friday, Sept. 12, at 3 p.m. at Medallion Plaza.

Visit the , or follow for more information and resources.

As you move through this week, remember that you are not alone! Your Elon community is here to support, encourage, and celebrate with you. Take advantage of these opportunities to learn, grow and connect with others. Wishing you a meaningful and fulfilling week ahead.

Time to Verify Student Health Insurance for Fall 2025

All full-time �þ���, graduate and law students enrolling for Fall 2025 must complete the . �þ��� received an email this week with details and instructions on how to verify coverage or enroll in the university-sponsored plan. Deadline for compliance is June 1, 2025. For questions, please contact healthinsurance@elon.edu.

SPDC Industry/Organization Interest Survey

The Student Professional Development Center (SPDC) wants to hear from students! The Industry/Organization Interest Survey helps shape employer outreach for internships, grad school and job opportunities. It takes just two minutes to complete, and students who participate by May 2 will be entered to win prizes like Bluetooth speakers, Keurigs, and earbuds. !

CLEAR CARE-nival (Denim Day)

Wednesday, April 30, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m., Young Commons

Mark your calendars for the CLEAR CARE-nival, hosted by the Gender & LGBTQIA Center (GLC). The event will consist of an afternoon of community building, learning, fun, food and free denim! All are invited to wear denim on April 30 in honor of Denim Day – an international day of action to end sexual harassment and assault, support survivors and challenge norms that enable violence. Read the for more information.

Maker Takeover 2025

Wednesday, April 30, 4:30–6:30 p.m., Moseley Center

Join the Maker Hub for Elon’s biggest celebration of creativity and hands-on making. Whether you love making, crafting, or just checking out cool projects, there’s something for everyone! Explore over 40 student-made projects—quilting, clothing, 3D printing, woodworking, electronics, and more. Visit the for more information.

Three Events to Check Out this Weekend

Limelight Records 2025 Limey Awards Show

Friday, May 2, 7 p.m., College Street Taphouse

Limelight Records presents the annual student music awards show. Check them out on Instagram at .

Late Night Elon Presents: Limitless The Last Hurrah

Friday, May 2, 9 p.m., Irazú

Come join Limitless for their miniseries performance and see new artists take the stage! This performance will serve as the end-of-year kick-off for this exceptionally talented student music group. Stop by for good music and good coffee – on the house! Visit for more information.

Coolin on the Commons: Heroes vs. Villains Edition

Saturday, May 3, 5–9 p.m., Phi Beta Kappa Commons

Experience the excitement of Elon’s Step Show Competition sponsored by BSU, NPHC, SUB and SGA. Stop by to enjoy free food trucks, a live DJ, inflatables, and show-stopping performances. Don’t miss the chance to donate canned goods and connect with NPHC members ahead of the event – stop by the Moseley Table Monday, April 28, from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Check out for more details!

From the beautiful voice of Carrington Black ’28 to the empowering charge from Nicholas Rugbart ’25, the ceremony offered a powerful reminder of student impact and community support.

Established in 1993, the awards program was renamed in 2006 to honor the first Black student to attend Elon, Glenda Phillips-Hightower ’63, and the first Black student to graduate from Elon, Eugene Perry ’69. The Phillips-Perry Excellence Awards continues to honor their legacy by uplifting students whose academic and co-curricular achievements exemplify excellence across disciplines.

The afternoon opened with remarks by Abdul-Malik Harrison ’21, assistant director of the Center for Race, Ethnicity & Diversity Education (CREDE), and an invocation from the Rev. Kirstin Boswell, university chaplain and dean of multifaith engagement. The ceremony also included opening remarks from President Connie Ledoux Book, introduced by Murphy Davis ’26, vice president of the Black Student Union.

“We were excited to gather as a community to celebrate the hard work, dedication, and success of our students,” said Harrison. “We thank the Elon community for supporting our efforts to foster an inclusive environment where all students can thrive.”

Several members of the Elon Black Alumni Network (EBAN) participated in presenting the awards, including Kelia Evans ’11, Regina Crawley ’98, Ruby Thornton Bracy ’99 and Alex Bohannon ’17, current EBAN president.

Awards presented included the Phillips-Perry Black Excellence Awards, Academic Excellence Awards, the Elon Experiences Awards, Black Student Union awards that comprised the Janice Ratliff Community Service Award and the Wilhelmina Body Community Awards, and the Black Alumni Scholarship Award.

Academic Excellence Awards

During the program, 237 �þ��� students and 27 graduate students were recognized for cumulative GPAs of 3.2 or higher at the conclusion of the fall semester. In addition, Black students with the highest GPA in their respective cohorts were also recognized:

• Undergraduate Class of 2028: Kendyl Bloomer
• Undergraduate Class of 2027: Emmy Jones
• Undergraduate Class of 2027: Veronica Kowalewski
• Undergraduate Class of 2025: Donelle Leak
• First-Year Law Student: Kristian Ellis (1L)
• Second-Year Law Student: Karrington Wallace (2L)
• Flex Law Student: Kayla Price
• Third-Year Physical Therapy Student: Raya Coley
• Second-Year Physical Therapy Student: Clarke Oliver
• Physician Assistant Studies �þ���: Samir Halalou and Tiye Jones Amen Hetep
• Accelerated Bachelor of Nursing Student: Carmen Mesa
• Master of Arts in Higher Education Student: Emma Calhoun
• Master of Business Administration Student: Ayo Onasanya
• Master of Science in Business Analytics Student: Jazlyn Jefferson

Elon Black Alumni Network Scholarship Award
Jordyne Lewis ’28 and Madisen Williams ’25

The Elon Black Alumni Network (EBAN) strives to unite and represent the interests of �þ���’s Black alumni and students by fostering empowerment, connection and celebration within Elon’s Black community. In 2007, EBAN established a scholarship fund to help make an Elon education accessible to Black students. This fund reached a significant milestone in 2023, achieving a $1 million endowment, further strengthening its ability to support future generations.

Elon Experiences Awards

Presented to students nominated by faculty and staff for excelling in one or more of the five Elon Experiences: Global Engagement, Undergraduate Research, Internships, Service and Civic Engagement and Leadership.

• Global Engagement Award: Mya Lee ’26
• Undergraduate Research Award: Khairi Morrow ’25
• Internship Award: Marques Walker ’25
• Service Learning Award: Sofia Barnes ’28
• Leadership: Jayla Martin Beasly ’25

Janice Ratliff Community Service Award
Abdul-Malik Harrison ’21

The Janice Ratliff Community Service Award is named in honor of Janice Ratliff, a former advisor of the Black Student Union, a long-time employee of �þ��� and a well-known advocate and community figure. This award goes to a staff member who the Black student body recognizes as an advocate for the Black student experience, whose contributions to the community, whether big or small, always substantially impact the Black community on multiple levels.

The Wilhelmina Boyd African & African American Studies at Elon (AAASE) Award
Khairi Morrow ’25

The Wilhelmina Boyd AAASE Scholar Award was created in the Spring of 2008 to honor the work and contributions of Professor Wilhelmina Boyd’s 18 years of service to �þ��� and African & African-American Studies. The award recipient must be a graduating senior with an African & African-American Studies minor, a minimum overall GPA of 3.0 and a minimum GPA in the minor of 3.2. In addition, the recipient must demonstrate a commitment to African & African-American Studies as demonstrated through coursework, citizenship/community engagement, scholarship and student activities/leadership.

Wilhelmina Boyd Community Service Award
Shaina Jones

The Wilhelmina Boyd Community Service Award is named in honor of the late Wilhelmina Boyd, an associate professor of English and the founder of �þ���’s minor in African and African American Studies. This award goes to a faculty member who the Black student body recognizes as an advocate for the Black student experience and a champion of equity, diversity and inclusion throughout the curriculum.

The division itself is built on a framework to provide tools necessary for all people to flourish. Administrators work closely with students, faculty and staff to identify opportunities to connect and scale campus programs and initiatives that champion positive cross-cultural engagement at all times and in all places.

And for many students, inclusive excellence at �þ��� is more than an office. It’s a value system. It’s a framing of diversity, equity, inclusion and other constructs that support belonging and well-being.

“Inclusive excellence is the foundation to a thriving community,” said Anna Matawaran ’25, a sociology and strategic communications double major now serving as the executive intern for the Division of Inclusive Excellence. “It represents a shared responsibility to embrace human differences, celebrate diversity and cultivate an environment where everyone feels valued and supported.”

‘A supportive and uplifting space is essential’

�þ��� say that working within the inclusive excellence framework established by the division helps to create an environment that benefits all individuals with especially positive impacts on underserved groups.

Murphy Davis ’27, co-vice president-chief of staff of Elon’s Black Student Union (BSU), said she has learned how Elon works to support students from diverse backgrounds and ensure they feel empowered both in the classroom and across campus. The division’s physical presence on the second floor of Powell building is certainly important.

“As someone who often feels like an ‘other,’” Davis said, “having a supportive and uplifting space is essential.”

Davis’ position with the BSU and the organization’s connections on campus give her unique perspectives. As the BSU promotes a welcoming environment and advocates on behalf of Black �þ��� students at Elon, Davis notes that important work remains.

“There is great potential for the division to have an even stronger presence through more dedicated spaces, programs, and resources,” Davis said.

The Division of Inclusive Excellence currently works with various groups to create resources and initiatives that foster an equitable and inclusive community. These initiatives help students to engage with their environments and increase their understanding and knowledge around diversity, equity and inclusion.

Shriya Baru ’25 is an accounting major who describes feeling encouraged to share her culture with the university community.

“When it comes to accepting and welcoming people of different cultures and different races, I feel Elon is an amazing place,” said Baru, one of many student small business owners supported by the Doherty Center for Creativity, Innovation and Entrepreneurship, which has nurtured her work on launching an Indian American fashion fusion brand. “I just feel blessed to be in this school where I was welcomed by all.”

Matawaran notes how the Division of Inclusive Excellence strives to ensure equity, belonging and wellness across the campus.

“At Elon, I hope to see this commitment continue to evolve, weaving Inclusive Excellence into every interaction, initiative and decision to create a truly inclusive and welcoming space for all,” she said.

Inclusive excellence today and tomorrow

Robin Falkow ’25, a former Student Government Association (SGA) Speaker of the Senate, said she hopes to see a wider connection to the resources that the division can provide to students. SGA works toward making campus a more inclusive place by seeking to enhance student life and ensure the entire student body feels valued, heard and supported.

�þ��� who participate in SGA can address concerns and promote positive change by working closely with university leaders, faculty and staff.

“It’s important to show students how they can have an active role in promoting inclusive excellence and what they can do to make Elon a more inclusive and inviting space,” Falkow said.

One way that SGA is working towards making campus more inclusive is with �þ��� Promoting Inclusive Excellence, a committee within SGA whose work has been noticed by students. Marshall Horton ’27 and Carena Ziolkowski ’27 said they see positivity and a growing number of events that bring people together.

Nailah Ware ’26, an Odyssey Program scholar�����Ի� Honors Fellow, also said she hopes to see a harmonious and infectious culture of inclusive excellence at Elon.

“I would like to see even more collaboration among different organizations on campus,” said Ware, a featured subject in The Huemanity of People project that highlights and celebrates stories of students, faculty and staff.

Matawaran said she supports embedding an inclusive excellence framework even deeper in Elon’s culture, while Davis said she hopes to see Elon continue its dedication to creating more resources that foster a more equitable campus and welcoming environment.

“In the future, I would like to see the Division of Inclusive Excellence expand its efforts to provide more targeted support and opportunities for minority students,” said Davis, who pointed to the Student Mentors Advising Rising Talent (SMART) peer mentoring program as one example of a successful program she admires. “I envision hosting events highlighting diversity such as collaborating with student clubs to celebrate heritage months and organizing speaker series on race, identity and social justice issues.”

Adbul-Malik Harrison, assistant director of the Center for Race, Ethnicity, & Diversity Education hosted the event to ask students “How do I want to be remembered? Do I want to see myself on a wall or in a memorial?”

The Black Table Talk is one of several programming efforts from Black Student Success (BSS), a CREDE initiative that aims to enhance the Black and African American collegiate student experience by supporting their academic achievement, personal development and overall well-being. The Black Student Success team aims to educate the Elon community on the culture of the African Diaspora population in the United States and abroad.

�þ��� had a chance to discuss their experiences with the word, “legacy” in relation to their Elon journey. BSS student coordinator Mikayla Williams ’25 welcomed students to reflect on who left a strong legacy in their lives and what they admire about their impact.

“My grandmother, when she was alive, always instilled values like always to be a helping hand and treat others how you want to be treated and I still carry those values today so I would say I’m her legacy,” said Ny’jaire Dorns-Grose ’28, who attended the event.

�þ��� weighed the importance of a tangible versus intangible legacy, asking whether a physical legacy, such as a book or non-profit, was more impactful than leaving behind good memories and kind thoughts in others.

�þ��� also explored displays of influential Black students and faculty from the university’s archives including official publications, minutes, reports, old yearbooks and other memorabilia documenting the past Black experience at Elon. Shaunta Alvarez, the digital collections and systems librarian at Belk Library, collects �þ��� memorabilia such as photos, t-shirts and yearbooks as documentation of the school’s history and makes this accessible to Elon students. Alvarez acknowledges that due to a shortage of Black archivists and librarians, there is a lack of Black and brown student memorabilia in many predominantly white institutions’ collections.

“I feel that Black people have felt no one wants my stuff because no one has asked for it,” Alvarez said.

According to Alvarez, Elon’s first full-time archivist who started in 2005 was “conscious of diversity” and wanted students to see themselves in the archives. Belk Library Archives and Special Collections started online publications, inviting students to visit the collection and hiring student assistants. Black trailblazers like Julia W Covington, Elon’s first full-time Black faculty member, and Bryant Colson ’80, the first Black student to be elected SGA president and to serve as editor-in-chief of The Pendulum, were celebrated with their yearbooks, photos, and memorabilia showcased.

A new addition to the university archives is The Maroon Book, created by student Taylor Scott ’28. The book was inspired by The Green Book, a travel guide for Black people during segregation and identifies Black-owned and friendly businesses in the surrounding area to “educate black and brown students about the resources available to them to thrive and be successful at Elon.”

“Just how these people are put in frames and walls like the Wall of Frame in the Black Community room, that could be you all, easily,” Harrison said

In reflecting on celebrated past legacies, students were reminded that even what they consider small actions can shape the history and future of Elon, leaving a legacy to be remembered.

These days, February brings a wealth of opportunities for learning, reflection and advocacy around Black history and the legacies of anti-Black racism on Elon’s campus and around the country. While you’re likely to see pop-up exhibits around campus this month that utilize materials from the �þ��� Archives & Special Collection, this seems a particularly appropriate time of year to remind the campus of the records, papers and artifacts related to Elon’s Black history that the Archives makes available to students, faculty, staff and the public year-round.

Online Resources 

Not all of the materials in the �þ��� Archives & Special Collections are available online. Still, there are several small collections and exhibits that represent a good start to exploring Elon’s Black history.

Since its inception in 2018, the Committee on Elon History & Memory has worked closely with the Archives to uncover hidden, unsung, and sometimes difficult histories on campus, including the underdeveloped stories of Black contributions and Black excellence at Elon. After the release of the committee’s 2020 report (see the Recommended Reading section below), the Archives created a special online collection that brings together some of the resources used to write the report, many of which document Elon’s Black history.

�����Ի� Freedom Footprints—The Archives also created an interactive map exhibit that connects the campus’s physical spaces with the stories told in the 2020 Committee on Elon History and Memory report, allowing users to walk through Black history on campus. In the summer 2024, the original tour was adapted to create a thought-provoking Juneteenth walking tour titled “Freedom Footprints.” 

This student project, researched and created by Emily Lange ’21, a 2019 recipient of the Lumen Prize, documents the origins of the African and African American Studies at Elon minor. Starting with the first request for a Black studies course in 1969 and working through Wilhelmina Boyd’s successful launch of the minor in 1994, the exhibit highlights the importance of student advocacy in the long fight for academic recognition on campus.

This collection currently houses only a few interviews germane to Black history on Elon’s campus, but watch this space for new resources (see Expanding the Collections, below).

�����Ի� ��DZ����𳦳پ��DzԲ�—A sampling of our total photographic and video holdings is available in our online collections and are searchable there, but we have many more AV resources in our collections. Contact an archivist at belkarchives@elon.edu for more information.

Physical Collections 

Within our physical collections, we are always working to identify entry points to Black history and the Black experience on our campus and beyond. What follows is a list of materials we know to be relevant to understanding Black history at Elon. These can be accessed in the Archives Reading Room at Belk Library. Email belkarchives@elon.edu for more information.

Books and Publications—Moments in Elon’s Black history have been captured in a range of campus publications, including campus newspapers like the Maroon and Gold (1920-1970), the Veritas Liberated Press (1968-1970), Broadside Today (1972-1973), and the Pendulum (1974-ongoing); in the Phi Psi Cli yearbook (1913-ongoing); administrative publications like the Elon College/University fact books; newsletters like Black Underground; in original research like L’Tanya Richmond’s master’s thesis, “Elon’s Black History: A Story to Be Told” (2005); and in recent campus reports like the Black Lumen report (2023). Many of these publications have been digitized and are now fully searchable online.

EUA012 Elon Athletics Collection, 1891-ongoing (13 archival boxes, 18 bound volumes, plus unprocessed material)—Athletics represented a pathway to join the Elon community for Black student-athletes, and Black athletes were at the forefront of the fight for equity on campus from the late 1960s onward. This collection includes a variety of materials and documents that relate to the history of athletics at �þ���.

EUA040 �þ��� Biographical Files—This collection includes biographical information about individuals associated with �þ��� and the Town of Elon, including some of the founders of the institution, faculty and staff, and alumni. Documents within each folder contain a variety of items, such as newspaper clippings, correspondences, essays and memoirs, and other types of printed materials.

EUA041 Elon Files (General and Administrative)— This collection includes general information files about departments on campus, events, courses, organizations and other miscellaneous subjects associated with Elon. The files are arranged alphabetically and span eight file cabinet drawers. For example, the “Black Cultural Society/Black Student Union” folder was cited in the 2020 report by the Committee on Elon History & Memory.

EUA095 Gospel Choir Collection, 1980-ongoing (three archival boxes)—The Gospel Choir at Elon was founded in 1977 by a group of African American students in search of fellowship on campus. The Gospel Choir Collection includes documents about the organization from 1980 to the present day. Documents include materials such as correspondence, receipts or financial records, advertising flyers, programs and membership listings.

EUA098 African and African American Studies Collection, 1969-ongoing (four archival boxes)— This collection consists of materials relating to the founding and continued work of the African and African-American Studies Program at �þ���.

EUA134 Center for Race, Ethnicity, and Diversity Education (CREDE) Collection, 1992-ongoing (one archival box)—This collection pertains to multicultural affairs across Elon’s campus, including the creation of the CREDE, as well as some information on the African and African-American Studies minor.

EUA155 Anti-Racism at Elon Collection, 2020-ongoing (one archival box)— This is a collection of correspondence, news articles, and reports related to anti-racism efforts at �þ���, as well as events that took place at �þ��� and in Alamance County in the aftermath of the murder of George Floyd in Minneapolis in May 2020. The collection includes the report of the Committee on Elon History & Memory released in October 2020.

EUA159 Black Excellence Awards Collection, 1993- ongoing (one archival box)—This collection encompasses the history of the Black Excellence Awards from their creation in 1993 to the present day. It includes both programs and invitations from past Black Excellence Awards ceremonies and news articles discussing the Black Excellence Awards. Particularly of note are the programs and newspaper coverage relating to the inaugural award ceremony in 1993.

MSS005 William H. Maness Collection, 1957-2000 (two archival boxes)—The William H. Maness collection contains a variety of materials relating to his tenure as a judge in Jacksonville, Florida, as well as issues of racism, social inequality, the Civil Rights Movement in the United States and the strides people took to promote the well-being and equality of the human race. 

Expanding the Collections 

Like all archives, the �þ��� Archives & Special Collections represents the goals, values and priorities of its participants over the years of its existence. For much of the nineteenth and twentieth centuries, the history and experiences of those who identified as Black or African American were ignored, elided, or just plain excluded from official archives and records—and Elon was no different. Within the EUA&SC, we’re committed to making the Archives a place that reflects the histories of the whole community. In the hopes of filling in some of those “archival silences,” we are always seeking materials that speak to the Black and African American experience on campus. In particular, we plan to begin an oral history program within the Archives that will focus on recovering Black voices, with input from the Committee on Elon History & Memory. We also must acknowledge that, in some cases, evidence and information has simply been lost to history. It’s a difficult truth that keeps us motivated in our efforts to build a more equitable and accurate archive for the future.

References and Recommended Reading 

Alvarez, Shaunta. “Elon’s First Black History Celebration.” Under the Oaks (blog). February 1, 2012. .

Black Lumen Project. The Black Experience at Elon: A Black Lumen Project Report. Elon, NC: �þ���, 2023. .

Committee on Elon History and Memory. Report and Recommendations. 2020. Elon, NC: �þ���, 2022. .

Richmond, L’Tanya. “Elon’s Black History: A Story to Be Told.” Master’s thesis, Duke University, 2005. �þ��� Archives and Special Collections, Elon, NC.

She wasted no time getting involved in the community she sought out.

“While at Elon, I was a student ambassador, copy editor for The Pendulum newspaper, an executive board member of the Black Cultural Society (now the Black Student Union), a DJ for WSOE and a member of the Elon Gospel Choir. I can’t sing, but they took me anyway,” Newton said. “I also pledged Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. my senior year.” She loved campus traditions like the Black Excellence Awards dinner, which always brought her family to campus.

Newton was also a broadcast communications major, practically living in the McEwen Communications Building and editing labs.

“One of the most challenging, yet rewarding, classes at Elon was a communications writing course,” she said. “Every day, we were assigned a different newspaper to read, and then we were quizzed on any content from our reading. Little did I know, staying on top of news and current events would become a necessity for my professional career.”

Even with all this experience, Newton’s post-grad transition was not ideal. Since she graduated during the financial crisis, jobs were hard to come by, and uncertainty was high. However, her unexpected time living at home and working a seasonal job at Kings Dominion did not last long.

“Within three months, I moved to Washington, D.C., started a job at WTOP News, and enrolled in graduate school at Trinity Washington University,” she said. “Looking back on it, I’m so glad I went home for those three months. That’s time I’ll never get back with my family, and I’m thankful for it now.”

After receiving her master’s in communications and working in local news for eight years, Newton was ready to venture into national news. She joined C-SPAN in 2015 as a media relations specialist, where she’s responsible for getting the word out to journalists, Capitol Hill press secretaries and the public about all matters C-SPAN. This position has proved fruitful for Newton.

“The most rewarding parts of my career are the people I’ve had the opportunity to meet and the places I’ve had the opportunity to go,” she said. “With C-SPAN, I’ve been in rooms I’ve dreamt of and traveled to many cities and towns around the country, some for the first time.”

Those travels included the Republican National Convention and Democratic National Convention this summer. There, Newton was responsible for recording video testimonials from attendees for C-SPAN’s Voices 2024 campaign.

“C-SPAN’s skybox was full each night with special guests from cable affiliates and reporters to former C-SPAN employees and interns,” she said. “I enjoyed meeting so many new people and reconnecting with others I hadn’t seen in years.”

Newton’s career has not been without its challenges, the greatest being the long days.

“News is constant, and although I have normal working hours, anything can happen at any time which requires my team’s attention,” she said.

Luckily, she was well prepared for her career, thanks to Elon.

“Writing and public speaking are major components of my job, which I did a lot of at Elon,” said Newton. “Much of the skill-based knowledge that I learned in my communications classes I am still using today.”

She recommends that current students similarly take advantage of the core Elon Experiences.

“Do an internship and go the extra mile,” she advised. “I interned at BET the summer after my freshman and sophomore years. Then, the summer after my junior year, I stayed on campus and did the Summer Undergraduate Research Experience program. Having both of those on my resume and stellar professional references helped me land my first job in news.”