6 Black Students Blossoming in their Communities

“Change will not come if we wait for some other person or some other time. We are the ones we’ve been waiting for. We are the change that we seek.”

-Barack Obama

Black people have always been visionaries that pave the wave for future innovation and change. But the youth in particular have left an indelible mark on society as they march loudly on the streets, apply pressure to local and national government, take on various academic challenges and opportunities, and showcase their creativity in new and exciting ways. I am proud to say that some of those same trailblazers are a few of my dearest friends. These six individuals wear their melanin-kissed skin with pride as they navigate and impact their communities in distinct yet remarkable ways. They inspire not only me, but everyone they encounter as they carry themselves with grace, humility, and undeniable power. I believe that it is incredibly important to highlight those are who are positively shaping and contributing to the world around them.

So, keep reading to find out what they are doing in their communities.

Sydney Jackson: Miss Teen DC

Age: 19 Hometown: Clinton, MD. Favorite Plant: Sunflowers

Instagram: @sydneyynicholej / @missdcteenusa

I can attest that Sydney Jackson is a woman of poise, beauty, and ambition. She has been regarded as a leader and advocate starting as early as high school, where she served as Co-President of her student body and participated in multiple student walkouts and social activism marches. This year, she earned the esteemed title of Miss Teen DC USA (period!) and is on the road to the national competition. Since then, Sydney has spent countless hours participating in community service centered around female entrepreneurs, artists, and justice involved women in the Metropolitan area. She has started a platform called Girl Empire 202 to promote and highlight the strides of women of color throughout the community. She also recently launched a campaign video called #MakeItBackHome in response to police brutality and the Black Lives Matter movement. She will carry this same spirit with her as she starts her first year in the Philip Merrill College of Journalism at the University of Maryland.

For Sydney, “being Black means being resilient and being able to overcome so many different obstacles in life. It’s symbolic in the way that Black people have gone through so many different adversities, yet we continue to climb and break the glass ceilings.” I believe this is a testament that has carried her through the pageant scene, which has not historically been the most accepting of Black beauty and accomplishments. Sydney noted that “a lot of pageantry fans still want to see white girls with blonde hair and blue eyes, and anyone who looks different might get a lot of negative feedback.” But during her reign, she has worked to change that narrative and to “be a mentor for other Black girls who may not understand their Blackness yet to help them know that it is something to be proud of.” For anyone hesitant or fearful of pursuing pageantry, Sydney strongly advises: “Just do it! Jump into it. [...] If you have something that you really want to share with the world, do it.” Sydney is undoubtedly taking her own advice, as she has transformed her title of Miss Teen DC into a powerful platform. Her young age does not act as a barrier but instead as a catalyst for critical change. When discussing a protest she is planning as part of the March on Washington in August, she eloquently stated: “[The youth] are the ones making the most waves. This is really striking home for us. This is something that we shouldn’t have had to grow up with.” Because of Sydney and other Black changemakers like her, a brighter and better future for the next generation is well underway.

Cammy S: Student Activist & Founder of B.A.M.N.

Age: 19 Hometown: Detroit, MI. Favorite Plant: Venus Flytrap

Instagram: @_cammycandy / @bamnrevolution

When I think of passionate and selfless activists, I think of Cammy. Cameron, lovingly known as Cammy, is a sophomore at Northwestern University where she is a member of the Graffiti Dance Team and writes for an on-campus literary magazine called Blackboard. In terms of the future, she hopes to attend law school and later pursue a career in lobbying where she can continue advocating for the marginalized and amplifying voices that have been systemically erased or silenced. Her budding Detroit-based organization, the Black Activist Mobility Network (B.A.M.N.), was founded alongside four other powerful young Black women. Having organized three protests so far with over 3,000 participants total, B.A.M.N. hopes to grow even more in the months to come. B.A.M.N. is becoming a revolution known for its dedication towards transforming individuals into mobilizing activists. She is surely on the frontlines as we fight tirelessly for justice.

“We all have to band together right now,” Cammy states when reflecting upon the current state of our nation. B.A.M.N is dedicated to continuing this fight for as long as they need to in order to see purposeful change. They work every day to “dismantle the policing of Black bodies and to empower and promote confidence and self-love in the Black community, but also to stand up for all marginalized peoples, not just Black people.” As a wise activist and speaker, Cammy has insightful advice for all aspiring activists looking to forge change:

Form a group: It is way easier to execute the various moving parts of a protest if you have a team to help.
Don’t be discouraged: Despite comments about how protests are ineffective, there is evidence that so much has been changed and acknowledged just in these last four weeks.
Don’t be afraid about turnout: “Have faith that it is going to be a great demonstration.”
Reach out to all age groups: Every voice, young and old, is critical to the movement.
If you are able to march, stay hydrated and know your rights.
If not, find ways to help: Donate to bail projects and local grassroots foundations, sign petitions, call officials, educate yourself, and “use your positionality and your platform on social media to get the word out.”
If you are experiencing burnout or frustrations:
- Limit your time on social media: “Definitely stay educated, but put it down when you have to because it’s very draining.”
- Invest in yourself too: “Just really lean on people right now and know that it’s okay to take a day off. This fight is a long fight, so you honestly have to take a couple days off here and there so you have energy to continue on.”

Tolani Smith: Designer on the Rise

Age: 18 Hometown: Washington, D.C. Favorite Plant: Lavender

Serving both beauty and intellect, Tolani Smith is a 2020 graduate from Benjamin Banneker Academic High School in Washington, DC. In the fall she will attend North Carolina A&T as a computational engineering major. She’s an avid DIY enthusiast and mostly enjoys designing, sewing, and up-cycling clothes. A few days ago, she spontaneously called me to come over and see her newly-designed dress. Every stitch was sewn to perfection, and she rocked each layer of lavender tool with pride and confidence. She has always been exceptionally humble, but this handmade prom dress is certainly something to brag about! While in college, she hopes to bring her sewing talents to campus by starting a tailoring business on the side. With her keen attention to detail and profound dedication, I strongly believe that Tolani will be unstoppable in the fashion world, STEM world, and beyond. Here’s why:

After receiving a sewing machine for Christmas in eighth grade, Tolani set a goal to design her own senior year prom dress; a goal that recently became a reality. After exploring Instagram for inspiration, receiving input from her sister, and sketching up a rough design, she was ready to start the sewing and assembly process. Even though she was unable to have an actual prom, quarantine did not deter her, but instead motivated her to invest deeper into her passion. With no professional guidance, she began to craft her soon-to-be lavender masterpiece, letting her “errors turn into wins.” In just a few months, she was able to make a sustainable, wearable, and eye-catching dress. After discussing the design process with her, we dove headfirst into a conversation on the nature of the fashion industry and how it often does not truly credit or acknowledge Black designers and businesses. This is not only a problem within the high-fashion industry but also within fast fashion companies that often mass-produce Black ideas and designs without recognition or credit, thus prompting Black consumers to spend elsewhere. “Industries are also starting to realize that the Black consumer is the most powerful consumer,” so it is important where we spend and do not spend our money. Tolani voiced that by purchasing directly from small Black businesses or websites like WeBuyBlack.com rather than Amazon or Target, we can use the influence of the Black wallet for good. Looking back on that Christmas day, she might not have ever thought she would be to design a dress like that, but her future will surely be filled with even more success (and maybe even some more lavender tool).

Reece Marcelle: Founder of Goldenshot Photography

Age: 20 Hometown: Silver Spring, MD. Favorite Plant: Snake Plant

Although he prefers to be behind the camera, do not be fooled: Reece has a smile that can light up the world. Reece Marcelle is a junior in the Herbert Business School of the University of Miami. Raised in Maryland, he currently lives in Coral Gables, Florida and studies Entrepreneurship and Exercise Physiology. Reece hopes to earn his Master’s in Business Administration and continue his work with the photography business he founded called GoldenShot Photography (c’mon businessman!). Reece regards Goldenshot Photography as more of a movement than a business, as it aims to uplift and highlight the effortless and undeniable beauty of all people of color. The movement’s slogan, “Your Skin is a Blessing,” hopes to remind all of his clients the power and pure artistry instilled within them. After doing over 200 photo shoots and becoming a notable figure on campus due to his work, Reece clearly has a golden future ahead of himself. Let’s find out more:

“The pictures don’t lie. The pictures look good, and you’re in that picture, so you know, 1+1.” Reece’s mission as a photographer is to remind his clientele the importance of loving every part of themselves, even when society might tell them the exact opposite. He exclaimed: “you can tell someone they’re beautiful, but you can also just show them,” and he certainly does. The inner and outer beauty of each individual shines through each photo as they bask in the Miami sun. Every shape and shade is represented, and he captures their joy effortlessly and authentically. He started this movement after purchasing his first camera the summer before heading to Miami. He knew that “everyone needs pictures,” and that he had the ability to unify and highlight on-campus diversity through film. After recently taking an advanced photography class, saving up for new equipment, and even having potential investors interested in GoldenShot Photography, the movement will undoubtedly continue to grow. As someone who has shot with Reece, I can remember how empowered and beautiful I felt due to his infectiously positive and nurturing energy. Each affirmation he says pushes away any doubts, insecurities, or flaws you might be harboring inside. His pictures remind you that you are beautiful and Black, and that those two identities can and do rightfully coexist. Reece said enthusiastically: “Black people are gorgeous, it’s just facts. And when you get them in the sun? What? Wheewwww! It’s magic. It’s really easy to stay motivated when it's just a constant supply of Blackness.” Just check out his Instagram, the photos truly do speak for themselves.

Rome McGee: More than a Rapper

Age: 19 Hometown: Los Angeles, CA. Favorite Plant: Palm Tree

“I’m nothing without my city.” Rome McGee, or 310 Rome, was born and raised in Los Angeles, California, a city that has critically shaped who he is as a person and artist. Along with his studies at Northwestern University, he is also incredibly passionate about God, music, and Black people. He is the definition of a self-made artist, writing his music from his closet studio and even designing his own album artwork. His debut single “Errythang” will be released soon, but he is currently working on creating a song and visual with a Bronx producer in response to police brutality in our world. He recently performed at Northwestern’s May Madness showcase where he impressed us all. In his own words: “I'm doing everything I can to share my blessings with those around me. It ain't no fear or no hate in my heart; let's be great!” His energy is quite infectious (if you can’t tell already), and I can undoubtedly say that there is no one like him on this planet. He is a visionary, a friend, and a supportive spirit. His music tells a story, and so does he. Let’s take a look:

“When I was in middle school, we used to rap in the hallways, banging on the lockers and the tables and getting some freestyles in, and from that point on, I realized that I really like rapping and writing.” From a young age, music and lyricism ran through his veins. To help him fall asleep as a baby, his parents never sang lullabies, but instead allowed the tunes of 94.7: The Wave lull him to his dreams. Now he is even closer to those dreams than he could have ever imagined. Since college, he has begun to take his love for music more seriously, working to transform that passion into purpose. He not only focuses on the beats behind his flow but also the power and message of his lyrics. “I have a platform and privilege, so I have to use it to talk about what’s happening.” He seeks to do this by speaking on “black pain, intersectionally, and how we feel and understand in times like these.” This is more than just a hobby for 310 Rome, and people are starting to realize: “Oh okay, he might actually want to do this for a little bit. And it is, music is something that I am actually trying to do. But I’m still gon’ stay in school, gon’ get this degree; my momma ain’t gonna let me drop it. But I know education is really important.” He has a raw talent and drive that has worked to his advantage as he makes his way into the industry. Inspired by his family, his friends, his religion, his mentor, and his favorite artist, J.Cole, 310 Rome will soon be LA’s biggest name.

Jordan DeVeaux: Faith-based Leader

Age: 19 Hometown: Silver Spring, MD. Favorite Plant: Sunflowers

As one of my dearest friends, I can say without hesitation that Jordan embodies a maturity and clarity of mind like no other. Jordan DeVeaux is a junior at Towson University majoring in psychology with a minor in Family Studies. She aspires to ultimately pursue a career in geriatric psychology with a specialty in hospice care. Jordan serves as the Vice President of her SGA, working tirelessly to foster an environment where all voices and perspectives are valued. In addition to her role at Towson University, she cares deeply about the intersections of intellectual inquiry and spiritual practice. She preached her first sermon in 2014 and intends to continue ministerial studies after receiving her undergraduate degree. Jordan is clearly a woman of faith, and each day she inspires me with her words and deeds. I believe her power is evident in this interview:

In times of overwhelming sadness, confusion, and pain like today, it is Jordan’s faith that helps her stay rooted and grounded. In particular, Luke 7:13 reminds her of the omnipresent nature and the “thereness” of God. It reads: When the Lord saw her, his heart overflowed with compassion and he said, “Don’t cry.” She clings onto these comforting words (and even has them tattooed down her spine) to remind herself that she is never alone, because “even if [she] can’t designate a person that was there, [she] can always know that He was there.” She advises fellow believers to trust in God’s character, because “even though the world might seem like the enemy’s playground, goodness still exists. We must acknowledge that even if we can’t see it because we know and feel it.” Her love for God has also influenced how she leads and serves her student body as Vice President. Although she might not have pictured herself entering the political sphere, it called her. It was in His plan. Her role is to oversee the student Senate and sit on university committees and serve as a representative for students in conversations with administration. “I really love my community, and I want to see it be as different in a positive way as it can be when I leave then when I came.” To do this, she continues to push the boundaries of her university community to make it a more inclusive, diverse, and conscious place for students from all backgrounds and upbringings. Most importantly, she does all of this with a smile.

These 6 individuals are living examples of Black excellence. Yes, I know I am a little biased, but the truth is truly in the pudding. Each of them have become well-versed in their perspective fields and continue to shake up the world every day. Although the media might portray the Black community in a certain light, it remains clear that we are far more than those warped narratives and stereotypes. We are shining stars. I implore you to support their various platforms and any Black people in your own lives. Now more than ever, we must uplift and acknowledge each other. Especially with all the forces already against us, we cannot be against one another. So shout out your friend’s page, bump your girl’s new album, purchase your classmates’ book. Lift each other up, because if we don’t, no one will.