faces of Northwestern

Northwestern’s Black community is undoubtedly vibrant, resilient, and beautiful. Extremely diverse and dynamic, these students each add their various talents and perspectives to make the community what it is today. Although the university does not always fully invest and prioritize the needs and lives of its Black students, these students still shine, support, and show love to their community each day. This blog post hopes to highlight these Black students and to remind them that they are truly loved and valued here. We see you. Thank you for being you.

Elisabeth Betts, ‘24

Elisabeth, a first year in Medill studying Journalism and Political Science is a familiar face at Northwestern with an unforgettable and infectious energy. Due to the difficulties of transitioning into college during a pandemic, she has shown a dedication to Black students, particularly Black freshmen, to ensure they have a sense of community. Her identity as a Black female journalist has played an integral role in her experience thus far at Northwestern, especially as she navigates some of the challenges that being a minority in the journalism field brings. She says: “Because I am Black, it is sometimes hard for me to hear the way that professors talk about stories involving Black people. I put special care and emphasis on stories that I take that involve Black students.” That care, along with her profound work ethic and social butterfly personality, have allowed her to already make an undeniable impact, especially through her roles in For Members Only and the Northwestern News Network. Elisabeth is truly the future of journalism (mark my words!), and each day she uses her ambition and passion to make her mark on this campus.

Favorite spot to eat in Evanston: Shang Noodle & Chinese

Favorite study spot on campus: Norris

How would she describe Northwestern in 3 words?: Surprising, Good, Fun

Joelle Moore, ‘24

A first year studying Psychology in Weinberg, Joelle is passionate about mental health, music, and making a difference. As a Black gay female drummer, Joelle offers her unique perspective and various talents to the Northwestern community. Her loving and positive nature truly sets her apart, and she never hesitates to move to the rhythm of her own beat. Her participation in the NU Jazz Club, Black Mentorship Program, and For Members Only have allowed her to engage actively in her community while also pouring into parts of herself. When asked what else she feels she brings to Northwestern, she answers: “I feel like I bring a certain empathy and compassion. I feel like I can make the school more humane and make people care more about each other.” Aspiring to be a therapist, her profound sense of empathy draws her to the psychology field and motivates her to continue working towards a career devoted to helping others heal and thrive. It is easy to say that Joelle holds an incredible presence, energy, and light that warms all the places she enters and all the people she meets.

Favorite spot to eat in Evanston: 10Q

Favorite study spot on campus: Booths in Norris

How would you describe Northwestern in 3 words?: Challenging, Intense, Beautiful

Samad Acklin, ‘23

Samad is a second year in Weinberg double majoring in Biological Sciences and Global Health. A Posse Scholar on full-tuition scholarship, Samad has an incredible sense of drive that has allowed him to succeed both academically and socially. His friendly personality, bright smile, and memorable laugh make him a friendly and caring face throughout campus. Uplifting and supporting the Black community has been a critical element of his college experience, and he explains: “I like to go to a lot of the events, especially last year when they were on campus, just to try to meet new people and build community with other students that I don’t know or students that I haven’t met.” Especially as a Black man on campus, he experiences some trials and tribulations especially regarding proving his worth within the STEM field, yet he continues to push boundaries and make strides throughout his community. His involvement with the Black Mentorship Program, Mayfest, and greek life as a Kappa have enriched his time at NU thus far, and he will surely continue to blossom. I have always admired Samad, because no matter what comes his way, Samad will conquer every obstacle with pride, poise, and passion.

Favorite spot to eat in Evanston: 10Q

Favorite study spot on campus: Norris

How would you describe Northwestern in 3 words?: Hard, Emotional, Uplifting

Ziya Sylvester, ‘22

As soon as one meets Ziya, a third year in SESP studying Social Policy and Global Health along with a minor in Gender and Sexuality Studies, you can instantly notice her authenticity and confidence. Her many identities, particularly being a Black queer low-income first generation person from the South, have changed her perspective on life and navigating Northwestern. She is passionate about finding ways to pull together queer individuals, especially since queer students of color are underrepresented, to ensure there is a sense of family on campus. The Black Mentorship Program is also a way that Ziya has found a sense of familial connection, and she truly treasures Black spaces on campus like the Black House. As she reflects upon the ways she has impacted Northwestern’s campus, she shares: “I just bring my authentic self. I just inspire people to just to live how they want to live and just to be who they want to be, and just to not be held back by societal standards.” These thoughtful words resonate with me so deeply, and I can attest to the fact that she is truly inspiring. Ziya exudes power and grace, and without her presence, a piece of Northwestern would surely be missing.

Favorite spot to eat in Evanston: Chipotle

Favorite study spot on campus: My Room

How would you describe Northwestern in 3 words?: Rigorous, Fun, Memorable

Emma Evans, ‘21

In her final quarter at Northwestern, Emma is a Medill student studying Journalism. Wise and welcoming, Emma has left an indelible impact not only on me, but on the entire campus. When thinking about her time at Northwestern, she vulnerably expresses: “I think at this point, what I contribute is encouragement. Like genuinely, I think I am really good at contributing joy, because I really do push my communities and my friends and things to put down some things and go outside and have fun, because that is something that we’re always missing. In general, I am just encouraging people in whatever they’re doing. So the people that are organizing or are in government, I am your cheerleader. I gotchu. I want everyone to win.” She not only says sentiments like these, but her actions certainly align. This positive outlook along with her tight-knit relationship with God have helped her throughout her time at Northwestern, and she truly exemplifies servant leadership and devout Christian discipleship. Impact and Northwestern Community Ensemble, Black spaces for Christians on campus to convene and worship God, have been sources of pure joy and community for her, especially in the darker times that Northwestern has brought. I am truly in awe of her inner and outer beauty, and her future will certainly be full of success.

Favorite spot to eat in Evanston: Chicken Shack

Favorite study spot on campus: Kresge or the Lakefill

How would you describe Northwestern in 3 words?: Challenging, Transformative, Illuminating

Lawan Alade-Fa, ‘21

Lawan, a shining beam of light and wisdom, is a fifth-year in McCormick studying Civil Engineering with an Architectural Engineering Design minor. Being a cis-Black queer man, especially in McCormick, has forced Lawan to come to terms with the inequities of our campus, but also to feel empowered enough to do something about them. He is actively engaged with the Black Mentorship Program, Black Men Lead, and The Collective on campus, showing his dedication to protecting Black spaces and Black students. He not only encourages vulnerability, but upholds it himself as he shares about the challenges of being Black and queer on campus, especially when representation is low and stigma and microagressions are high. He shares with me that: “One of the main things that I have contributed is being a steady person that people can come to or rely on for different things, whether it's getting connected with resources that are around campus or just giving general advice on how to navigate going through Northwestern. Being someone who has fallen through the cracks of Northwestern’s system, I have gone through a lot of hoops and ladders to get to where I am right now, so I feel like my main thing that I contribute is just providing perspective.” This sense of resilience and determination is incredibly admirable and is a testament to the strong will and spirit of Lawan. As he embarks towards his future, I am confident that he will take that some persevering spirit with him as he continues to lead and grow.

Favorite spot to eat in Evanston: Kung Fu Tea

Favorite study spot on campus: Architecture Room in Deering Library (but because of COVID-19, my room)

How would you describe Northwestern in 3 words?: Brisk, Enlightening, Humbling