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How Student Organizations Are Changing Voting on Campus
By: Amirah Woodruff
Elections are right around the corner and the voter registration deadline is quickly approaching. Students across the country are registering to vote, applying for absentee ballots and encouraging others to as well.
Hampton University is among the many schools actively encouraging students to participate in the upcoming election. With campus organizations such as Voters of Tomorrow and Pirates for Harris, Hamptonians are easily able to get involved in this next election.
Student leaders on Hampton’s campus have been inspiring and encouraging peers to register to vote through different organizations like “Voters of Tomorrow” and “Pirates for Harris.” Both of these organizations are two of many at Hampton University that are encouraging students to vote.
Pirates for Harris is a group of Hampton students that are helping with campaigns around Virginia to encourage people to vote and support the Democratic candidate, Kamala Harris. Last Wednesday, the organization had their first event of the year, called, “Fueling the Momentum.”
For this event, members of Pirates for Harris were asked to bring a friend who has not yet registered to vote, and they assisted those students in registering at the event. Those who attended were able to learn more about the campaign efforts and new ways to get involved.
On Tuesday, Oct. 1, the organization held a watch party for the Vice Presidential Debate. Events like these are what is getting students involved and active in the election. Encouraging your peers to vote is so important, especially during an election like this.
“If we’re in a group, I’ll ask around if everyone is registered to vote. If not, are you registered in Virginia? Do you need help getting an absentee ballot?,” said an anonymous sophomore in Pirates for Harris. She has been encouraging her peers to vote by certifying voter registration.
Members of Pirates for Harris are eager for change and are excited to see what Harris can do for our nation.
Another campus organization inspiring HU students to register and vote is Voters of Tomorrow. The organization was recently brought to Hampton University as a means to promote voter awareness and bring opportunities to people through community service hours and other initiatives.
“We want to plan more events with the community and bring out what our rights are and awareness of voting. As far as school goes, we are planning to collaborate with other organizations on campus,” said Omari Williams, a second year Management major from Flint, MI, and a member of Voters of Tomorrow.
Voters of Tomorrow and Pirates for Harris are only two of the many Hampton University organizations encouraging and inspiring other students to vote and participate in politics.
Mixed Reactions Among Students After Homecoming Concert Lineup
By: Miles Hayter
“I was not thrilled hearing the homecoming concert lineup,” said Sean Thompson, a first-year Finance major from Upper Marlboro, Maryland, in reaction to the 2024 Hampton University Homecoming concert lineup announcement.
On Thursday, Sept. 26, at 4:30 p.m., in the Student Center, the homecoming concert lineup was revealed. The Student Center was packed with students eagerly awaiting the news. Popular rapper Bossman Dlow, along with R&B singer Muni Long and gospel singer Jekalyn Carr, were selected.
Many students took to Fizz and other platforms to express their opinions about the lineup.The homecoming concert lineup has sparked mixed reactions among the student body. While some expressed disappointment, others remain optimistic about this year’s homecoming experience. The selection of artists involves various considerations, including legal background checks, budgeting, and campus safety procedures.Despite some students' concerns, many are excited about homecoming this year. Khari Seals, a second-year Aviation major from Bowie, Maryland, shared his thoughts on the upcoming concert.
“I feel like Hampton always has a surprise. We always have artists that you don’t really know if it is going to hit or not, but, when you get there, the artists do their thing,” he said.The atmosphere and excitement surrounding homecoming contribute to making the campus and concert experience more enjoyable than anticipated. Last year’s concert lineup included Lola Brooke, Nardo Wick, and Mariah the Scientist. Although the lineup also received mixed opinions initially, those who attended had a great time.
“In the grand scheme, I don’t think people were as excited at first, but when you are at the concert, it’s definitely a much better experience,” Seals added.
Homecoming is a significant part of the freshman experience at Hampton, and many are wondering if this year’s event will meet their expectations. Some students feel that their voices should have more influence on the artist selection process. Thompson expressed a similar sentiment regarding future homecoming concert selections.
“I think that more mainstream artists would resonate better with the student body. Putting more money and effort into the student voices would benefit the homecoming lineup significantly,” said Thompson.
Many agree with Thompson’s suggestions, though he and others are still looking forward to homecoming this year. Seals also reflected on his experience, saying that Homecoming was one of the most memorable parts of his freshman year.
“As a freshman, you get so many activities in one—coming off of curfew and getting visitation—so it was a great experience for me,” said Seals.Thompson. also believes he will have a good first homecoming at Hampton.
“I think I’ll still be able to enjoy myself and have a great time with my friends and family during homecoming,” he said. With a wide variety of events and offerings for students and alumni, Hampton’s homecoming is designed to create a memorable experience. Regardless of the concert lineup, students should look forward to this year’s festivities and be excited for an unforgettable time.
Muni Long Bossman Dlow Jekalynn Carr
William R. Harvey Leadership Institute Launch New Community Service Initiatives
By: Amirah Woodruff
Community service opportunities are always available at Hampton University, and the William R. Harvey Leadership Institute makes it possible for students to easily get hours. Zoe Stamps, a second year Political Science major, Leadership Studies minor from New Orleans, LA, is a member of the William R Harvey Leadership Institute and plans to host her very own community service event with her peers Cambryn Barringer and Andrea Winfree-Slaughter. This community service event will take place at Marine Point on October 12th at 8 am.
The institute focuses on developing leaders who make a positive impact on society. The program offers specific classes that students take that “prepare them for the real world,” Stamps says. Stamps is currently taking the Leadership and Organizations course (LEA 302) which is teaching students how to collaborate and participate and create group community events.
The courses require their students to group up, create and complete community service projects on and off campus as well as attend class events where students participate in community service. Many of the students have set up clean-up events for on campus community service events. Stamps said the class will be volunteering together at a local food bank for the next three weeks.
Stamps, Barringer, and Winfree-Slaughter are sophomores here at Hampton University and have been working together since the beginning of the fall semester to set up an on-campus community service event. The group of three goes by “CAZ Crew”, and they have set up a waterfront clean up event at Marine Point. While the event is still awaiting approval by administration, CAZ Crew will be partnering up with other campus organizations to, “spread the joy and the positivity of keeping a clean campus,” says Stamps.
“[We] want a lot of student body involvement. [We plan on] making it a group game where each class kind of works together,” says Stamps.
Registration for volunteers will be open prior to the event, but CAZ Crew will be at Marine Point at 7 a.m. on Oct. 12 to set up and to register new volunteers. Refreshments will be available and there will be a photographer on deck.
Stamps wants students to know that there are many opportunities on campus to get community service hours.
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“I don’t think that many students know that they can get community service hours by participating in small community events, such as the campus clean up or donating for supply drives.”
The Student Leadership Office in the Student Center allows students to volunteer and gives them more information on where they can get more hours on campus.
Join the CAZ Crew on October 12th at Marine Point to clean up the waterfront!
HU Observes First Wellness Day of the '24-25 School Year
By: BL Harewood
Hampton University has taken a proactive and progressive approach in identifying the importance of mental health for its students, faculty and staff. On Monday, Oct. 7, the university will take part in a campus-wide wellness day. No classes will be in session for the entirety of the day, advertently creating a four-day weekend for everyone.
GyeNyame Brown, a peer counselor with the HU Student Counseling Center believes such breaks are necessary and “prevents everyone from burning out and overworking themselves.”
“Wellness days are important so that we as students can rest our minds, bodies, and souls,” said Brown, a graduating senior from Los Angeles. “We are all dedicated and hard workers that are passionate about our studies and extracurriculars; it feels good to know the university recognizes how hard we work and acknowledges [that].”
Brown typically takes a wellness day when she feels too overwhelmed or unproductive, by making plans to go out to dinner and watch a movie with friends.
“I know when to take a day off for my mental health by listening to my body and mind,” she said. “Taking a step back and relaxing allows me to see things more clearly.”
With the piling responsibilities and stressors of college life, Wellness Day could not be scheduled for a more perfect time. It falls a week before midterm evaluations and two weeks ahead of homecoming, motivating students to push ahead.
According to the Mayo Clinic, “stepping away from responsibilities and stress for a short time can help refocus and recharge the brain and body.” The time allows for the intentional rejuvenation of mental health, reduces mental crises and presenteeism, alleviates distress and poor mood, and improves attitude, morale, resilience, productivity, and overall well-being.
Oftentimes people convince themselves to persevere for the sake of the end goal. But that is not always the best response considering certain circumstances. Whitney Vige, a content writer for Asana, suggests to “rest, recharge, and prioritize mental health” when one is exhausted, lacks motivation, has difficulty staying focused, is less productive, or has become more frustrated and irritable.
“[Whether] the issue is [being] behind on work or your mental health is on thin ice, wellness day provides an extra set day for whatever students need at that time,” said psychology student EJ Burton. “It gives students a break from the demanding workload here at Hampton.”
Burton, a second-year from New Jersey, like many others, will maximize the day by sleeping in and catching up on schoolwork.
Hampton has made a point to include Wellness Day in its academic calendar. The intention being for students and faculty to understand that they are cared for, that they matter, and that it is vital to prioritize their mental health.
As society becomes more cognizant and attentive regarding mental health, everyone should also be mindful of how to make the most of a wellness day. They should know how to slow down, how to recuperate from everything that drains their energy.
Verywell Mind health educator, Dr. Elizabeth Scott, offers suggestions such as doing yoga, getting a massage, visiting the beach, reading, or taking a nature walk. Scott also warns of what to avoid during such times: other people (if they interfere with one’s recharging), wallowing in negative emotions, and spending all day on social media.
Hoping for multiple wellness days to occur each semester, as a peer counselor, Brown recommends that students prioritize their needs on this upcoming wellness day in particular.
“For everyone that might look different, [so] I suggest that everyone does something that will make them happy, whether that be eating your favorite meal, going to the beach—or doing nothing at all.”
Photos courtesy of BL Harewood
Terpsichorean Dance Company's First Show Highlights Freshman Involvement
By: Miles Hayter
“It felt good to finally show people what I am capable of besides studies and stuff like that,” said first-year student Mickayla Bryant, a Biology major on the pre-med track from Brooklyn, NY, following the first Terpsichorean Dance Show on Friday, Sept. 29.
Many esteemed guests attended the show, including the mayor of Hampton and the President and First Lady of Hampton University. An impressive nine freshmen participated in the performance. Hampton takes great pride in its organizations, which can make joining them feel potentially daunting, especially for first-year students. Well-known organizations like the Terpsichorean Dance Company and the Greer Dawson Wilson Student Leadership Training Program (SLP) have rigorous joining processes.
“Joining the Terpsichorean Dance Company was a process,” Bryant said, initially unable to audition due to illness, “Making the team and being there and joining the company was like a breath of fresh air."
Terpsichorean is the biggest dance organization on campus and the only touring group. Having so many freshmen on the team is a testament to the resilience and proactive attitude of the Hampton University Class of 2028.
However, due to the size of the class and the prestige of certain organizations, it can be intimidating to think about joining. Bryant encouraged aspiring students: “Be yourself, come in with a positive attitude… take what you know, and bring it to the table.”
The show was the first time she and her team had the chance to display their hard work. Despite the rainy conditions, she was surprised by the number of people who came to support them. Witnessing the community's support encouraged her to deliver a great performance. Their passionate and moving performance made it evident how much effort they put into preparing for the show.
Since joining the organization, Terpsichorean has become a critical part of Bryant’s student experience at Hampton. It has truly deepened her connection to the Hampton community.
“My experience has been fun—meeting new people, having a new sisterhood, being together, and enjoying the same passion that we love to do,” she said.
Despite the prestige or perceived difficulty of joining, Hampton organizations prove to be a worthwhile way to enhance a student's experience. Ashton Clark, a second-year business major from Brooklyn, New York, and a member of SLP, spoke about the many benefits of joining campus organizations.
“It teaches you how to be a better person for the world, a better person to yourself, and a better person to your friends and family,” he said.
Clark looks back fondly on his experience in joining the organization. “It was fun, but it was difficult,” he said. He added that SLP provided him with new connections both socially and professionally and allowed him to give back through peer mentorship.
Although it may be a seemingly scary risk to take, joining organizations is one of the best ways to enhance one’s Hampton experience, increase connections to campus, and create a lasting legacy.
Hampton University Recognizes Suicide Prevention Month
By: Kalorra Smith
Students' mental health is deemed a priority for a healthy and balanced lifestyle, but some may not know where to access resources in place for them to care for it. In honor of September being Suicide Prevention Month, Hampton University held various events for the student body to attend and learn from.
“When I joined the Peer Counselors freshman year, I was made aware of all the tools offered on campus to better the health of black students. These tools are the Student Counseling Center, Peer Counselors, and, most recently, the SheCare Wellness Pods,” said Kiarah Bates, a Junior in the five-year MBA program and a Peer Counselor.
The Student Counseling Center offers students access to licensed counselors and the Peer Counselors are a branch of the Student Counseling Center who are student leaders who spread awareness on the care of one’s mental health on campus. The SheCare Wellness Pods are open each week for students to practice aromatherapy, art therapy, and much more.
“During Mosaic week, I attended the ‘Brewing Conversations’ activity at the SheCare Wellness Pods,” said Bates, who found the activity about identity and connecting with each part of yourself a challenge, but was guided through and felt a weight was lifted.
The Student Counseling Center held workshops throughout the month of Sept. on LGBTQ+ wellbeing and is also holding three mental health training sessions through late Sept. all the way through Oct.
“The wellness pods are a great escape from reality. They’re very comfortable and they make you feel like you belong because it’s the one place you can go to truly be by yourself if you want,” said Katelyn Flowers, a graduating Senior Entrepreneurship major and President of TheWiseOrg.
According to the National Center On Safe Supportive Learning Environments, college students report greater mental health concerns today than ever before.
“The way I take care of my mental health is by taking time away from work and being with my friends and enjoying myself,” said Flowers.
According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, a 2018 study found that at any time within the last 12 months, 41% of students felt so depressed that it was difficult to function and 62% felt overwhelming anxiety.
“Due to my schedule being jam-packed due to organizations, work, and school, I have begun dedicating an hour in my day to something I call “rotting.” Rotting is a time when you do absolutely nothing, such as taking a nap and sitting in your own space. It allows me to gain some energy back after running around campus and delegating tasks. Moreover, I recently started attending therapy,” said Bates.