On Wednesday, Feb. 1, a panel of four African American students addressed the diversity they encountered while attending Salt Lake Community College.
The theme for this event was titled: “The Different Cultures and Challenges within the Black Student Body at SLCC.”
The event took place in the Oak room in the student center at the Taylorsville Redwood Campus.
The opening remarks were said by Gloria Johnson Stanton who is the Black Student Union (BSU) advisor. She spoke about the background of Black History Month and why we celebrate Black History Month.
BSU co-advisor Jack Hesleph led the discussion.
“We always have a Black History Month celebration,” said Hesleph. “This is the first event to kickoff Black History Month.”
Hesleph started by explaining what they are trying to do.
“We want every culture to feel welcome here at SLCC,” Hesleph said to his audience.
Hesleph asked the panel questions such as
- “What has been your major motivation to seek post-secondary education?”
- “Why did you choose SLCC?”
- “How could faculty, staff, and fellow students help you succeed in overcoming your challenges?”
One of Hesleph’s questions was “Culturally, what have been your challenges here at SLCC?”
This question brought about answers such as language, atmosphere in general, being one’s own advocate, sticking up oneself, and adopting to college lifestyle.
The audience also asked questions, and talked about challenges they have encountered.
“I think the panel has made a difference,” Judith Sluga, nursing student, who is from Haiti said.
“I hope the panel made a difference and opened people’s eyes,” Shekinah Stanton, physiology, and pre-medicine student said.
The event was sponsored by a collaboration of the Black Student Union, ACE (Arts and Cultural Events program), and the Multi-Cultural Diversity programming committee.
