Nineteen Fifty-Six Fall 2025 In The Black

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In the Black

Cover 2 and FALL inside ISSUEcovers photographed by Xavier Routt

Dear

Black

Students,

You do matter.

As of Fall 2025, 12.9% of students on campus identified as Black or

African American. Black students are disproportionately underrepresented

in various areas on campus and their numerous achievements and talents

deserve to be recognized.

Nineteen Fifty-Six is a Black student-led magazine that amplifies

Black voices within the University of Alabama’s community. It also seeks

to educate students from all backgrounds on culturally important issues

and topics in an effort to produce socially conscious, ethical and wellrounded

citizens.

1956MAGAZINE.UA.EDU 3

Editor-in-chief

Managing editor

Co-creative director

Co-creative director

Writing editor

Photo editor

Asst. photo editor

Asst. photo editor

Engagement editor

Public relations manager

Exec. multimedia producer

Lead stylist

Kendal Wright

Victoria Campbell

Lyric Talley

Kyra Richardson

Trinity Jenkins

Grant Sturdivant

Xavier Routt

Melanee Moore

Heaven Thomas

Arriyana Hayes

Rihanna Pointer

Marcus Davis

Contributing writers

Trinity Jenkins, Kendal Wright, Delvin McMillian,

Rihanna Pointer, Sierra McCoy, Karsten Malik

Erskine, Kyra Richardson

Contributing PR strategists

Arriyana Hayes, Heaven Thomas, Bailey Hildreth,

Erica Williams, Jordan Jones, Kendal Miller, Qierstin

Merrett, Riyan Barnett, Madison Wiley

Contributing models

Kai Akinrelere, Daeonna McGee, Braylon Wims,

Dede Davidson, Madison Wiley, Rihanna Pointer,

Nihja Scott, Jonathan Paul, Jasmyn Walden

Contributing social media strategists

Heaven Thomas, Qierstin Merrett, Jaleel Matanmi,

Erica Williams, Jordan Jones, Delvin McMillian,

Altonio Johnson

Contributing photographers

and designers

Melanee Moore, Xavier Routt, Grant Sturdivant,

Caden Avery, Savannah Coley, Marcus Davis, Lex

Williams, Lyric Talley, Kyra Richardson

Editorial Adviser

Special Thanks

Monique Fields

The Set Tuscaloosa

Nineteen Fifty-Six is published by the Office of Student Media at The University of Alabama. All content

and design are produced by students in consultation with professional staff advisers. All material contained

herein, except advertising or where indicated otherwise, is copyrighted © 2025 by Nineteen Fifty-Six

magazine. Material herein may not be reprinted without the expressed, written permission of Nineteen

Fifty-Six magazine. Editorial and Advertising offices for Nineteen Fifty-Six Magazine are located at 176

Hackberry Lane, Tuscaloosa, AL 35487. The mailing address is P.O. Box 870170, Tuscaloosa, AL 35487.

Phone: (205) 348-7257.

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instructors make Shelton State your destination for

affordable, quality education.

Enroll as a transient student today! | sheltonstate.edu | 205.391.2211

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Editor’s Note

First, I would like to thank my mother, father

and brother for encouraging me to step out of

my comfort zone and pursue a leadership role,

something I never would have done myself. Secondly, I want to

thank my amazing editorial adviser, staff and contributors for

allowing me to guide them through producing the first issue

in celebration of five years of Nineteen Fifty-Six magazine.

Ensuring the legacy of this magazine is important now

more than ever. Recent legislation has targeted spaces the

Black community holds sacred, but it is imperative that we do

what we can as a community to keep taking up space. “In The

Black” is the career issue of Nineteen Fifty-Six. I wanted this

issue to serve as inspiration as well as a place to acknowledge

students, faculty and other members of the Black community

in the South that we take up space in every avenue of

professionalism.

We interviewed Black professionals in careers across a

multitude of disciplines. We gained insight on the importance

of pursuing avenues that satisfy creative and professional

aspirations. We also shed light on the pressures Black people

face in the policing of our appearance and demeanor in the

workplace. Raphael Bostic, president of the Federal Reserve

Bank of Atlanta, shared how despite the rigor of a career,

professionals can still make time for their interests and can be

made all the better for it.

I hope that this issue resonates with the Black student

body as much as it does with me and that moving forward, we

will all be a little less scared and a lot more eager to take up

space, wherever it may be.

Kendal Wright, Editor-in-Chief


Editorial Staff

Victoria Campbell

Managing Editor

Kyra Richardson

Co-Creative Director

Lyric Talley

Co-Creative Director

Grant Sturdivant

Photography Editor

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Xavier Routt

Assistant Photography Editor

Melanee Moore

Assistant Photography Editor

Arriyana Hayes

Public Relations Manager

Heaven Thomas

Engagement Editor

Rihanna Pointer

Multimedia Editor

Trinity Jenkins

Writing Editor

Marcus Davis

Lead Stylist


14

Raphael Bostic

The President of the Federal

Reserve Bank of Atlanta shares

how his hobby, birding, keeps

him grounded in his work.

20

Leading by Example

The importance of

mentorship in the Black

community for the youth

and college students.

24

Achieving

Despite Adversity

Success has no distinct

definition. Explore the success

stories of professionals across

disciplines, the struggles they

faced and the advice they have

to share.

28

Code-switching

An account of what it is

like being Black in the

workplace and how not to

lose one’s identity.

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C

O

A History of African Royalty

32Nineteen Fifty-Six compiled

profiles of African royalty that

have been successful dating

back to pre-colonialism.

N

36

Black in Blue

A perspective on what it’s

like to be a Black police

officer after the events of

2020 in the United States.

T

E

N

T

S

46

Success

Without

Stereotypes

Navigating a predominantly

white institution can be

daunting. Students and

alumni elaborate how they

found success on campus.

54

Showcase of Success

Nineteen Fifty-Six spoke

to five students at the

University of Alabama

to showcase how they

found success.


CELEBRATING FIVE YEARS

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14 FALL ISSUE

Raphael

Bostic

How his passion for birding has kept him grounded in his work as

President of the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta.

By Kendal Wright

Photos by Stephen Nowland/Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta


Raphael Bostic loves economics and

birds. He tracks American economic

trends for a living, but in his free time,

he keeps an eye out for birds that

inhabit the skies.

At work, he serves as the president

and chief executive officer of the Federal

Reserve Bank of Atlanta, overseeing

activities within the Sixth Federal

Reserve District that spans across

Alabama, Florida, Georgia and portions

of Louisiana, Mississippi and Tennessee.

A graduate of Harvard and Stanford, he

took office in 2017, becoming the first

African-American to hold the position

since the Federal Reserve Bank system

was established in 1913.

At home, though, he watches birds.

Over the years, he has spotted countless

species of birds across continents. It’s

a calming hobby, one that is the exact

opposite of the high-pressure position

of keeping an eye on the nation’s

economy. In fact, if Bostic could be a

bird, he would be an owl.

“Owls are very observant,” Bostic

said. “They’re the type of birds that are

very impressive in how they look, very

physical.”

Birding is a hobby he happened upon

by chance during a cross-country road

trip. At the time, he said his belief in

hiking was “getting to the end of the

trail and to get back.” But his former

partner saw it more as a journey. Bostic

considered that train of thought and

paused to truly take in his surroundings.

It was then he noticed a bird bouncing

around in the brush, piquing his

curiosity. Shortly after that encounter,

he received a bird guide and feeder as

gifts.

“And that was it,” he said. “Once I

knew I could find out what these things

were and we have ways to get them to

come to the house, it just became a

hobby, an obsession.”

Over the course of his career,

Bostic has worked in education and

financial positions. He served as

director of the University of Southern

California’s master’s degree in real

estate development program and

was an assistant secretary for policy

development and research at the U.S.

Department of Housing and Urban

Development.

Navigating the business world

can be a grueling task, not unlike the

struggle endangered species endure

when their habitats are threatened.

Kirtland’s Warbler, a rare songbird

native to Michigan, makes its home in

the branches of recently burned trees.

But with recent wildlife conservation

efforts, researchers have developed

ways to prevent fires and that is slowly

destroying the birds’ home.

“And so, what has happened, because

we’ve suppressed so many fires, their

habitat to breathe has just kind of not

been created,” Bostic said.

Bostic, like many educated Black

Americans, chose a profession with high

pay and a stable demand. His career in

banking as well as his birding hobby

show that being successful and having

a full-time career does not mean that

hobbies must take the back seat. Making

time to do things that instill happiness

will not take away from productivity in

the workplace or make reaching goals

more difficult. It helps ground him.

“One of my objectives has really

Bostic holding binoculars and scanning

the skies for birds.

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On the top: A secretary bird on the Serengeti.

On the bottom: A native bird flying in Atlanta.


A mid-flight battle between a wedge-tailed and

white-bellied sea eagle.

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been to try to spend as much time in my

passion space as possible, both in terms

of work and in terms of recreation,” he

said.

Lessons are not something that can

only be learned in a college lecture hall

or during a C-suite meeting,. Sometimes

it’s hobbies that teach meaningful

lessons.

“Patience is a good way to put it,”

Bostic said. “You are going to see what

you are going to see. I also think it’s

kind of tempered my expectations to

keep me more realistic and not overly

disappointed if things don’t go my way.”

On a trip to Australia, Bostic had

taken an excursion to a marsh and

while he was hoping to see an entirely

different species of bird, he happened

upon a vulture and eagle fighting

mid-flight. The vulture tore toward

the eagle, and instead the eagle flipped

itself upside down in the air with its

talons up to fight the other bird.

“They were supposed to be there in a

way,” Bostic said.

Even though he wasn’t looking for

the vulture and the eagle, they taught

Bostic a valuable lesson. Someone may

not get what they thought they would

out of an experience. Still, they can gain

something equally if not better than

what they had envisioned. In the pursuit

of success, in the many abstract forms it

may take, the route can provide ways to

explore one’s passion even more.

“I really believe that if you are

working in places and spaces that you

love and on issues that you really care

about, the quality of your work is likely

to be better because you’re more willing

to go the extra mile.”

“I REALLY BELIEVE

THAT IF YOU ARE

WORKING IN PLACES

AND SPACES THAT

YOU LOVE ON ISSUES

YOU CARE ABOUT,

THE QUALITY OF

YOUR WORK IS

LIKELY TO BE BETTER

BECAUSE YOU’RE

MORE WILLING TO

GO THE EXTRA MILE.”

-RAPHAEL BOSTIC


L EADING

by Example

By Delvin McMillian

Mentorship has been a part of Black

communities for generations, and

it has been a driving force for Black

people. A mentor can be the pastor of a church,

the local barber, the football coach or simply

anyone that can provide some sort of guidance

or leadership. Today, Black mentors continue to

come in these different forms. However, in the

last five decades, the direction of Black men and

women has shifted. It is important that Black

students receive positive guidance from others

so that they can pass it down to young people

who will come after them. Mentorship for Black

youth should begin early, so they can grow up

with strong, positive leaders and role models to

guide them.

Communication is one of the key factors in

the development of youth, requiring networking

and building connections, which can also be

highly beneficial for young Black men pursuing

specific careers. Mental health is also something

to really pay attention to in the Black community.

There are some young people who are taught

from an early age to always be tough and never

show their emotions.

Some Black men have never adequately

been taught how to handle their emotions, and

therefore, this leads to suppressing certain

feelings, unhealthy coping mechanisms, and

cycles of anger or silence that could affect their

personal lives.

It’s essential for Black men to actively

uplift and support Black women, particularly

considering the negative portrayals they often

face in media and music. Certain rap songs

have contributed to this issue by perpetuating

harmful stereotypes and disrespectful language.

For example, Future’s track “Slick Talk” includes

lyrics that demean women, reinforcing narratives

that can shape how women perceive themselves

and one another. These messages don’t just

echo in the music; they ripple through culture,

relationships and self-worth. For Black youth, it’s

essential to know how to control their emotions,

and to have a support system that helps with

both physical and mental health. Community

service is also an opportunity for Black youth to

give back, build trust, community and change

lives.

In a mentee-mentor relationship, the

mentor and mentee need to establish a strong

relationship and build trust, and communication

plays a massive part in this as well.

Dru Otis, a freshman and part of the

University of Alabama’s BRIDGE organization,

said it’s all about developing trust. Otis said,

“The best way to gain trust is by showing

through actions,” Before joining the BRIDGE,

Otis and a lot of others were skeptical about the

BRIDGE programs.

These are usually certain typical traits, when

it comes to a mentee-mentor relationship. The

enough to start opening up to their mentor.

The BRIDGE program, which includes

Bridge Builders and other staff members in the

organization, offers students mentorship and

facilitates fun, engaging conversations that

students enjoy and can relate to. This is all a part

of communication, which facilitates networking

and building connections with others. BRIDGE

is an organization that also helps create career

opportunities for students and provides

scholarships. This all stems from networking and

creating relationships with the right people.

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There are also many other Black

organizations and clubs like BRIDGE that help

create significant opportunities for young Black

students to succeed. Like BRIDGE, the Black

Student Union is also a great mentee-mentor

organization that also helps create great success

for all Black students.

Olivia Costley, a sophomore double majoring

in psychology and human development, said

mentorship is a large part of the BSU.

Costley considers BSU to be what she calls a

“home away from home,” and she emphasized

the importance of how many people who first

join BSU are still learning their surroundings,

especially among some out-of-state students.

They are primarily students who are new to

everything and are not going to be susceptible to

their new environment easily. For some, it may

take a minute for them to let loose. Costley said

members of the executive board of BSU make

sure to treat every new member like family and

help them feel accepted.

There is also a mentor-mentee organization

affiliated with BSU, called BSU First-Year Liaison,

which helps students become incredible leaders

and assists in creating career opportunities.

Mentorship also touches on mental health.

There are a lot of people who deal with mental

health, especially celebrities who must deal with

the expectations of the world.

Naomi Osaka, a professional tennis player, is

one of the greatest players in the sport, but there

was a period in her career when she had to step

back due to mental health issues.

Osaka announced in a 2021 via an Instagram

post that she would step back from the French

Open to focus on her mental health. She states

“IT’S IMPORTANT

THAT KIDS WITH

GOOD ROLE MODELS

ARE ABLE TO LOOK

FORWARD TO PEOPLE

WHO ARE POSITIVE

AND HEADED

TOWARDS THE

RIGHT PATH.”

-KAMIYIS JACKSON


that “The truth is that I have suffered long bouts

of depression,” she said.

For some young Black youth, they are also

taught to be tough and to suppress their

emotions and how they feel, and this also ends up

having a significant effect on them, as they evolve

into adults.

Mentorship programs for young Black youth

should emphasize both emotional well-being

and community engagement. Encouraging open

conversations and teaching healthy coping

strategies can strengthen relationships with

family, friends, and significant others. At the

same time, instilling the value of community

service helps youth understand the importance

of giving back and contributing positively to

their communities.

This also helps with building connections

as well. Community service can also involve

participating in blood drives, volunteering at

food banks, assisting with yard work, and helping

at elementary schools.

It’s essential also to give guidance to the

younger generations. F.O.R.G.E. and the Eta Chi

Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc.,

recently worked together at the Martin Luther

King Jr. Elementary to go out and help volunteer

in classrooms.

Kamiyis Jackson, a senior majoring in Finance

& Reale Estate and member of Kappa Alpha Psi

Fraternity, Inc., said Black youth need more Black

leaders and role models who help lead them in a

positive direction.

“It’s important that kids with good role

models be able to look forward to people who

are positive and headed towards the right path,”

Jackson said.

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Photo by Grant Sturdivant


chieving

Despite

dversity

ABy Sierra McCoy

Graphics by Elena/Adobe Stock

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Photo by wolterke - stock.adobe.com

Representation at a predominantly white

institution can feel limited and it has become

increasingly important for students to have fellow

peers they can look up to. It’s not uncommon for

incoming students to feel lost when searching for

community. They might also feel discouraged from

making academic and philanthropic efforts when

they don’t know where to look.

Finding a community is crucial to a student’s

successful college journey. Seeing people that

one resembles in positions one aspires to be in

can encourage them to begin their own path of

success. While that path might not be as linear for

Black students. Some students have found success

through organizations they have joined. Showcasing

the highlights of Black students and faculty can

inspire current and future Black students at the

University of Alabama to aspire towards success.

Several students on campus exemplify this across

majors and extracurriculars.

Gabby Kirk, a senior majoring in history, is

heavily involved on campus both philanthropically

and academically. Kirk is a sister of Alpha Kappa

Alpha Sorority Incorporated as well as a member of

UA College Democrats and Blackburn Institute.

Kirk found most of her success by becoming

involved with organizations around campus before

joining. Joining her sorority has contributed to

her academic and philanthropic successes. AKA

encourages its members to aim for high academic

standards. Mentors within the organization uplift

its members with advice for their paths to success.

“It’s actually part of our mission statement that

the purpose of Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority is to

cultivate high scholastic and academic standards.

We actually have a history of some of our founders

being educators and becoming future deans of

colleges. This entire thing of academic excellence is

embedded within our organization,” Kirk said.

Kirk also encourages new Black students looking

for community to become involved in National

Pan-Hellenic Council organizations. Whether that

is a student looking to join one themselves or just

getting involved with the eight active Divine Nine

organizations have to offer even for Black students

that don’t want to be members.

“Even for people who aren’t interested in being

Greek, D9 can still serve a purpose of community,”

Kirk said.

“You have this certain type of reputation that in

order to come to our events, you have to want to be

Greek, but that’s not true. We’re currently trying

to figure out ways of how to appeal to audiences

even though they’re not interested in being Greek.

Because at the end of the day, we’re still Black. Take

away the letters and we’re still Black. It definitely

can be an area of community,” Kirk said.

Black Greek organizations on campus have


many events and seminars that put a concentrated

focus on achieving academic and personal success.

Kirk felt that Greek organizations can offer

opportunities of achievement for Black students

that they might not have had knowledge of. Kirk

is involved in many organizations and utilizes

its resources to gather her many accolades as a

successful student.

Jasmine Thomas is a Student Success Program

Manager at the Culverhouse College of Business

and an executive board member of the Black Faculty

and Staff Association. Thomas prioritized involving

herself in many extracurricular activities growing

up. Thomas also played on the women’s basketball

team at her university all four years of her

undergraduate studies. She has always aspired to be

in a position of leadership and help others.

“When I was growing up, especially in college

I mean, we had a few organizations, but I went to

a very small school, and we didn’t have as many

opportunities to be around like our peers as you

all do here. And I just try to use every opportunity

I can to like, build leaders and just to be a positive

representation of like, what students can be, and

just give them the possibility of like what they can

be in life in general, and just give back,” Thomas

said.

Thomas feels that education has given her the

drive to continue to be a light to students. She

wants to use that light to help guide students on

their own journey through higher education. Even

though the University of Alabama is a PWI, she

feels that students of this generation have more

opportunities to connect with people within their

community.

“You have to really be your own advocate and just

find your own places of belonging. Even as staff and

faculty, BFSA has been an organization where I can

feel like I have like-minded individuals and people

that look like me around me as a professional,”

Thomas said.

Jaylon Brooks is a former intern and future

seasonal producer at NFL Films. During his

undergraduate years, he volunteered as a mentor

and joined WVUA 23’s media department, a

commercial television station owned and operated

by the University of Alabama. WVUA 23 is where

Brooks covered sports and created podcasts. One

of Brooks’ biggest highlights is his work with the

Alabama Women’s Hockey team, which gained his

attention and has contributed to his offer with NFL

Films.

Brooks road to graduation faced a few bumps

in the road, with a section of his undergraduate

years being thrown off course due to the COVID-19

pandemic. Brooks, despite that, put an emphasis

on how important it is to network within your

community and to have discipline with yourself to

26 FALL ISSUE

“IF THERE’S A 1% CHANCE

OF INTEREST, JUST DO IT.”

-JAYLON BROOKS

achieve success.

“If there’s a 1% chance of interest, just do it. Just

see if you like it. And if you don’t like it, you don’t

have to keep doing it,” Brooks said.

Brooks also wrote news stories covering Alabama

sports like football and women’s soccer his junior

year. He was also the senior writer for articles

covering the women’s basketball team during his

senior year. One of the biggest challenges to Brooks

achieving success was him not getting out enough

during his early years in undergrad. Brooks wants

current students to know that getting out there

and knowing what groups and communities are on

campus can truly help with not only their academic

success, but success outside of college as well.

“In my opinion, like, not just like college, but

life in general, like the more and more genuine

connections by social networking and getting out

there and experiencing life in itself and talking to

other people each connection you make opens up a

new door,” Brooks said.


An essay on

ode-switching

CBy Trinity Jenkins

Photo by Xavier Routt

28 FALL ISSUE

Being Black at work is rarely a

simple experience. For many

professionals it means more

than just showing up, clocking in and

delivering results. It means doing the

work while also managing feelings,

battling stereotypes and carrying the

weight of representation.

The workplace is supposed to

be a space where talent and skill

drive opportunity, but for Black

employees there are often extra

layers that complicate what should be

straightforward.

When people think of discrimination,

they often picture overt acts like racial

slurs or outright denial of promotions.

While those situations still exist, the

more common form of discrimination

today comes in subtle ways. It is offhand

remarks about hair being different.

It is the shock at how professional or

articulate someone sounds in a meeting.

It is the curiosity over food brought

for lunch that suddenly turns into

labeling something weird or exotic.

These micro aggressions may seem

harmless to the person making the

comment, but they chip away at Black

employees over time.

Each instance serves as a reminder

that the workplace is not an even

playing field. The constant awareness

of these slights can create stress and

tension, forcing Black workers to either

address them and risk being labeled

sensitive or let them slide and silently

shoulder the frustration.

Another common challenge is the

sense of isolation that comes from being

one of the few Black people in the room,

or sometimes the only one. In these


30 FALL ISSUE

spaces, representation can feel both

powerful and heavy. Black professionals

are often expected to speak for an entire

community, even though one person

cannot carry that responsibility.

When mistakes happen, they do

not always feel personal. Instead, they

feel magnified as if they reinforce

stereotypes that already exist in

the minds of coworkers. Conversely,

when success happens it is sometimes

discounted.

Promotions or accolades are credited

to diversity initiatives rather than to

individual merit and hard work. That

sense of invisibility and hyper-visibility

at the same time is exhausting. It

makes the workplace feel less like a

place of belonging and more like a

stage performance where every move is

scrutinized.

Perhaps the most talked about and

deeply felt aspect of being Black in

professional environments is the act of

code-switching. Code-switching is the

practice of changing the way you speak,

dress, act or present yourself in order to

fit into the dominant culture.

For many Black professionals

it means adjusting how you use

slang, controlling your tone or even

modifying your hairstyle to meet

expectations of professionalism. At its

core, code-switching is about survival.

Black workers often feel pressure to

conform to be taken seriously, avoid

bias and minimize the chance of being

stereotyped. A job interview might mean

smoothing out an accent.

In preparing a big presentation one

might avoid cultural references that

colleagues will not understand. Even

casual workplace banter can feel like a

minefield if authenticity risks alienation.

While code-switching can be

effective, it comes with a heavy

emotional cost. It requires constant

vigilance and self-monitoring, which

drains energy that could be devoted to

actual work. It also forces employees to

compartmentalize parts of themselves,

leaving pieces of their identity at the

door in exchange for acceptance.

Over time, that can lead to burnout,

diminished job satisfaction and a

loss of authenticity. At the heart of

many of these issues is the concept of

professionalism itself. Too often, what

is considered professional is simply a

reflection of white cultural norms.

Natural hairstyles like braids or locs

are judged as less professional than

straight hair, even though they are

natural and healthy expressions of Black

identity.

Speech patterns and accents are

labeled unprofessional if they do not

match what is common in white spaces.

The standard is not neutral, and that

double standard forces Black employees

to make constant adjustments to be

accepted.

Despite these hurdles, Black

professionals continue to thrive.

They bring creativity, resilience

and invaluable perspectives to their

organizations. They innovate, lead and

find ways to shine even when carrying

extra weight. But thriving should not

require carrying a double load.

True inclusion means making

workplaces where authenticity is

welcomed and differences are valued as

strengths, not liabilities.

Companies that want to live up to

its promises of diversity, equity and

inclusion must move beyond surface

gestures. Hosting a cultural potluck or

celebrating a holiday once a year is not

enough.

The real work lies in reshaping

corporate culture, rethinking what

professionalism means, and creating

space for all employees to feel safe

and supported in being themselves at

work. That means training managers

to recognize bias, holding leadership

accountable for representation at every

level, and ensuring that advancement

is tied to performance rather than

stereotypes.

There is also power in comunity.

Employee resource groups and affinity

networks give Black professionals a place

to connect, share experiences and push

for change within their organizations.

Mentorship programs can make the

path less isolating by offering guidance

and representation. Allies play a role

too, by using their influence to speak up

against microaggressions, advocate for

policy changes and amplify the voices of

those who are too often overlooked.

Progress is not quick, but it is

happening. Each time someone

chooses not to code-switch in a

meeting, each time a colleague calls

out a microaggression, each time a

company examines its definition of

professionalism, the culture shifts

a little. These small moments build

momentum, moving the workplace

closer to equity and authenticity.

Being Black at work should not

feel like holding two jobs. The hope is

that one day Black employees will not

need to juggle survival strategies while

pursuing success. They will be able

to step into their roles fully, with the

confidence that their talent and identity

can coexist without compromise. Until

then, the balancing act continues, but

the conversation is growing louder, and

with it, the push for change.

“WHILE CODE-

SWITCHING

CAN BE

EFFECTIVE,

IT COMES

WITH A HEAVY

EMOTIONAL

COST.”

-TRINITY JENKINS


A HISTORY OF

R

FRICAN

AND BLACK

OYALTY

By Kyra Richardson

32 FALL ISSUE

In traditional American education, the history of African royalty is subject

that often goes overlooked. However, from the foods to the music and to their

kingdoms, Africa is a continent with a rich and vibrant history that is worth

exploring.

Although most African territories currently operate under a republic

government system, some territories, like Lesotho, Morocco and Eswatini in southern

Africa, currently employ a monarchic system. Monarchies were much more common

in pre-colonial Africa than they are today.

In the American conscience, Africa as a continent is often characterized by its

lack of development or so-called primitive way of life. This is mostly due to African

history in America being told and written by Europeans visiting or residing in the

continent to profit on its people, land, or resources. Africa’s decolonization process

that began primarily after World War II, working in the wake of foreign rule and

influence, saw a large deconstruction of fully sovereign monarchies. Though many

monarchies exist today, many of them operate under a larger republic system of

government.


Queen of Sheba

9

05

BCE

1

312

1

062

Tunka Manin

A ruler of the Ghana Empire, Tunka

Manin is known as a humble ruler. He

is described as a lover of justice and

spent much of his time with the local

community and improving the economy

through trade.

The Queen of Sheba, whose real

name is unknown, has ambiguous roots.

In the Bible, Qur’an, and Ethiopian

culture, she is most referred to when

discussing her travel to King Solomon.

There she asked him riddles and

listened to his many wisdoms.

34 FALL ISSUE

Mansa Musa

Ruler of Mali is recorded to be the

wealthiest person in all of history. He

was said to have incredible generosity; a

trait he used during his travels to garner

attention from North African and

European nations.

Of all his duties during his reign, Mansa

Musa is most prominently known

for his great journey to Mecca, Saudi

Arabia where he was accompanied by 60

thousand men, including 12 thousand

enslaved, and 80 camels, each with 300

pounds of gold. Mansa Musa was sure

to travel well-armed and decorated

to notarize both himself and his

territories. During this journey, Mansa

Musa conquered Gao, the capitol of the

Songhai empire in West Africa. It is said

Mansa Musa turned the city, along with

another Songhai city Timbuktu, into

booming trade cities in North Africa. It

is in Timbuktu, Mali where Mansa Musa

had the Great Mosque built, a location

revered as a UNESCO World Heritage

site in 1988.

Meghan Markle

Shaka Zulu

1

816

2

018

Following her career as American

actress, married into the British royal

family upon her union with Prince

Harry, the former Duke of Sussex. The

couple however relieved themselves

from the royal titles in 2020.

Before she was the duchess of

Sussex, Meghan Markle might have been

most known for her role as Rachel Zane

in USA Network’s Suits, a legal dramedy

television series. Her relationship

with her now-husband Prince Harry,

duke of Sussex, was not known to the

public until tabloids discovered the

couple during a getaway in Botswana.

Then, and into their marriage in 2018,

Markle received a hoard of derogatory,

offensive, and often racist remarks

from the public. Markle however would

remain with her title and place in the

royal family despite the British press

and others suspecting a rift between

herself and other members of the royal

family. Tensions around Markle rose

until it was announced in March of 2020

that she and Prince Harry would be

relieving themselves of their royal titles.

The couple now resides in California

with their two children, Prince Archie

and Princess Lilibet.

Ruler of Zulu, a nation located in

southeastern South Africa, Shaka’s

reign from 1816 to 1828, is most notably

remembered for its extraordinary

military presence, established under his

rule.

According to USAFacts.org, Black people

make up just 18.2% of the U.S. government.

This recount is to remind Black Americans

they are capable of anything. Black

Americans have a personal and dear

experience growing up in the states, but

it is important to observe Black excellence

and success in a home that may seem far

away now.


B

LACK

IN

LUE

What it’s like to be a Black

police officer after 2020.

BBy Karsten Malik Erskine

The tension between Black

Americans and policing has

been a known reality since its

birth nearly two centuries ago. While

police departments serve an important

role in protecting the lives and interests

of the citizens it represents, it has an

equally important history of treating

those same citizens in dramatically

different ways according to their

complexion. With such a precarious

perception in much of the American

consciousness, how then does one decide

to become a part of such an institution?

How does the Black experience factor

into working a profession that many

consider to be in opposition to Black

America as a whole?

It is a widely accepted belief that

policing in the United States owes its

36 FALL ISSUE

origin to slave patrols – a body that

enforced the system of racial oppression

by capturing and returning escaped

slaves, suppressing uprisings, and

enforcing slave codes. While holding

truth in part, the more accurate reality

is that policing as its own institution

existed across the U.S. alongside slave

patrols, which dominated the South

specifically, according to a 2023 article

by the National Association of Scholars.

By no means does this discount the

long and bloody history of police and

state violence against Black people in

the U.S. Such a stained past paints the

way Black Americans have learned to

perceive law enforcement and go about

interacting with it.

Some, however, feel called to take it

upon themselves to reshape the system

from within, to form an institution that

truly “protects and serves” all citizens

equally.

Carla Longmire, Stillman College

Police Department Chief of Police, has

worked in law enforcement since 1986,

beginning her career with the city of

Mobile.

“It actually kind of found me,”

Longmire said. The police department

was one of a few jobs she had applied

for on a personnel board as a college

student.

“As I got in it and started working

in it, it was a great fit, because I

come from humble beginnings, and

humanitarianism is just deeply rooted in

me,” she said.

But the fit of the job did not

ultimately prevent some reckoning of it

“ONE, I HAD TO PROVE TO

MY COMMUNITY THAT I’M

STILL ME. I’M STILL JUST

A HUMAN. I’M STILL THE

CARLA THAT YOU KNOW, I

JUST HAVE A JOB TO DO.”

-CARLA LONGMIRE

Graphic by Art by Nytlyts

with Longmire’s intersectional identity.

“One, I had to prove to my community

that I’m still me. I’m still just a human.

I’m still the Carla that you know, I just

have a job to do.” Longmire said.

By the same token, she had to prove

to the police department that she

was one of them. “So, that was really

something always on the forefront of my

mind” she said.

This balance of identity with duty

is one that Longmire has spent her

career perfecting, and one she said

was essential as it related to many

departments’ renewed focus on the

guiding philosophy of Community-

Oriented Policing, or COP.

“It all comes down to the same thing,

respect and trust,” she said. “We need to

do this together,” Longmire said.

Under this model, officers work in

tandem with the community rather

than lording over it to solve issues and

prevent crime. This philosophy has been

one that has been adapted in many ways

and emphasized to various extents by

different departments, but some have

solidified the ideal in specialized roles

for officers.

Officer Marshall Wade, a member

of the University of Alabama Police

Department, APD, works as a community

relations officer and described his

motivation for the career as “a desire to

serve.”

“This job is not very different from

my previous profession in ministry,”

Wade said. “And that is just having

a desire to serve, right, having a

servant heart. You go out on a call

understanding that the most important

thing on that call is not who’s going

to jail and who’s not, but hoping that

everybody can leave there better than

when I showed up.”

Using the community policing

framework, Wade works with his K-9,

Kenny, whose principle job calls not for

a keen nose, but a wagging tail. The

main goal of this more focused role is to

build positive bridges between campus

police and students, and for Kenny in

particular, that means, “a lot of pets and

human interaction.”

“A lot of times, people don’t feel

very comfortable talking to police

officers even when they need to, and so


hopefully, with them knowing a police

officer personally, that’ll help them have

a place to go if they have questions,”

Wade said.

But he also focused on a crucial word

as it pertains to the Black experience

with policing in particular:

“Dignity. That’s another word that I

think is important too, you know, always

wanting to preserve people’s dignity,

because no matter who they are, where

they come from, what they did. They are

still human beings, and they still deserve

respect,” Wade said.

Longmire and Wade said the common

alignment toward human connection

in law enforcement reshapes not only

the methods through which the job is

performed, but also what perceptions

people have of the institution itself.

“I think our purpose is to create an

environment where people feel safe and

they can thrive,” Wade said, “it’s really

hard to thrive when you’re worried

about your own personal safety.”

“We’re partners,” Longmire said. “We

can’t keep the community safe without

you.”

Photo courtesy of UA Strategic Communications

38 FALL ISSUE


Wor

Li

Bala

40 FALL ISSUE

Graphic by Nadzeya Pakhomava/Adobe Stock

k

A photo essay

Nineteen Fifty-Six photographed students in creative and

traditional work wear outside of Angelo Bruno Business Library.

Photos by Grant Sturdivant

fe

nce1956MAGAZINE.UA.EDU 41

42 FALL ISSUE


44 FALL ISSUE


SUCCESS

WITHOUT

STEREOTYPES

Four women give their insight on pursuing careers.

By Rihanna Pointer

46 FALL ISSUE

Lindsay Benton teaching a dance class.

Photo Courtesy of Lindsay Benton


DANCE

Lindsay Benton, a dance

professor at the University

of Alabama, was born into an

artistic family in Ohio. She discovered

her passion for dance through tap

classes before branching into

modern and jazz forms.

“I just couldn’t stop moving,” Benton

said.

In her teenage years, she found ways

to integrate dance even during sports.

Her decision was clear. She would study

at Howard University despite other

opportunities. After performing with

renowned companies, including the

Alonzo King LINES Ballet, she returned

home craving creative control. “That’s

when I really dove into choreographing,”

Benton said.

Her choice wasn’t about defying

convention but embracing what felt

natural, creating tangible art from

imagination rather than paperwork or

routines that stifled expression. “Why

wouldn’t I choose a career where

creativity matters?” she asked.

Benton said her identity as a Black

woman shaped both the art she has

created and how she navigated

challenges. She valued being part of

collaborative teams that pushed creative

boundaries while honoring legacy.

“Representation matters,” she said,

noting how social media can amplify

negativity about underrepresented

groups.

Her work aimed to counter this by

showcasing positive examples of

people like herself, an intentional choice

shaped by family stories and future

generations.

While acknowledging systemic

barriers for Black creatives, especially

those pursuing unconventional paths,

Benton said she believes her creativity

transcends fields.

48 FALL ISSUE

“If I was good at something else?

Probably creative there, too,” she

said.

Her focus remains on growth

through purposeful projects rather than

chasing one “dream job.” She remains

open to possibilities where artistic voice

thrives alongside community impact.

Benton cited several standout

projects that showcased her artistic

growth and impact, including directing

the

movement for Anthony Hamilton’s

music video “Clean,” a collaboration

with an all-female Black creative team

celebrating Black women.

“It meant everything to give voice to

this message,” Benton said, noting how

“YOU CAN

TEACH

SOMEONE TO

TURN, BUT YOU

CAN’T TEACH

THEM TO

GLOW.”

-LINDSAY BENTON

she casted her own mother-in-law in the

piece.

Another pivotal moment came when

Fatima Robinson choreographed

Beyoncé’s “Black Is King.” Reflecting

on that intense process, Benton said,

“The images we created. I’m proud of

being part of that visual history.”

She also discussed society’s

perception of unconventional careers

versus

traditional paths, specifically how

raising eyebrows about dance as a

major at Howard University underscored

assumptions about viability and

compensation.

“People didn’t understand it was still

intellectual work,” Benton explained.

Seeing dancers mentor others like

herself provided evidence that

representation inspires possibility

beyond doubt or preconceived limits.

Benton advised aspiring Black

dancers to focus on innate qualities like

personality and passion, not just

technical perfection. “You can teach

someone to turn,” she said, “but you

can’t teach them to glow.”

She warned against social media’s

misleading portrayal of dance careers,

where only highlight reels exist but real

work involves persistence and practice

behind the scenes.

She saw success as a journey, not just

achievement, but maintaining

authenticity while pursuing

fulfillment.

“Be audacious in being yourself,”

she said. For Black students specifically

that means thriving despite obstacles by

prioritizing joy alongside purpose.

Her message was clear. Creative

people should embrace what sets

them apart rather than conforming to

expectations, whether from family or

society.


LAW

Montre Carodine, a professor

at the University of Alabama

School of Law said her

journey to a profession in law deviated

from traditional paths.

“I wasn’t immediately drawn to

practicing law right after my bar exam,”

Carodine said. “A clerkship with a circuit

court judge helped me realize I wanted

a career in teaching, rather than being

solely a practitioner.”

Carodine said she takes pride in

excelling academically, graduating

near the top of her class at Tulane

Law School while writing law review

articles, clerking for a federal judge and

practicing at one of the world’s top firms

before securing teaching positions at

prestigious institutions.

“I’m proud to be the first Black

woman to achieve tenure here,”

Carodine said. “But what matters more

is that I won’t be the last.”

Even today she has goals. “There are

books I want to write, articles waiting

for completion,” Carodine said.

For her, success isn’t defined by what

she hasn’t done yet, but by continuing

forward with purpose. Carodine said her

identity as a Black woman, particularly

within traditional spaces like the legal

field, impacted her experiences.

She recognized the challenges

of being a minority, yet she also

highlighted how these challenges have

motivated her growth and resilience.

Her identity, for example, has been

perceived both positively and negatively.

Regardless, Carodine said she

embraces her identity as a source

of strength and pride, shaping her

resilience, creativity, and ability to

thrive in various situations. “I find that

my identity a great asset,” she said.

Carodine said she faced challenges

as a young Black woman teaching

50 FALL ISSUE

Photo courtesy of Montre Carodine

law; specifically, the need to navigate

situations where students didn’t always

presume her competence, yet she

managed to excel despite the obstacles.

She encountered societal perceptions

of Black people in traditional fields,

noting that stereotypes can vary.

For example, the “angry Black

woman” stereotype, is often applied to

Black women in law, highlighting the

potential double standards they may

face for being assertive.

She emphasized the need for

Black people in professional settings

to balance advocacy while remaining

cognizant of societal biases.

Carodine offered practical advice

to Black students interested in

“YOU REALLY

WANT TO

THINK ABOUT

ACHIEVING

AS MUCH AS

YOU CAN,

WORKING AS

HARD AS YOU

CAN, DOING AS

WELL AS

YOU CAN.”

-MONTRE CARODINE

law, emphasizing strong academic

performance and preparation from

an early age. “You really want to think

about achieving as much as you can,

working as hard as you can, doing as well

as you can,” she said.

She also encouraged students to

believe in their potential, reminding

them that they belong in these fields

despite any doubts society might project

onto them.

She advised against negative selfperceptions

like feeling unwelcome or

unworthy of conventional careers. “You

do belong here,” she said.

“I would just encourage them to

aim high, to remember that they are

exceptionally talented,” Carodine said.

“They should tap into those talents, that

no matter how difficult it gets and there

is an amazing legal career out there for

them.”

Carodine’s definition of success

is personal yet purposeful, measured

by pursuing her goals while inspiring

others along the way. But for Black

students, she said “they must define

success for themselves.”


THEATER

Luvada Harrison’s path from

opera to academia reflects a

career shaped by passion and

practicality. Born in Baltimore, she

became the first college graduate in her

family of five after earning a vocal music

education degree at Towson University.

Her initial focus was classical

singing, inspired by high school

symphony concerts where voices carried

over orchestras without amplification.

“That’s what hooked me,” she said.

Starting as a chorus member for

the Annapolis Opera Company, she

eventually moved to New York for

nearly two decades of professional work,

including tours across the United States

and Europe.

But the impact of 9/11 slowed

performances temporarily, prompting

her doctoral studies at the University

of Alabama where teaching voice

within theater and dance departments

allowed dual careers, performing while

instructing students on musical theater

and commercial contemporary styles

through workshops like Shenandoah

Conservatory’s six-week program.

She advised against conventional vs.

unconventional career debates. “Music

chose me,” she said. “It set me apart.”

“I don’t think that I would have

struggled more in a conventional field.

And I say that mainly because as an

artist, as a musician, my organizational

skills, and that I have an ear for voices

and different sounds,” Harrison said.

Now balancing performance with

pedagogy lets her mentor others

through lived experience, a testament

that unorthodox paths can sustain

long-term success when grounded both

artistically and academically.

Harrison’s journey highlighted

the versatility of a musical career,

from opera to theater, performance

52 FALL ISSUE

Photo courtesy of Luvada Harrison

and academia. A Carnegie Hall debut,

an episode of “Sex and the City,”

collaborating in the creation of a new

musical, and a future reading in Italy are

just a few high points.

Recounting her experiences as

a Black woman in a predominantly

white field, Harrison faced challenges

like being told she was “too fat for a

romantic lead” in the opera, but she

persevered by maintaining faith in her

talent.

“It’s for my own mental health

and stability,” she said. “I knew it had

something to do with me being Black.

I also knew it had something to do

with my size. But I could not let that

stop me from forging ahead to work to

“I WOULD SAY

THAT SUCCESS

FOR ME IS

THAT I HAVE

STUDENTS

THAT ARE

OUT BEING

SUCCESSFUL.”

-LUVADA HARRISON

accomplish what it is that I wanted to

accomplish.”

“There’s a lot of praying and

calling on God for the strength to

still you know, to continue to work to

build my talent, develop my talent,

and continue to pursue continuing

to find those opportunities to be able

to sing,” Harrison said. “I can share

that experience, that knowledge, and

continue to learn with folks that are in

school and coming up behind me.”

Her experiences navigating barriers

served as an inspiration for future

artists.

She emphasized the importance of

support from loved ones and teachers.

“I actually have four students that

continue to communicate with me,”

Harrison said.

Harrison defined her idea of success.

“I would also say that success for me is

that I have students that are out being

successful,” she said.

Harrison offered invaluable advice

which implores Black students to work

hard, have a plan, and don’t compare

oneself to others.

“Never accept that you’re not good

enough,” she said.


HO

U

54 FALL ISSUE

WCASE

CCESS of

Nineteen Fifty-Six interviewed five students

across a spectrum of majors at the University

of Alabama about how they achieved success on

campus.

These are their experiences.


FASHION

56 FALL ISSUE

Photo by Grant Sturdivant

IAN

MOSLEY

Creating a brand

By Kendal Wright

Ian Mosley, a senior majoring in

marketing at The University of

Alabama is the owner and creator

of Rough Riches. A clothing brand that

he rebranded in February 2023.

“I created Rough Riches so people

can wear confidence, faith, and purpose

on their chests as a visible reminder that

you got this.” Mosley said.

Born out of Mosley’s need for selfexpression,

Rough Riches embodies his

inner self.

His first steps into the fashion

world were painting shirts or hats

with stencils and that was when he

saw people liked his artistic vision. His

hand-made designs got popular to a

point where the demand outweighed

his supply, and he started searching

for a manufacturer. He was finally able

to bring his vision to life on a grander

scale.

Mosley said fashion was something

he wanted to explore his whole life,

“Because I feel like I always been this

type of person.”

He touched on issues that he ran into

over the course of running his brand.

“Honestly, I do feel like it’s still a

one-man show,” Mosley said. “Everyone

wants to keep things to themselves, so

I’ve never been the type to run behind

somebody just to find out something,

I’ve always been tight and that’s what

my brand stands for. I’m going to go get

it myself.”

The competitive nature of running

a clothing brand makes it hard to find

those who are willing to share advice on

how to break into the industry. A Zippia

report stated that Black designers make

up 7.3% of all fashion designers in the

United States. According to a 2020

survey conducted at Cornell University,

53% of Black fashion designers reported

difficulty establishing industry

connections. The same survey indicated

that 88% of Black fashion designers

often and occasionally experienced lack

of support from their community.

Raised in LaGrange, Georgia, Mosley

said bullying was commonplace in his

high school.

“I feel like a lot of people got bullied

because they didn’t follow the way, but

I really didn’t care about that part,”

Mosley said.

A time where it feels like fitting in

is the number one priority, those who

were unapologetically themselves were

ostracized. When constant evolving

trends make it hard to fit in, Mosley

prioritized creating something different

despite this.

The brand features a variety of

unique prints and designs across

sweatshirts, sweatpants sweaters and

more. Rough Riches is sold in physical

locations in TownMall of Westminster

in Baltimore, Maryland and Arbor Place

Mall in Douglasville, Georgia.

Mosley encouraged anyone who’s

passionate about what they want to

never give up.

“Whatever dreams and aspirations

that you have, keep on,” Mosley said. “So,

if you do want to shop with my brand,

make sure that it’s in the forefront of

your mind every time you put it on.”

“WHATEVER

DREAMS AND

ASPIRATIONS

THAT YOU

HAVE, KEEP

ON.”

-IAN MOSLEY


LAW

“THE CRIMINAL

JUSTICE FIELD

GIVES BLACK

WOMEN

SPACE TO BE

OURSELVES.”

-MALEA BENJAMIN

Photo courtesy of Malea Benjamin

58 FALL ISSUE

MALEA

BENJAMIN

Breaking barriers

Malea Benjamin, a secondyear

law student at the

University of Alabama, grew

up in Pell City, Alabama where she faced

various degrees of racism. Raised by

her single mother whom instilled in her

confidence while raising her with strict

expectations.

Benjamin wanted to build an

environment with more Black women

around college, “I was really excited

to go to college, especially to be more

around Black women.”

Benjamin graduated in May of 2024

with degrees in Communication Studies

and Political Science before starting law

school.

Benjamin applied for UA Law

School during her senior year after

always knowing she wanted a legal

career focused on criminal justice

reform, particularly advocating for

underrepresented communities while

navigating historically white spaces

within the legal system.

“Whether that be starting off as a

public defender or wherever I would

like to stay in the southeast to kind of

combat the injustices in the criminal

justice system and things like that,”

Benjamin said.

“One of the biggest things I

think affecting Black Americans

disproportionately is the criminal

justice system and how, you know,

I would say Black Americans are

specifically targeted and things like that.

So that’s kind of what drove me to want

to be a lawyer,” Benajmin said.

“I think being a Black woman in a

predominantly white space is a challenge

enough, but I think especially in a space

By Rihanna Pointer

where I think people are so used to

things being the way they are, and me

being someone that has always wanted

to challenge that has been kind of a

struggle,” Benjamin said.

“One of the biggest things that really

affected me coming into undergrad was

wanting to be part of organizations,” she

said. “But when I went and saw all these

faces, none looked like me.”

Benjamin found solace in joining

the Theta Sigma Chapter of Alpha

Kappa Alpha Incorporated during her

freshman year, her first real taste of

sisterhood among Black women after

navigating UA’s predominantly white

spaces.

Her sorority sisters understood

systemic racism without needing

explanations, something unfamiliar in

high school.

Yet even this safe space had

limitations when venturing beyond

National Pan-Hellenic Council circles

into Student Government Association or

honor societies where few Black women

existed.

“It was hard pushing against systems

so used to being stuck where they

were and being around people who

are just like them,” she said. “And so

just navigating the space as someone

who kind of doesn’t fit the mold, in

many ways, has been kind of hard, I did

struggle a little bit, but I would say I

pushed through a lot and was able to

find success throughout undergrad.”

Benjamin noted that despite the

challenges of being a Black student in

a predominantly white institution, she

still faced new hurdles during her time

in law school.

“The space is even smaller,” she said.

“There are only about 400 students

packed into one school.”

She added that the competitive

atmosphere in law school can sometimes

foster negative competition among

marginalized students, rather than a

sense of community and camaraderie.

“I came into law school hoping to find

a community and support amongst other

Black and minority students,” Benjamin

said. “But I’ve found that hasn’t always

been the case. Many students are more

focused on competition than working

together and uplifting each other.”

Benjamin highlighted the University

of Alabama as a particularly interesting

institution. “The school system here is

unique, and this affects how students

from underrepresented backgrounds

interact and navigate the predominantly

white space,” Benjamin said.

Benjamin credited her identity as a

Black, queer woman from the South for

shaping her legal career path.

“I’ve always kept that in the back of

my head when navigating legal spaces,”

she said.

She found corporate law firms

particularly challenging due to their

homogeneity. “The field is already

predominantly white,” Benjamin

noted, “and those environments expect

everyone to fit a certain mold.” She

struggled with having to code-switch in

such settings.

In contrast, criminal justice reform

work allowed her more authenticity.

“The criminal justice field gives Black

women space to be ourselves,” Benjamin

observed.


STEM

“YOU CAN

FOLLOW YOUR

OWN UNIQUE

BLUEPRINT.

THERE’S NO

ONE RIGHT WAY

TO MAKE IT IN

SCIENCE.”

-AMELIA DIAZ

60 FALL ISSUE

Photo courtesy of Amelia Diaz

AMELIA

DIAZ

Inspiring representation

Amelia Diaz, a junior majoring

in biology on the pre-medical

track from Alabama, was

raised in a unique environment where

her parents, immigrants from the

Dominican Republic, emphasized the

importance of education early in life.

“I’ve always been very involved in

school and different hobbies,” Diaz said.

This love of learning has guided her

college path, though her journey has not

been without its challenges, given her

unique background and lack of diversity

in her field.

She struggled to find peers who

shared similar experiences. However, her

family’s unwavering support has played

a crucial role in her journey.

“My parents, they’ve always been my

rock,” Diaz said.

Amelia’s father immigrated to the

United States at 16, and her mother at

24, which led to unique circumstances

in raising their children. She credited

them for instilling a strong work ethic

and a value for education.

Diaz’s decision to pursue medicine

was shaped by personal experiences.

She recalled wanting to become the

“doctor that everyone needed but didn’t

have,” someone who genuinely listens

and prioritizes patients’ comfort. Her

commitment to medicine is personal,

driven by a desire to make a difference

for those who need it most.

Diaz credited her father with

sparking her interest in science,

technology, engineering and math.

Watching him constantly engage with

science, whether teaching community

college courses or tinkering with

circuits while cooking dinner, left a

lasting impression.

“That kind of constant exposure

to how he incorporated STEM into

By Rihanna Pointer

everything, it really made me think this

is something I could do.” Diaz said.

Her parents’ unwavering support

through years of odd jobs to fund her

father’s education proved particularly

inspiring.

“I grew up seeing that dedication

pays off,” Diaz said.

Diaz faced early challenges in STEM

leadership roles. In high school robotics,

she took on responsibilities beyond her

position, but struggled with recognition

from her advisor, a white male professor.

“I had been overlooked and

underappreciated,” Diaz recalled,

noting discrepancies between how she

was treated compared to a newer white

co-chair. This experience highlighted

systemic issues within STEM education

that disproportionately affect students

of color.

Despite the disappointment, Diaz

reframed it as valuable preparation.

“It helped me learn how to navigate

these spaces and show my strengths,”

Diaz said. Being of the belief that

facing such barriers early had made her

more resilient for future encounters

in medicine, where similar dynamics

persist.

Her resolve reflected broader

concerns about diversity in science

fields. “These are spaces I am going to

continue to run into,” Diaz said. “But at

least now I know what to expect.”

As an Afro-Latina in STEM, Diaz

had occasionally doubted herself when

surrounded by others not like her. “I ask

myself, ‘do I belong?’” Diaz said.

Diaz’s credited going to the National

Society of Black Engineers room in

Hardaway Hall, with helping her

connect with others who share similar

identity struggles. “That’s given me

courage and strength to keep going,”

Diaz said.

Diaz also has served as president of

Minority Association of Pre-Medical

Students. “It’s more than just a title,”

Diaz said.

Diaz hoped to provide the support

network she lacked as a young student,

emphasizing the diversity of paths to

STEM success.

“You can follow your own unique

blueprint,” Diaz said. “There’s no one

right way to make it in science.”

The untraditional paths both parents

took meant she lacked conventional

guidance through processes like college

applications. Diaz overcame this by

relying on mentors within NSBE, a

supportive space for underrepresented

students, and taking initiative. Her

experience highlighted how firstgeneration

students often forge their

own academic paths while defying

stereotypes about who belongs in STEM

fields. Recalling her own experience

with a mentor in freshman year, she

acknowledged the importance of

different paths to success.

“I once thought I had to follow

in my mentor’s footsteps, but my

diverse education gives me a broader

perspective on college and career

options,” Diaz said.

While initially believing a single

path was necessary for medical school,

Diaz appreciated the value of a broader

education. “I’ve learned there’s no one

way to be successful in science. It’s

about finding your own path,” Diaz said.

“You can be passionate about

whatever field you choose,” Diaz said.

Diaz hoped her journey will empower

other Black and Afro-Latina students

pursuing STEM careers. “You were put

there for a reason,” Diaz said.


NURSING

Photo courtesy of Taylor Rogers

62 FALL ISSUE

TAYLOR

ROGERS

Healing others

By Trinity Jenkins

Taylor Rogers, a junior

majoring in nursing, sat in

silence for a moment before

letting the tears fall. It was not just

relief from months of waiting or pride

in her hard work. It was the realization

that she was truly stepping into an

environment where few people look like

her.

“For me, it wasn’t just an acceptance,”

Rogers said. “It was proof that I belong

in a field that hasn’t welcomed or

properly represented people who look

like me.”

From being among the few Black

students in her cohort, Rogers feels she

has a support system in an environment

that can sometimes feel segregated.

She has learned to carry herself with

confidence, she admits the weight of

standing out can feel heavy.

“You notice it immediately,” Rogers

said. “Sometimes it makes you question

whether people see you as capable

before you even open your mouth.”

That lack of representation is not

just a number to Rogers it is an everyday

reality. From being one of the few Black

students in study groups, to fielding

questions that others don’t get asked,

she often feels the pressure to prove

herself.

“I’ve had to remind myself that I

earned my spot,” Rogers said. “It wasn’t

handed to me. I worked for this just like

everyone else.”

Instead of letting those challenges

discourage her, Rogers uses them as

fuel. She thinks about the patients she’ll

one day serve, especially young Black

girls who may see themselves in her.

“I want them to see me and know it’s

possible,” Rogers said. “Even if I’m the

first Black nurse they meet, I don’t want

to be the last.”

Rogers said the sense of purpose

helps her navigate moments of doubt.

While classmates may only be focused

on grades and clinical checklists, she

carries the additional motivation of

representation.

“Every time I walk into a room, I

know I’m making a statement without

saying a word,” Rogers said. “That’s

powerful.”

Nursing school is notoriously

demanding, and on top of that, the sense

of isolation can creep in. But Rogers

credits her support system family,

friends and mentors with helping her

stay grounded.

“My mom reminds me all the time to

remember my ‘why’ to stay motivated,”

Rogers said. “She tells me I’m opening

doors, even when it feels like I’m

struggling to keep my own open.”

At Alabama, she’s also leaned on

professors and upper-level students who

have encouraged her to keep pushing

forward.

“Having people who believe in you

makes all the difference,” Rogers said.

“It’s easier to walk into a space where

you don’t see many people like you when

you know someone is rooting for you.”

Looking ahead, Rogers hopes to work

in travel nursing and NICU, a specialty

where she believes representation is

especially critical. She wants to be a

nurse who not only provides care but

also builds trust.

“It’s not just about treating

someone’s symptoms,” Rogers said.

“It’s about making them feel heard

and respected. That’s what I want my

patients to remember.”

Rogers envisions a future where

more Black students enter medicine and

nursing, where being the minority is no

longer common. She knows change won’t

“HAVING

PEOPLE WHO

BELIEVE IN

YOU MAKES

ALL THE

DIFFERENCE.”

-TAYLOR ROGERS

happen overnight, but she believes every

step counts.

“Every Black student who makes it

through nursing school chips away at

that wall,” she said. “And eventually, the

wall comes down.”

For now, Rogers celebrates the

milestone of reaching upper-level

nursing, aware that her victory is bigger

than herself. She sees her journey as

part of a larger story one of resilience,

progress and possibility.

“Being Black in medicine means you

carry challenges that others may not,”

she said. “But it also means you carry

hope. You get to be the person someone

else has been waiting to see.”

Rogers said she doesn’t take that

responsibility lightly. Instead, she wears

it proudly, knowing her presence in the

program is both an achievement and a

promise.

“When a little Black girl looks at me

and says she wants to be a nurse too,”

Rogers said, “that’s when I’ll know I’ve

done something that matters.”


MUSIC

“ALWAYS TRY TO STAY

TRUE TO WHO YOU ARE

AND TO REMEMBER

WHY YOU STARTED IN

THE FIRST PLACE.”

-JUDAH WALTON

Photo courtesy of Judah Walton

64 FALL ISSUE

JUDAH

WALTON

Spinning beats

By Trinity Jenkins

Judah Walton is a senior majoring

in kinesiology, but that is not

all he is perfecting his craft in.

When Walton steps behind the booth

the room changes. The crowd’s energy

rises and the rhythm he creates pulls

people together. Every transition feels

intentional. Each beat builds on the one

before it.

For Walton, DJing is more than

playing songs. It is about creating

a shared experience. Walton first

discovered his passion in high school

when he began experimenting with

music at small gatherings. What started

as a casual interest quickly became a

craft.

“Honestly, it kind of just fell into

my lap when it started turning into

a business. At first, I wasn’t thinking

about money at all, I just wanted to get

my name out there, so I would do events

for free. It was really about building

a reputation, learning how to work a

crowd and showing people what I could

do,” Walton said.

That skill has carried him into a

growing career. Walton is now a regular

at events across in the South..

He has earned a reputation for

knowing exactly what to play no matter

the setting. Whether a packed room

or an outdoor crowd he finds a way

to match the energy and keep people

engaged.

“Growing up, church was where it all

began for me. My pops was the musician

there, and everybody in my family

could sing, so music has always been

in my DNA. It wasn’t just something

that happened on Sundays, it was the

soundtrack of my childhood, the way my

family connected, and one of the first

ways I learned the power of expression,”

Walton said.

What separates Walton from others is

his ability to read the room. He watches

the crowd closely adjusting his mixes

and pacing to make sure the flow never

breaks. It is a balance of timing instinct

and patience.

“You cannot just press play,” he said.

“For me, it’s never just about

pressing play, it’s about creating an

atmosphere, giving people a space

to feel good, to connect and to make

memories. That’s the part that excites

me and keeps me motivated. Honestly,

I feel like I’m still just getting started,”

Walton said.

The journey has not been without

challenges. Early on, some doubted

whether he could make DJing more

than a side hobby. Instead of being

discouraged, Walton used skepticism

as motivation. He invested hours into

practice and studied how experienced

DJs worked.

“I would say one of the biggest

challenges for me personally was

building my music library to where I

have it today. That’s not something that

just falls into your lap, it’s an ongoing

process that takes patience, time and

a lot of attention. I had to train myself

to develop what I call an ‘active ear.’ I

wasn’t just listening to music for fun

anymore; I was listening with intention,”

Walton said.

Networking also became a key part

of his path. Walton sought out other

artists, promoters and organizers to

learn more about the business side of

music. He understood that skill alone

was not enough. Building relationships

was just as important as building

playlists.

“DJs like JDolla and Iceberg Ferg

played huge roles in my journey. They

didn’t just give me tracks, they gave me

knowledge. Whether it was pointing me

toward the right platforms to dig for

new sounds, helping me figure out how

to better organize my library, giving

me new tracks, or just sharing their

perspective on what it takes to elevate

as a DJ, their guidance really shaped me.

Honestly, I don’t think I’d be the DJ I am

today without their influence,” Walton

said.

While his reputation continues to

grow Walton has a larger vision for what

his work means. He sees DJing as both

art and influence. His goal is to inspire

others who might hesitate to follow

their passions out of fear or uncertainty.

“Always try to stay true to who you

are and to remember why you started

this in the first place. For me, everything

I do has to connect back to a sense of

purpose, because if you lose sight of

that, it’s easy to get caught up in the

hype or the outside noise. In a role

like this, it can be really tempting to

let success go to your head, but that’s

exactly when it’s most important to stay

grounded,” Walton said.

Looking ahead Walton hopes to

continue expanding his reach. A DJ is

an architect of energy a guide for the

crowd and in Walton’s case an artist

shaping a legacy one beat at a time. New

opportunities are on the horizon and

his following is steadily building. But

no matter how far he goes he remains

grounded in the simple idea that started

it all: music is a way to connect.


66 FALL ISSUE

Black in

Business

A photo essay

Nineteen Fifty-Six photographed students in professional attire at the University

of Alabama Student Recreation Center.

Photos by Grant Sturdivant


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Top Songs

“Poppin Out (Mistakes)” by Chxrry

“Out of Luck” by Mariah the Scientist

“GrooveTheory” by Kehlani

“Conceited” by SZA

“Peekaboo” by Kendrick Lamar

“Focus” by H.E.R.

“Didn’t Cha Know” by Erykah Badu

“Wake Up in the Sky” by Gucci Mane, Bruno

Mars, Kodak Black

“Just Fine” by Mary J. Blige

“Level Up” by Ciara

“I Remember Me” by Jennifer Hudson

“Masterpiece (Mona Lisa)” by Jazmine

Sullivan

“Eternal Flame” by Mariah the Scientist

“Me vs Me” by Moneybagg Yo

“Mr. Media” by Tyla

“Outstanding” by The Gap Band

“All This Love” by DeBarge

“Sweet Love” by Anita Baker

“Them Changes” - Thundercat

“Die Hard” – Kendrick Lamar, Blxst,

Amanda Reifer

“Funny Thing” - Thundercat

“the space between us” by siopaolo

“Hammer to the Heart” by Teddy Swims

“Adore You” by Bryant Barnes

“Can You Blame Me (feat. Lucky Daye)” by

Kehlani, Lucki Daye

“Roses” by Mac Ayres

“We Time” by Coi Leray

78 FALL ISSUE

Top Genre

Success

Minutes Listened

1956

Vibe

Prosperity Achievement Triumph

Victory

Accomplishment

Excellence

Prevail


2024-25 AWARDS

College Media Association Fall 2025 Conference

Finalist, Coverage of Diversity, Division I, Rihanna Pointer

Associated Collegiate Press Fall 2025 Conference

Finalist, Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Reporting, Rihanna Pointer

Associated Collegiate Press Best of Show 2024

First Place, Feature Magazine

College Media Association Apple Awards 2024

First Place, Best Magazine Cover, Division I

Southeast Journalism Conference 2024

Second Place, Best Magazine

Third Place, Best Magazine Writer, Kay Maxwell

Fifth Place, Best Feature Writer, Kay Maxwell

80 FALL ISSUE


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Nineteen Fifty-Six Fall 2025 In The Black

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