Zoe Mackey | Holding space for Black students at Penn

Before coming to Penn, my identity was something I struggled with. Throughout my years in high school, I always stood out as the only Black student in my class of 109. In addition to that, finding representations of myself in my future profession (the legal field) was very difficult, leaving only Pinterest boards and TV shows to be my reflections of possibility in this occupation. During those formative years of my life, I always felt the need to create a space for myself, rather than become comfortable in one that was provided by my surroundings. During college application season, I wanted to find a university that didn’t require me to carve out a space for myself, but to show me that there were others who shared my ambitions and identity.

While I was inundated with the various majors and plethora of research opportunities at Penn, I was also shown the beauty of the Black organizations here. Makuu: The Black Cultural Center, UMOJA, the Black Pre-Law Association, and Faces of Black Penn were only a few of the many groups that made my heart feel a lot lighter. I didn’t feel like I had to make a way for my existence to be validated, rather, I felt like there were people who were going through this process like I am.

Of all the black organizations that exist here, the Black Pre-Law Association played a massive role in building my confidence and identity as a Black woman. In this association, Black students who are interested in going to law school are given a plethora of opportunities to do research and speak to other Black professionals who have pursued legal careers. From coffee chats to LSAT study sessions, the Black Pre-Law Association has helped me fall in love with the prospect of law school even more and know that regardless of what I decide to do, the idea of going to law school is possible. However, this club isn’t solely based on professional exposure, but also a place to meet other Black students who have ambitions with no limits.

Another organization that has played a role in the personal development of my identity is Makuu. Makuu is the primary Black cultural center here on campus for all Black students to get involved from freshman year to senior year. Makuu was another one of the organizations I saw while visiting colleges, and I was amazed at how a group no older than 30 years had so much influence on the Black student community. One of the events I enjoyed the most was Black Convocation. This event resembled the general convocation ceremony we have; however, the difference is that Black first-years are invited and have the ability to form friendships, listen to speakers who have already experienced the highs and lows of college, and understand that there is a place for them in this vast university.

Communities like these also provide comfort in times of stress and conflict. One such time was when a group of students at Penn used derogatory terms denigrating the Black community. Makuu was one of the first organizations to make space for any Black student that was uncomfortable or offended by the video, whilst also calling for disciplinary action to be taken by the University. Makuu’s action reflected two main things: that there is an outlet for assistance when something racially charged occurs here on campus, and making a space for those who were affected in any way to find comfort. While at the moment nothing has happened in response to this event, Makuu stands as a reminder that the presence of Black students must be protected and nurtured.

However, it is not only Black Pre-Law and Makuu that make a home for Black students here. There are many other clubs, organizations, and academic societies that help in the development of Black students as they prepare to graduate and start their lives. Having a space in which other students share the same experiences is instrumental to the performance of everyone here, not just in college, but as they move on to achieve their wildest dreams.

ZOE MACKEY is a sophomore studying political science and bioethics from Philadelphia, PA. Her email is zmackey@sas.upenn.edu.