2022 LSU Gumbo - Book - Page 237
Xavier
“A lot of what inspired my involvement here on campus is being a black student.
This whole idea of me coming to LSU wasn’t just big for me. It was big for my
family as a first generation college student. I can remember growing up with my
father being an LSU football fan, and it meant a lot to the both of us for me to be
here. At LSU, I’ve wanted to cultivate change among the students. That’s why I
joined Student Government and the NAACP. I want to let students know that their
voices can be heard. This campus is really big, but student input is really valued.
In my sophomore year, we developed a plan in order to increase the outreach
student government does to black student organizations. For example, I’m very
proud to see FLC, where many student leaders first enter student government,
become more diverse. The change you make here on campus is going to impact
the whole community. One of the biggest challenges with making campus more
diverse is student involvement. Many diverse students want to know what their
involvement can achieve. That’s where our job as members of student government
is to market what we do here. Another challenge that has improved a lot over
the years is working with the administration. The administration isn’t perfect,
but they’re always willing to listen to students. Restoring trust between students
and the administration is an ongoing mission because of LSU’s history. Diversity
is something you have to work on constantly. Another way I’m involved here
on campus is through my fraternity. Kappa Alpha Psi is the greatest fraternity
known to man. Our fundamental purpose is achievement in every field of human
endeavor. That’s not a goal to reach for, it’s a lifestyle. We really want to help
African Americans and men in general in the Baton Rouge community reach their
full potential. This is our first time back on campus in 11 years. Being part of The
Divine Nine across many HBCUs and colleges in general is really essential to the
black experience on college campuses. When I showed everyone I was a Kappa
Alpha Psi, people became very excited. We’re still very excited to see many other
organizations return to campus.”
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