Black History Month is being recognized at Ramapo College of New Jersey as a time to honor the contributions and leadership of Black student leaders on campus. The college, which emphasizes its liberal arts mission, highlights the importance of learning from each other and uncovering lesser-known histories throughout the year.
Chanel Taylor, a sophomore majoring in Law and Society, serves as secretary of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc., president of the newly established National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC), and publicist for the Black Student Union (BSU). Taylor played a key role in establishing the NPHC at Ramapo, giving historically African American fraternities and sororities their own council on campus.
“I feel like my greatest accomplishment has definitely been helping to charter the NPHC on campus,” said Taylor. “Now we’re in our actual council, we put in a lot of hard work and dedication to get that chartered. It really means a lot to me, and being a sophomore and able to help do that and serve as president, it really makes me happy that I was able to be a part of that.”
Taylor expressed gratitude for those who paved the way before her. “I wouldn’t be here without the people who came before me,” she said. “I wouldn’t be able to come to Ramapo without the people who came before me and the people who actually put their lives on the line. I’m very thankful for those people, the ones that we know about, and the ones that we don’t know about.”
She also spoke about embracing her identity during Black History Month: “I’m just unapologetically myself. I don’t shrink for anyone, especially during Black History Month,” said Taylor. “I make sure I’m Black and I’m proud, as cringy as that saying is, but I make sure that I constantly show my Blackness, show that black is not just one thing. There’s not just one way to be Black. I just show how beautiful my culture is, how beautiful my friends are, how beautiful my family is. We’re Black, we’re proud, and we’re here.”
Keva Torres ’27 leads Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Inc., Ebony Women for Social Change (EWSC), and participates in Phi Alpha Delta Pre-Law Fraternity. As EWSC president under BSU’s umbrella, Torres supports social change efforts both on- and off-campus while helping members develop socially and academically.
Torres described collaboration within BSU-affiliated organizations: “There’s a lot of camaraderie, and even when we compete with each other, it’s always civil,” she said.
EWSC hosts events such as AppreSHEate hair to support students with curly hair by featuring panelists from small businesses who share advice on hair care products. Torres explained: “For our hair event we highlight small businesses, we usually have three panelists that have their own hair businesses; they come and talk about how to take care of your hair…We also got donations from different hair brands that want to support.” She noted many students find managing curly hair challenging.
Ishmael Koroma ’27 is president of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity at Ramapo College; he also serves as vice president of NPHC while participating in track & field and BSU activities.
Koroma discussed his perspective: “I feel like just being black, that’s just a presence on its own,” he said regarding his experience with representation on campus. He values opportunities where his presence can challenge stereotypes.
He also commented on self-education regarding history: “I feel like a lot of our history isn’t taught in school [or] through books,” Koroma said about honoring Black History Month. “They say history is through the victor’s eyes. I just personally take my own time to learn about our history.”
Koroma helped reestablish Omega Psi Phi after 15 years away from campus—a point he considers his proudest achievement—and highlighted authenticity in involvement: “At the end of the day, I really believe that you should not be joining things or doing things just to look good on paper,” he stated.“I believe whatever you’re gonna be doing you gotta love.You just gotta love everything.Even though it’s hard.”
