Bennett Mixes It Up

Our differences define us and bring us together

COMPILED BY: EVETTE DIONNE, DOMINIQUE MACKEY, AND DAYSON WAGNER

BELLE explores the unique qualities of Belles that make us diverse yet a family.

When looking at Bennett, most notice a sea of African American women striving towards the same goal, a college degree. From the outside looking in, you may not realize how diverse the oasis truly is. Our differences may be subtle, but they are endless. Yes, we are women with different complexions, sizes, and hairstyles, but there is more to a Belle than meets the eye. No one Belle is the same as another.

As a woman, it’s important to know that what sets you apart from others can be powerful. At Bennett, there some students who are struggling financially while others can’t qualify for the Pell Grant. Bennett is a United Methodist school, but it becomes home to Belles of all different religions. Women differ in their sexuality choices. Some are abstinent, some are not. Some love women; others have boyfriends. Some Belles face adversity because of their differences and have to deal with it daily; some Belles embrace these differences instead.

For Belles, diversity is what makes our campus special. Here, we talk to Bennett women who may seem, look, or have similar characteristics, but live very different lives. Celebrating our individual cultures allows us to put all of the pieces together to complete one beautiful Bennett puzzle.

Bennett attracts women from across the socio-economic spectrum. Almost 94 percent of students are eligible for need-based aid while some have families that make too much to qualify.

Hershelle Gaffney, senior business administration major, never worried about money.

“Even thought she was a single mom, there was never a time that my mom told us we couldn’t have something. We always had Christmas gifts and nice things, even after my father died.” – Hershelle Gaffney, senior business administration major, never worried about money.

“We almost lost our house because my mother was paying my sister’s tuition. Now that I’m older, I understand, but I was sheltered because my family wanted me to have a normal life.” – Junior Mar’Koya Walker-Jones, Africana women’s studies major, never knew her family’s financial struggle

Many disabilities are unseen but still affect some of our Bennett sisters’ lives. Very few Belles have visible physical disabilities. Most are learning related.

“I have a tick from hydrocephalus, which is water in the brain. I had 99 percent of my cerebellum removed as a baby. I want to be seen me as an actress,

A junior theater major, Briana Alston, never let her disability define her.

performer, and creative writer instead of as disabled.” – A junior theater major, Briana Alston, never lets her disability define her.

“Some people are open to diversity and some aren’t. But there are a lot of students who are willing. It’s not as much as a melting pot as it is back home [Akron, OH] but I can see the effort.” – Sophomore Rae’Lyn Morgan-Pegues, theater major, knows that open-mindedness is key to diversity.

Bennett is deeply rooted in the United Methodist church and most Belles identify as Christians. However, there are some students from other religious backgrounds.

“It’s frustrating when ACES becomes spiritual because I don’t want to be rude and leave. There’s many different religions here, but my family knows that I wouldn’t allow being at Bennett to affect my beliefs.” – Sophomore Kadijah Cook, psychology major, practices Islam at Bennett.

“Bennett has helped me grow spiritually. If I had gone somewhere else, I wouldn’t have been nurtured as much in my faith as I have been here I get to look into God’s word twice a week

Ka'Dijah Brown, junior psycholgoy major, balances her Christian faith and life as a college student.

at ACES and through Campus Ministries.” – Ka’Dijah Brown, junior business administration major, balances her Christian faith and life as a college student.

As an HBCU, we celebrate our African heritage, but what does that mean for Belles who aren’t African American? 4 percent of our students identify as other heritages.

“My mother was okay with me coming to a HBCU because I date black guys and have mostly black friends We usually get married young in my culture, but I am in school because I want to be a doctor.” – Sophomore Jasmine Castro, biology major, is of Mexican descent.

“When I visit someone’s house, I take my shoes off. It’s a sign of respect. We give up a lot. When a visitor comes we give up everything. If they want to spend the night, we give up our beds for them.” – Biology major Elshona Hudson, sophomore, is a first-generation American from Guyana.

A senior business administration major, Khadeijah Palmer-Rhodes doesn't wear dresses often.

Our diversity includes a range of sexual attitudes and gender views. Some girls prefer sky-high heels while others choose bow ties.

“People categorize my sexuality, not me. If I want to date a woman, I will but I will never marry a woman. I’m going to have a husband and kids. I want to have what a man and a wife have.” – Ashley Long, a sophomore in psychology, is exploring who she loves.

“I would rather a person to get to know me first before they judge what I’m wearing or what I look like.” – A senior business administration major, Khadeijah Palmer-Rhodes doesn’t wear dresses often.