As the nation’s only historically Black and Catholic institution, Xavier has a nearly hundred-year history of making education accessible for those historically marginalized and overlooked. Many modern Xavierites, like the alums whose footsteps they follow, are first-generation students, meaning that they are the first in their immediate family to go to college. This often has a ripple effect, inspiring the younger members of their family to also attend college and earn their degrees. One such first-generation student, junior Destiny Robinson, shares a poem on the strength of Black women in honor of Women’s History Month and provided a write-up about how Xavier’s mission and the university’s literary journal, “New Voices,” has provided her a platform to develop as a student leader and ignited her aspirations for serving as a role model for the younger generation.

 

Honoring Black African American Women 

 

Black African American women are the pillars of our society 

With strength and grace to lead and serve 

From the activism and education to the arts and innovation 

There is always something to admire and respect 

 

Black African American women are also the flowers of our society 

With beauty and diversity to shine and bloom 

From the hair and skin to the voice and spirit 

There is always something to celebrate and embrace 

 

Black African American women are what we honor and support 

With recognition and appreciation to give and show 

From the history and culture to the present and future 

There is always something to learn and acknowledge 

 

Black African American women are ours to uplift or oppress 

With justice and equality to demand or deny 

From the rights and opportunities to the dignity and humanity 

There is always something more to be 

 

Black African American women are the backbone of our nation 

They often face discrimination and oppression 

They deserve respect and recognition for their contribution  

And not be reduced to stereotypes  

 

Black African American women are the leaders of our movement  

They often face violence and intimidation 

They inspire us with their courage and determination 

And not their silenced erased from narration 

- Destiny Robinson 

 

Most Xavierites, like me, are the first people in their family to attend college. Xavier’s reputation as a prestigious black college and its legacy as a top producer of Black doctors brings a lot of people interested in studying medicine. Most Xavierites I speak to acknowledge that Xavier is a great institution when it comes to preparing students for the future.  

I am a junior and sociology major at Xavier. My time at Xavier has allowed me to continue my own legacy of leadership and excellence. Along with being part of the National Honors Society and Success, I have completed executive and advanced leadership courses.  

After assisting Dr. Obradovic with the editing for the 2022-2023 edition of “New Voices,” Xavier’s literary journal, I was promoted to chief editor of the publication. This has been an honor and has instilled the importance of leadership skills in me. This journal shares the “voices” of creative Xavierites who are gifted with words or other mediums. I hope that I can continue to inspire all Xavierites to be bold and willing to take the opportunities that come.  

Volunteering, or even raising your hand in class will lead to more involvement and confidence and might even create a path for your future as your professor learns your unique talents. Don’t be afraid to try new things, show your true self, and be a leader.  

As Xavierites, we are destined to be great examples and changemakers who will create a greater foundation for our future and younger generations that will continue our legacy and become even greater leaders in the future.