The 2023 Black Solidarity Conference Planning Committee

Christina Carr, Student Chair

I am Christina Carr, a senior Psychology major with minors in Neuroscience and Sociology. I am the President of the Black Student Union and the Co-Chair for Senior Class Giving. I loved the Black Solidarity Conference last year and how much fun students had, I am excited to re-envision what that will be like this year. The themes of “Revive, Reclaim, and Rejoice” I believe are so powerful and positive, I’m looking forward to seeing students express themselves and continuing to spread Black Joy!

 

 

Jordan Smith, (Education)

I am Jordan Smith, a sophomore from Rocky Mount, VA. I’m majoring in Biochemistry on the pre-med track and minoring in Sociology. I’m the Health Committee Chairman for the NAACP and the LLC ambassador for the African Diaspora LLC. I am also an Odyssey Scholar and a Health Professions Scholar. I’m excited to be on this committee and to see the community come together and celebrate blackness!

Kyla Maxwell, (Logistics)

Hello everyone! I am Kyla Maxwell, a second-year Nursing student with double minors in Psychology and Sociology from Greensboro, North Carolina. I have been trying to get involved in more Black organizations on campus and felt that the Black Solidarity Conference was a perfect way to do so. After volunteering last year and seeing the amount of effort put into the conference and how enriched I felt leaving, I knew I had to be involved this year. I think the “Renaissance Revived” Conference this year will be a fantastic experience to connect, educate and cultivate the culturally diverse Elon community. I am super honored to be a part of this team with talented individuals and cannot wait for Elon to enjoy the fruits of our labor!

 

Ari Galloway, (Hospitality Logistics)

Hi! My name is Ariana Galloway and I am a sophomore from Reidsville, NC. I am majoring in Human Services Studies and double minoring in African American Studies and Psychology. I am working in Hospitality and Logistics because I enjoy being around people, music, and living life! I am so excited for this year’s Black Solidarity Conference and all the possibilities it has in store!

 

 

Jayla Martin-Beasley (Volunteer Logistics)

I am Jayla Martin-Beasley, a sophomore from Greensboro, NC. I am a Strategic Communications major, with Anthropology and Human Service Studies minors. I am on the logistics committee for the Black Solidarity Conference because this conference is such a community-building event for the people of Elon. Community is crucial for success, and I am proud that I can contribute, and bring people together to learn, educate, and celebrate our people.

Nia Griffin,  (Marketing)

I am Nia Griffin, a senior majoring in Project Management and minoring in Communications from Charlotte, North Carolina. In my free time, I love to learn new dances, travel, try new restaurants, and draw. On campus, I am a Live Oaks Communications Creative Member and I also facilitate K-DNS, a performance team where I teach choreography twice a week.  Last year while abroad I designed the merchandise for the Conference and had a great experience working with the Committee. Now this year I got to play a larger role in the Marketing team as I designed the logo and graphics for this year’s Conference. As a member of the Committee, I look forward to expanding my knowledge in design while also helping create an event that brings the Elon community together to appreciate Black history, culture, and success.

Simone Royal, Advisor

I am Simone Royal, an Elon Alum and the Assistant Director for the CREDE. As an educator, I have a personal interest in working to eliminate disparities within marginalized communities. I am dedicated to cultivating a welcoming and grounded environment for others to develop their understanding of cultural humility while advocating for the liberation of minoritized communities within systems of oppression and uplifting the authenticity of one’s Black joy.