Upon coming to Swarthmore, it was very important for me to know that there would be a welcoming and collaborative community for Black-identifying students regardless of ethnic background. I knew that with the universities I applied to, I would likely be ethnically marginalized, but as long as I was able to find my people, I had no qualms. While being at Swarthmore, I can say with confidence that I have been able to experience that. Whether it is hosted by Swarthmore African-American Student Society (SASS), Students of Caribbean Ancestry (SOCA) or Swarthmore’s African Student Association (SASA), all affinity groups allow space for everyone to be present and build community.
As someone who is African American, I absolutely adore going to the various Black diaspora events around campus. Some people experience isolation or cliques when immersing themselves in alternative spaces. However, to aid these types of encounters, I strongly recommend entering new spaces from a framework of unity and understanding. In my experience, leading with the mentioned frameworks has consistently outweighed my worries or concerns. Remember, it is better to say that you attended an event, whether you liked it or not, than to blatantly not show up and miss a direct experience. Sometimes it works in your favor to lead with a “yes” mindset!
This is a picture from the annual SASS Field Day, an open event for all Black identities at Swarthmore. It is always a good time, from the food all the way to the games and music. Water Wars gets a bit competitive, but it is always a highlight of the event!
Another admirable aspect of Black affinity groups at Swarthmore is that one’s ethnicity or nationality does not limit them. AJA, which is Swarthmore’s only Black femme and non-binary affinity group on campus. I still remember my first AJA event during my freshman year: their Spa Night, held at the Gender and Sexuality Center. They have had some great events in the past, though, like a screening of the movie “Sinners” and even a Black Mental Health Event in collaboration with SwatDoulas and Swat Health Humanities. AJA does a great job of working with others and strengthening even smaller communities within Swarthmore College.
A hub for Black students on campus is also the Black Cultural Center (BCC). The BCC or Robinson House is a house on campus near Scott Arboretum that is utilized not only as an event space for student groups and sessions, but classes also take place there. During my freshman year, I was able to take Introduction to Black Queer Studies with Professor Marshall Smith at the BCC. It was always a treat coming into the building and having class there, and even studying or relaxing after class. The BCC is a pretty well-endowed spot on campus. It has a pool table, kitchen, TVs, a video console and games readily accessible to students. Swarthmore’s Black Alumni Network (SBAN) also hosts events to meet past students once every semester. So much happens at the BCC, and it truly is such a significant component of the Black Swarthmore experience.
Now, although Black students make up a smaller part of Swarthmore’s student population, it is significant to greet or even just be cordial with the other Black students on campus. Not coming from a position of feeling out of place, but it is nice to see familiar faces and greet each other just because. Personally, I smile at everyone regardless of whether I know them or not. Mundane things like a smile or a head nod can lead to new connections or shared narratives. Being Black at Swarthmore is like no other, and I appreciate the entire Black diaspora that this school has exposed me to. There are not many outstanding and simply phenomenal people.
My friends and I circa 2024 at the SASS Freshman Block Party. I absolutely adore them!
