Future Black Leaders, Inc. university student ambassadors share what they are looking forward to this holiday season
At this time of year, college students are making the trek back home to spend time with family and friends. We asked members of Future Black Leaders, Inc. (FBL), an association of Black high school and college students across Indiana, to share what they were most looking forward to this year.
“The mission of Future Black Leaders is to radiate excellence, promote racial equity, and empower Black leadership,” according to their official website.
FBL Student Ambassadors from Indiana colleges and universities share their responses below.
This email Q&A has been edited for length and clarity.
It’s time to return home for the holidays. What are you looking forward to this holiday season?
Blessing Malunga: I’m looking forward to seeing my family I haven’t seen them in 2 years and I’m just excited to spend time with them and do all of our holiday traditions!
Adasia Turner: Hi! I’m really looking forward to joining my family in our holiday traditions. I love being surrounded by people who make me feel safe and loved, and during the holiday season, that feeling is stronger than ever. One of my favorite traditions is when my family and I go out to cut down a real Christmas tree. It always reminds me of National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation—fun, chaotic, and full of laughter. I love the atmosphere, the smell of pine, and the love that fills the air every year.
Boris Ngene: Having my brother come back for winter break.
Ayomikun Ajayi: Spending time with family and loved ones.
Cassie M. Mitchell: What I’m looking forward to most in the holidays is being able to spend time with my family! I come from a family of hard workers and we don’t always get to spend time with each throughout the week. Especially since my father passed away in 2020, it’s been very important for my mom and I to uphold the tradition. The three of us shared together. I’m looking forward to going Christmas shopping with my mom and reading our Bible together before we open presents every single year. This is something that my dad started and I’m glad that we still continue today!
Makya Coleman: I am looking forward to spending quality time with my family and friends.
Nia Williams: I am looking forward to spending time with my family! I do not get to see them as often anymore because I am an out of state college student. I will be traveling home after final exams and relishing in the time away from campus and spent with my loved ones. Specifically, one of the highlights of my winter break is our family game nights where you are required to bring a positive attitude and a competitive spirit.
Tayssir Aminou: This holiday season, I’m looking forward to spending time with my family and friends, as well as taking a much-needed break from campus. As a Muslim man, I don’t do anything special for most holidays celebrated in America.
Most of the time, it feels as though my own holidays of Eid are overlooked because of the way American society has capitalized off of making holidays like Christmas, Thanksgiving, and Valentine’s Day mainstream. Because of this, I take it upon myself to respond to comments like “Merry Christmas” with “I don’t celebrate Christmas, here’s why.”
People who celebrate these holidays may initially feel some level of discomfort, especially because it breaks schemas and societal norms that we grow up surrounded by. However, I believe that the more we normalize these kinds of conversations, the more comfortable we can all get with interacting with differing perspectives and ways of life. That will only strengthen the connections between us and move us towards the unity that we desperately need as black people in this country.
Related: Future Black Leaders talk reasons for going to college and how to pay for it
How are you giving back during the holidays?
Malunga: I plan on giving away some of my clothes and shoes and other items like hair products to the less fortunate so I can help them in a way others have helped me so I can share the blessings I have received!
Turner: This holiday season I am participating in a Trunk or Treat, Toy for Tots Collection, and Adopt a Family. I understand that in this cozy season it is important to give back, and with these Intitavies I plan to be intentional and impactful. I look forward to this and can not wait to help out!
Ngene: I will continue my volunteer experiences.
Ajayi: By volunteering at my local pantry.
Mitchell: I’m going to be giving back this holiday season by volunteering at Gleaners! There’s going to be many families who might not Be able to celebrate the same way that my family does, so I’m hoping that I can get back in any way that I can. Usually every year, My mom and I tried to go through all the things in our house and donate them to those in need. Whether this is clothes, trinkets, etc. You never know what you might have in your possession that can be a blessing to someone else!
Coleman: I plan to volunteer with my local youth group, Str8 Up. They typically give out Thanksgiving plates for the holidays!
Williams: I am a weekly volunteer at the Saint Vincent DePaul Food Pantry here in Indy. As I return home for winter break, I would still like to be able to volunteer around my home community. In the past I have volunteered with the Saint Louis Food Bank. Generally those tasks include sorting or bagging together items for households in need. This holiday season, I will make sure to incorporate time within my schedule to volunteer and help those who I can.
Aminou: This holiday season, I am giving back in the form of knowledge. For example, I am educating people on why Muslims don’t celebrate Christmas, and what we celebrate instead.
Click here to learn more about Future Black Leaders, Inc.
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