News

��ԭ�� Celebrates Black Excellence with Acclaimed Poet Jillian Hanesworth

znegron@mercy.edu — Thu, 26 Feb 2026 22:14:44 +0000

��ԭ�� Celebrates Black Excellence with Acclaimed Poet Jillian Hanesworth znegron@mercy.edu Thu, 02/26/2026 - 17:14 ��ԭ�� News Black History Month

Main Content

On February 11, 2026, ��ԭ��'s Office of Student Life hosted its annual Black Excellence Dinner at the Westchester Campus, bringing together students, faculty, and staff for an unforgettable evening celebrating Black History Month. The event featured two-time Emmy Award-winning spoken word artist Jillian Hanesworth, Buffalo's founding Poet Laureate, whose powerful performances and personal testimony left attendees moved and inspired.

The Black Excellence Dinner is part of ��ԭ��'s month-long celebration of Black History Month, which includes events across all three campuses. Director of Student Life Alena Kush, who organized the event, expressed her enthusiasm for the annual tradition.

"I look forward to doing this event every year," Kush said in her opening remarks. "It is an honor to have [Jillian] here today at ��ԭ�� to share her gift."

From Tragedy to Triumph: A Poet's Journey

Hanesworth's journey to becoming one of the nation's most compelling voices in spoken word poetry began not in a classroom or on a stage, but in the streets of Buffalo's East Side—a community she describes as one of the most segregated in America, where Black Americans have seen no economic growth in 35 years.

"I came from a community where I would go outside and everybody looked like me and understood my plight," Hanesworth told the audience. But it was the murders of Trayvon Martin and Mike Brown that activated her as an artist-activist, compelling her to write her first poem, "I Wish the Little Black Boy Did Something Wrong."

"I was sitting on my mom's couch when the breaking news came across the TV: 'Officer Darren Wilson, responsible for the death of Mike Brown, will not be indicted,'" she recalled. "That feeling overwhelmed me. So I pulled out my notebook and started writing."

That single poem, recorded on her phone and shared on Facebook, launched her career as a full-time poet and community organizer.

Art as Revolutionary Act

Throughout the evening, Hanesworth performed several powerful pieces, including "The Revolution Will Rhyme" and "Morning Until Morning," each addressing themes of resilience, justice, and the power of Black storytelling.

"In my mind, art is revolutionary. Blackness is revolutionary. The existence of Black communities in this country today, right now, is revolutionary," she declared. "We're beautiful because we exist, not because we survive."

Her work took on new urgency following the May 14, 2022 mass shooting at a Tops grocery store in Buffalo, where a white supremacist killed ten people, nine of them Black. The tragedy occurred in the only grocery store in her neighborhood, one of the most densely populated Black neighborhood in New York outside of New York City.

"I'll never forget that day," Hanesworth said, her voice heavy with emotion. "I'll never forget seeing bodies be brought out of a grocery store that I frequented. My friend's mother, a woman who helped raise my mother—people who were important to my community. Their lives were stolen just because they existed. Because they were black."

Healing Through Words

In the aftermath of the shooting, Hanesworth was asked to write a poem for the memorial plaque that would be installed in the reopened grocery store. Initially resistant, she called her mother in tears, questioning why she had to use something so sacred to her for the most painful experience of her life.

Her mother's response changed everything: "We all pray for a moment to do something for our community. We don't get to decide what that thing is or what it looks like. You only have two options: you rise to the occasion, or you move out of the way, because either way, the work has to get done."

The resulting poem, "Let the Hopeful Healing Waters Flow," now sits on a memorial plaque inside the grocery store, flanked by waterfalls and symbols representing Black culture. Though Hanesworth has not yet been able to visit the memorial in person, she receives photos from community members standing before it with their children.

"That one little poem, that willingness to step outside of my own feelings to create an art piece for my community, becomes the most important reminder to me," she reflected.

A Message for the ��ԭ�� Community

Hanesworth's message to the ��ԭ�� community emphasized the power of storytelling and the importance of preserving cultural narratives.

"Before there was rap, there was poetry. There was spoken word. When we couldn't write our stories down, we memorized them and we stood in circles and we reminded each other of who we are and where we come from," she said. "Our existence, our revolution, our power, our strength is inevitable. As long as we are here to tell our stories and to hold our narrative in our hand, it doesn't matter how many books get banned or how many policies get changed."

She also shared her remarkable journey since that pivotal summer, which has included working with the NFL Network and the Buffalo Bills, traveling to Palestine to meet with activists and artists, encouraging young writers in South Africa, and discussing cultural intersectionality in Mexico.

"I've been able to do things that in my mind, I never thought I would do. And it's only because of my willingness to use my art for something bigger than myself," she said.

For more information about Black History Month at ��ԭ��, visit mercy.edu/bhm.

Fortune 500 Company Executives Share Insights on Education, Career Growth and Resilience

znegron@mercy.edu — Thu, 27 Feb 2025 21:59:08 +0000

Fortune 500 Company Executives Share Insights on Education, Career Growth and Resilience znegron@mercy.edu Thu, 02/27/2025 - 16:59 School of Business ��ԭ�� News Black History Month

Caption

From left to right, Laura Goldenberg, executive director of the Lauder Institute Alumni Association, Anthea Kelsick, Duane Hughes, Lindsey Laveaux and ��ԭ�� School of Business Dean Victor Petenkemani,

Main Content

On February 11, the ��ԭ�� School of Business, in collaboration with the Lauder Institute Alumni Association (LIAA), hosted a special fireside chat panel at ��ԭ��’s Westchester Campus to celebrate Black History Month. This year’s theme, "African Americans and Labor," focused on the pivotal role work has played in the Black American experience, highlighting the accomplishments and milestones of Black professionals in the workforce. The panel featured three Lauder Institute alumni, all current or former executives at Fortune 500 companies, who shared their personal journeys and reflected on the significant moments that shaped their careers.

The event, attended by students, faculty and staff, opened with a discussion on the value of education.

“Our forefathers overcame great challenges and just like they did, we will overcome ours by preparing the next generation to lead with compassion, generosity and resolve,” said Victor Petenkemani, dean of ��ԭ��’s School of Business and a Lauder Institute alumnus, who moderated the panel. “We want to provide you a solid educational foundation that best prepares you to succeed in a highly competitive world. This is one of the reasons why we are here today; to hear the life stories of three phenomenal leaders who overcame challenges, are successful in their endeavors and are fully committed to giving back.”

Panelists were asked to reflect on their college mindset and how those experiences influenced their career paths.

Anthea Kelsick, founder and principal of Nova Impact, shared insights into her upbringing and the lessons she learned from her parents, who emphasized the importance of education as the key to unlocking future opportunities. Driven by a "go, go, go" mentality, Kelsick initially pursued a pre-med track, aiming to follow in the footsteps of many of her relatives. However, a simple course change led her to a new path in social sciences.

It was in this moment that Kelsick learned to be open to new opportunities, something she stressed to students in attendance. "Education was the key," Kelsick reflected, "but for me, it’s really about curiosity—unlocking new ways of thinking and learning. That’s what led me down a very non-linear path to where I am today."

Curiosity, openness, and a willingness to pivot emerged as recurring themes throughout the discussion, with panelists Lindsey Laveaux and Duane Hughes sharing similar experiences from their own educational journeys.

Laveaux, a senior trial attorney with New York County Defender Services, shared how her parents instilled in her the belief that education is also a form of freedom. Like Kelsick, Laveaux found that pre-med was not her calling.

“I went ahead and I pursued other courses, but I had no plan for what I was going to do after graduation,” Laveaux recalled. “But what I did know at that time, and I still am, was that I was curious about the world.” Calling it a "leap of faith," Laveaux encouraged students to trust their intuition and embrace uncertainty.

“My mindset at first, when I was in college, was to work, listen to my parents, and do what was expected of me. But at some point, it just intuitively didn’t feel right. I’m so happy that I listened to that, and that was also a moment of growth,” Laveaux explained. “My mindset shifted to being open and accepting of uncertainty. That really helped the remainder of my time in college and the decisions I made thereafter. That was a really good primer for all that came afterwards.”

Hughes, chair of the UBS Americas Advisory Council, spoke about how his parents laid the foundation for his educational journey, teaching him that continuing education was key to unlocking freedom. Hughes holds a JD, MBA, and MA from the University of Pennsylvania, along with a summa cum laude BA from Howard University. Reflecting on his own path, Hughes shared advice that resonates with today’s college students.

“While I wouldn’t necessarily do anything differently,” Hughes said, “I would have put more emphasis on the value of high-end work experience and how that adds to your profile.”

Although Hughes had the opportunity to work on Wall Street right after earning his undergraduate degree, he chose to go directly to graduate school at Wharton. Though he doesn’t regret that decision, he admitted that lacking work experience at the time placed him at a disadvantage.

“I ended up going to law school, so it worked out for me,” Hughes explained. “But being one of the few students without that work experience was somewhat of a structural disadvantage. Knowing what I know now, I would have given more weight to gaining excellent work experience for two years before returning to grad school.”

Laveaux, who holds a JD from University of Pennsylvania Law School and MA in International Studies from the Lauder Institute at Wharton, also shared insights into the skills needed to succeed in the workforce after law school. “I’ve had to learn the balance between soft skills and hard skills,” she said, explaining that soft skills—such as building community, interacting with colleagues, and developing relationships—are often underemphasized. “I think, at least for me culturally, there wasn’t much emphasis on that.”

Her advice? Recognize the importance of networking and staying connected—not only with colleagues but also with past classmates.

Kelsick, who holds an MBA and MA in International Studies from Wharton and the University of Pennsylvania, acknowledged the many struggles she and her co-panelists have faced, noting that the journey has been filled with challenges. “The struggles have been many,” she said. “For every single person up here, we could spend hours just talking through the struggles. And they’ve been financial, they’ve been professional, they’ve been academic.”

However, Kelsick emphasized the value of recognizing these struggles as part of the growth process. “The wisdom of the struggle is recognizing it,” she said. “And that’s part of the journey—turning failure into success. The second part is asking for help.”

Kelsick recalled a moment during her Organic Chemistry course when she struggled but waited too long to ask for support. “I waited way too long to tell somebody that I was in trouble. In retrospect, I would have recognized that earlier on,” she shared. “Acceptance of being in the struggle is part of the journey, and seeking help when you need it is key.”

The event provided a valuable opportunity for students to hear firsthand from accomplished professionals about the importance of education, perseverance and adaptability in navigating career paths.

Jaylene Clark Owens Inspires ��ԭ�� Community with her Spoken Word

znegron@mercy.edu — Tue, 25 Feb 2025 02:13:27 +0000

Jaylene Clark Owens Inspires ��ԭ�� Community with her Spoken Word znegron@mercy.edu Mon, 02/24/2025 - 21:13 ��ԭ�� News Black History Month

Caption

From left to right, ��ԭ�� Campus Life Director Alena Kush and keynote speaker Jaylene Clark Owens, award-winning actress and poet.

Main Content

On Thursday, February 13, 2025, ��ԭ��’s Office of Campus Life hosted a powerful Black Excellence Dinner, bringing together students, faculty, and staff to honor Black History Month. The evening featured award-winning actress and poet Jaylene Clark Owens as the keynote speaker, captivating the audience with her spoken word poetry and inspiring message of empowerment.

Owens, renowned for her dynamic performances across theater, television, and film, kicked off the event with her signature piece, “My Voice, My Choice.” The poem challenges societal pressures that encourage Black women to suppress their voices to avoid being perceived as “angry.” With lines like, “This voice is yours, so own it, stand up for its validity and powerful places, be its proponent,” Owens encouraged the audience to embrace their authentic voices and speak with confidence.

Throughout the evening, Owens performed several of her most impactful pieces, including “Mind Yo Business” and “F.O.M.U.”—a playful yet profound poem about granting oneself grace in the face of mistakes.

Beyond poetry, Owens addressed the pressures of social media, reminding attendees that online highlights do not reflect the full reality of people’s lives. “Social media is just a highlight reel… but it does not tell the true story,” she cautioned. She also urged students to check in on their friends, emphasizing that even those who appear to be thriving may be struggling internally.

The night concluded with her viral poem “A Black Girl and Her Braids,” a celebration of Black beauty and identity. This piece, which has resonated with audiences nationwide, has been adapted into a children’s book set for release by Penguin Random House in 2026.

“A Black girl in her braids goes best with everything. But sometimes they give us grief. Say we can't rock braids and write a legal brief. Maybe we can be the executive assistant. But with braids we could never be chief. Cuz for some reason they feel braids can't be corporate,” Owens recited, challenging stereotypes.

The poem reinforces pride in cultural expression, ending with the lines: “We gon' get it braided up for any occasion. Rooted in Africa it's a style that never fades. Ain't nothin in this world like a Black Girl and her braids.”

Her words left a lasting impact on students, many of whom expressed deep appreciation for the event’s significance.

“As a young African American woman and student, events like this show me that my university values and appreciates my community,” said freshman Nia Bligen. “I truly felt that way at the Black Excellence Dinner.”

Bligen added that she was captivated by the poems, which made her feel acknowledged and instilled confidence in her identity. “She inspired me to embrace my beauty as an African American woman, reminding me that my hair is beautiful, whether it's in its natural state or styled in braids. After her performance, I was filled with gratitude and empowerment!”

Junior Colleen Edwards-Blankson echoed the sentiment, saying, “The entire performance resonated with me. Everything she touched on were things that a person of color would probably experience but nobody wants to say or wants to admit or is scared to say in front of other people who aren't people of color because they might, like she said, say you're an angry black woman.” She concluded, “It's nice that someone's able to turn that into an amazing work of art, and other people are able to understand as well.”

The Black Excellence Dinner at ��ԭ�� was not just a celebration but a powerful affirmation of identity, resilience, and cultural pride. Owens’ performance left attendees inspired, reminding them that their voices, experiences, and heritage deserve to be celebrated—today and every day.

Campus Life Director Alena Kush, ��ԭ�� President Susan L. Parish and Jaylene Clark Owens

CNR Alumna & Bronx Cultural Beacon Celebrates Hip-Hop's 50th Anniversary

Anonymous — Tue, 05 Sep 2023 18:52:26 +0000

CNR Alumna & Bronx Cultural Beacon Celebrates Hip-Hop's 50th Anniversary Anonymous (not verified) Tue, 09/05/2023 - 14:52 ��ԭ�� College News Black History Month

Caption

College of New Rochelle alumna Stephanie Woods CNR SNR ’17 at graduation with commencement speaker BET's Mrs. Debra Lee.

Main Content

The life and career of Bronx native and College of New Rochelle (CNR) alumna Stephanie Woods CNR SNR ’17, is a tapestry of significant cultural and social moments. She is a photojournalist, writer, health care supervisor, community volunteer, and an ardent enthusiast and supporter of hip-hop music and culture. Everything she does reflects her upbringing, in which she was motivated by the potential of music, art, and community to enrich circumstances for herself and those around her.

Woods' journey is marked by her resilience and adaptability. After dropping out of college upon learning she was pregnant with her daughter in 1993, Woods discovered photography. She became a member of Al Sharpton’s National Action Network Photo Club in the early 2000s. She took photos of a hip-hop summit organized by Sharpton, which ignited a passion for capturing hip-hop culture. At the summit, she was approached by Harlem World Magazine and eventually asked to be a contributor.

She later re-enrolled in CNR later in life, juggling college, career and motherhood. When it became too overwhelming, she told one of her CNR professors that she was thinking about quitting. “He said, ‘What do you want to get out of this experience?’ I told him I wanted to be a good example for my child and future grandchildren,” she said. “He told me to stick it out, and I did — for the next generation.” In 2017, the same year her daughter graduated from college, Woods proudly earned her bachelor’s degree from CNR with Magna Cum Laude honors.

Today, Woods’ full-time position with 1199 National Benefit and Pension Fund, the union of frontline health care workers, 1199SEIU is augmented by her service to her community. She has sustained her commitment by serving on Community Board No. 10 in the Bronx, where she co-chairs the Youth and Education Committee.

Woods’ love for the world of hip-hop was not merely professional but deeply personal, intertwined with the love she shared with her late husband, Todd Dale McKinney, a hip-hop fashionist and music connoisseur also known as “DJ ToddOne.” In honor of his memory, and to help celebrate 2023 as the 50th anniversary of hip-hop, Woods donated artifacts from her husband’s personal collection to a Bronx-based museum. The Universal Hip Hop Museum, slated to open in 2024, will house her husband’s shoes, hoodies, hats, jewelry, and more.

Still a working photojournalist, she has been covering 50th-anniversary events for Harlem Magazine. “This is more than a celebration, it’s recognition that hip-hop is a cultural movement,” said Woods. “It’s an opportunity to uplift and honor all those pioneers from the early days.”

Woods is also pleased more women in hip-hop are now being recognized, such as the trailblazing female rappers Sweet Tee, Jazzy Joyce, The Anointed MicCheck Gail Hall aka-DJ Flame, CoCoa Chanelle and McSha-Rock. These are just a few of the women of hip-hop who positively influenced Woods. Not to mention Queen Latifah, MC Lyte, Salt & Pepa, Spinderella and Mone Love. “I’m appreciating the notoriety these wonderful hip-hop royals have received these past months as we celebrate the hip hops 50th anniversary.”

Woods was delighted to learn that ��ԭ�� offers classes in hip-hop music and culture. She once taught a class at Community School 55 in the South Bronx. Principal Luis E. Torres, M.S. ’00 invited her to be “Teacher for a Day.” “I told the kids stories about some of the famous entertainers and rappers I’d photographed, like A Boogie Wit da Hoodie and Doug E. Fresh,” she recalled. I told them if they wanted careers in entertainment to think of all the possibilities — not just in rapping, but in fashion, photography, journalism, entertainment and digital media.”

She believes those who study the music and culture of hip-hop can benefit in many ways, including greater confidence in themselves and what they can give to the world. “Hip-hop made me feel good –it opened my eyes to a culture that I never thought I would view as a photographer,” she said. “I learned that if you want to do something about the things that affect your life you have to be authentic, stay true to what you want out of life, and use it as your aspiration.”

Photo of A Boogie Wit da Hoodie by Stephanie Woods.

Photo of Big Daddy Kane by Stephanie Woods.

News

����ԭ�� Celebrates Black Excellence with Acclaimed Poet Jillian Hanesworth

Fortune 500 Company Executives Share Insights on Education, Career Growth and Resilience

Jaylene Clark Owens Inspires ����ԭ�� Community with her Spoken Word

CNR Alumna & Bronx Cultural Beacon Celebrates Hip-Hop's 50th Anniversary

��ԭ�� Celebrates Black Excellence with Acclaimed Poet Jillian Hanesworth

Jaylene Clark Owens Inspires ��ԭ�� Community with her Spoken Word