Harvard Black Men's Forum

For this cycle’s Freshman Spotlight, the Black Men’s Forum decided to interview Amechi “Meech” Egbunike ‘22! Here’s the complete interview:

How has your transition to Harvard been like? Do you think you’ve adjusted well or is it an ongoing process?

1. Transitioning to Harvard was probably one of my unique experiences ever. I went to high school down the street from Harvard Square, but felt like I was dropped into a unique bubble when I came. It made me never feel like leaving Harvard Square because I knew my resources. So I was well adjusted in that sense, but being a black student socially and seeing how rough it is academically, it’ll forever be an ongoing process.

What extracurriculars are you involved in/want to be involved with in the future? Are they similar to the ones you pursued in high school?

2. The main organizations I’m involved in currently are Kuumba and the Harvard Radcliffe Collegium-Musicum (LONG name). They’re both different types of choirs, African/gospel and choral/European music, which is what I sang in my high school choir. The other groups I participate in frequently are BMF, BSA, and NSA.

What are your academic interests? Do you think your classes so far have challenged you/helped you figure out your path for the next 4 years?

3. I’m interested in studying Neuroscience and African American studies as a joint concentration. I’m also premed too, and a lot of the science and math classes are VERY tough for me. But a challenge and something new always keeps me interested and gives me something to learn, so I’m down for it through these next four years.

What are your academic interests? Do you think your classes so far have challenged you/helped you figure out your path for the next 4 years?

4. I feared coming in that the general Harvard community would all be stuck up and condescending; with a bunch of academically successful kids with life accomplishments, I thought the students would always compete to be the smartest in the room at all times. Even though I learned that this isn’t true, I still even fear that because of my background and what I came to Harvard with, I’ll never be able to measure up to anyone else and I won’t leave here successful. I hope that for my time here, I build confidence and trust in my abilities to succeed just as any other student.

Do you think your identity as a black man have impacted your experiences on campus so far? How do you think it will shape your 4 years here and beyond as a Harvard graduate?

5. My identity as a black man has definitely impacted my experiences positively and negatively. I came into a campus quickly finding the black community to build a foundation on, and easy access to a lifelong group of friends. Unfortunately, we all had to be in a space where black people weren’t appreciated or ever meant to be. However, through my 4 years and beyond Harvard, my pride of the black community will only continue to grow, and I will grow to navigate all kinds of communities while carrying my education and pride with me.

For this cycle’s Freshman Spotlight, the Black Men’s Forum decided to interview Daniel Foster ‘22! Here’s the complete interview:

1. How has your transition to Harvard been like? Do you think you’ve adjusted well or is it an ongoing process?
I would consider my transition to Harvard to be generally positive. While adjusting to the demands of academics and extracurriculars can be difficult, working through these challenges helps me to discover strengths and capabilities that I previously did not know I possessed. One thing in particular that has helped me adjust to Harvard is my connection to the black community on campus. Becoming immersed in a community of people who share a common experience yet hail from a diversity of individual backgrounds has taught me to reflect on my own identity. In doing so, I have developed a more complete understanding of who I am which bring to every heated debate, casual conversation, and in-class discussion I have on campus.

2. What extracurriculars are you involved in/want to be involved with in the future? Are they similar to the ones you pursued in high school?
I am currently the First-year Representative for the Harvard Caribbean Club (HCC), an organization that seeks to build community among students of Caribbean heritage and share Caribbean culture with the Harvard community at-large. I was motivated to join this group because, growing up in a predominantly white community, I have seldom had the opportunity to interact with peers who share a similar cultural identity as me. In addition to liaising between Caribbean first-years and the HCC Board, I am a member of the Kuumba Singers of Harvard College, a musical group dedicated to celebrating art, creativity, and spirituality from across the African Diaspora. While I have been involved in a lot of music groups during my time at high school, none of them have impacted me like my participation in Kuumba. Tuesday and Thursday night rehearsals have become a time when I can check my problems and concerns at the door and embrace a powerful musical tradition that so many can learn from.
As I reflect on the type of impact that I would like to have during my time at Harvard, I aim to become more involved in public service. There are ample resources on this campus that can benefit a variety of communities, both local and abroad and I think that it is important for students to take part in them. From the vast array of of service opportunities offered through the Phillips Brooks House Association to initiatives created by individual clubs such as the Black Men’s Forum’s David Walker Scholars Program, the opportunities for service are limitless. I look forward to exploring these activities further this semester and throughout my time at Harvard.

3. What are your academic interests? Do you think your classes so far have challenged you/helped you figure out your path for the next 4 years?
I have always had an interest in the social sciences, as it provides me with an outlet to interpret contemporary issues. When studying topics relating to problems that people face and the policy necessary to solve them, I am inspired to learn more and to share my knowledge with others. This passion has led me to enroll in classes that challenge me to consider social issues from different perspectives. Being well-versed in the black-white narrative of American history, for example, I decided to take a freshman seminar entitled Asian America, in order to learn about concerns that affect communities distinct from my own. I explored the interconnected nature of black and Asian Americans throughout my participation in this course, enriching me with invaluable knowledge, critical awareness, and practical skills to relate to the experiences of people to whom I may initially feel disconnected. I seek to explore similar, rigorous academic experiences that can help shape the way I view the world. Now, I am considering to pursue a concentration in Social Studies, Social Anthropology, or Sociology with potential secondary fields in either African American Studies or Ethnicity, Migration, and Rights.

4. What fears did you have coming to Harvard and/or currently hold? What are your hopes for your time here?
When I was a prospective student, one of the most prominent fears that I had about going to Harvard was that I wouldn’t be able to find a strong sense of community on campus. The prospect of attending one of the world’s most prestigious universities is exhilarating, but daunting, nonetheless and to think that I could possibly have to go through this experience alone added to that angst. However, going to Visitas, meeting students with similar backgrounds and ambitions, and joining the largest Swag Surf circle that I’ve ever experienced at the Black Community Leaders Barbeque in the Quad helped me to realize that Harvard could become a second home. Now that I am here, I hope to spend my time gaining the experiences and developing the skills necessary to be an asset to the communities who helped make me the person I am today.

5. Do you think your identity as a black man have impacted your experiences on campus so far? How do you think it will shape your 4 years here and beyond as a Harvard graduate?
I am cognizant of the fact that on this campus, I will often be seen as a black man—attached to an array of negative stereotypes and generalizations—before being recognized for my talents, accomplishments, and aspirations. However, I have no interest in trying to prove myself to people who may doubt my abilities because I have nothing to prove. As a black man, I come from a lineage of men and women who have struggled through displacement, enslavement, and unimaginable oppression, yet survived against all odds. I try to honor that legacy by pursuing my passions to the best of my ability and I will continue to do so throughout my time at Harvard.

All Harvard Black Men’s Forum members must commit to serving their community to the best of their ability by performing several hours of community service per semester. Because these hours must be performed beyond the Harvard community, today, BMF cosponsored the IOP Community Kickoff for its membership to learn about all 15 IOP programs and meet student leaders. We hope that our membership continues to serve in ways that affect positive change for people beyond campus and throughout the world.

Rather than being labeled an Association or Organization, the Harvard Black Men’s Forum was established as a Forum to the promote greater awareness and understanding of political, social and cultural issues. While BMF hold biweekly discussions for its undergraduate membership, special guests are often invited to campus to share their wisdom with the community. This year, BMF had the honor of hosting record label CEO, boxing manager and mogul, James Prince, for a book-signing on September 8th, 2018, and rapper, actor and fashion icon, Jaden Smith, for a Q&A panel on January 30th, 2019. We wholeheartedly thank both of them for their support!

And now for the moment you’ve all been waiting for. We proudly present to you the final piece of the puzzle. Welcome President of the Harvard Black Men’s Forum, Johnny!
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Johnny Powell was born and raised in Greensboro, North Carolina. He is a rising junior concentrating in Chemistry and living in Eliot House. As President of the Harvard Black Men’s Forum, he aims to make Harvard more navigable and enjoyable for all self-identifying Black men through purposeful, enticing, and inclusive programming. His hope is for the organization to develop its members socially, intellectually and professionally, that they all may make a positive impact on Harvard’s campus and beyond.

Here’s to a successful school year! Happy August, y’all.

Say hello to Social Chair for the Harvard Black Men’s Forum, Camiren!
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Camiren Carter was born and raised in Atlanta, GA. He is a rising junior concentrating in Neurobiology and living in Mather House. As Social Chair, he plans to organize events that allow members to both develop an active social life within the Black community and build meaningful relationships with other members.

Meet Rani, our Brotherhood Chair!
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Rani Shagarabi was born and raised in Atlanta, GA. He is a rising sophomore concentrating in Economics and living in Eliot House. As Brotherhood Chair, he wishes to ensure that incoming freshmen have a strong community of brothers to help them navigate and grow as black men, and to give upperclassmen ways to continuously benefit from actively participating in BMF.

Warm welcome to Anselm, our Inclusivity Chair!
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Anselm Kizza-Besigye was born in Kenya and raised across Africa. He is a rising sophomore concentrating in Social Studies and living in Mather House. As Inclusivity Chair, he hopes to evaluate the accessibility of each BMF program to Black people of all identities. He also intends to create programming that promotes inclusivity and belonging, such trainings, dialogues, intersectional social events, and more.

Now presenting our incoming Political Action Chair, Meshaal!
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Meshaal Bannerman was born in Newark, NJ and raised in Woodbridge, NJ. He is a rising sophomore concentrating in Government and Economics and living Currier House. As Political Action Chair, he hopes to increase BMF’s political involvement on campus through voter registrations, collaborations with other marginalized groups on campus, and inviting high-profile leaders for guest lectures and discussions.

Hands 👏🏿. Together 👏🏿. For 👏🏿. Our Alumni Relations Chair, Kevin!
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Kevin Ogonuwe was born in Dublin, OH and raised in Hilliard, OH. He is a rising sophomore concentrating in Applied Mathematics and living in Currier House. As Alumni Relations Chair, he strives to innovate the ways in which BMF members connect with alumni. He believes that changing the way members interact with alumni and overall BMF history will enable them to learn and grow as an organization.