Each February, Black History Month recognizes African Americans’ societal contributions and achievements across the United States. At Case Western Reserve University, the impact of Black members of the campus community—such as those who compose CWRU’s diverse student organizations—can be observed throughout the year.
To learn more about how Black student organizations contribute to the overall campus environment, The Daily spoke with student leaders from several groups. Follow along to hear from Madison Peebles, president of the Black Student Union (BSU); Oluwapelumi Obasa, president of The Brotherhood; Malachi Levy, president of the African American Society (AfroAm); and Candace Williams, president of the Black Law Students Association (BLSA).
Answers have been edited for length and clarity.
Madison Peebles
Black Student Union president
Expected to graduate in Fall 2024, Madison Peebles is a fourth-year psychology candidate of the Integrated Graduate Studies program with a minor in African and African American studies at the College of Arts and Sciences. Before assuming her role as president of the BSU, Peebles served as the group’s vice chair of administration and vice president.
- Why did you join your organization?
I joined BSU as a general body member during [the pandemic] as a way to connect with people like myself during a time where connections were really hard to form with virtual interactions and isolated dorm arrangements. As I got involved virtually and learned more about its history and mission over time, I’ve come to recognize BSU as being extremely central to my undergraduate experience.
All of my friends, favorite activities and events on campus, and how I spend my spare time have some relation to being part of the Black Student Union. Whether it’s action items, attending and planning events, meeting new people, or making new friends, all roads lead back to the BSU.
- How does your organization contribute to the CWRU campus? What do you hope to accomplish within your organization?
Unity amongst the [African diaspora] is so important, and BSU aims to maintain connectivity and support across all Black student organizations. Not only is our goal to unify and uplift the Black community, but we also work as advocates for Black students on campus and amplify their concerns, hardships, and hopes for Case Western Reserve University. My goal for this organization is to do an even better job at this mission and work to demand more space and visibility for what we do, as well as all of the Black student organizations across campus.
- What is your favorite memory of the organization?
My favorite memory is definitely witnessing Black Graduation in May 2023. Black graduation is our annual flagship event that we host for Black undergraduate and graduate students, as well as Cleveland Institute of Art and Cleveland Institute of Music graduates. I have participated in the planning and execution for two years now. While it can be a challenge to arrange such a large event as an undergraduate student, the end product and the celebratory spirit of the graduates and their families make it so worth it!
Oluwapelumi Obasa
The Brotherhood president
A third-year chemical biology student on the pre-medical track, Oluwapelumi Obasa serves as the president of The Brotherhood. Within this role he helps plan events that aim to benefit Black men on campus, such as a collaboration with the Phebe Foundation to provide financial education and increase financial literacy to individuals across campus.
- Why did you join your organization?
I joined my organization because I saw a disconnect between the Black male students on campus. There was no familiarity or rapport among undergraduates and I saw The Brotherhood as the best opportunity to build the community needed for Black men at Case Western Reserve University.
- How does your organization contribute to the CWRU campus? What do you hope to accomplish within your organization?
My organization contributes to CWRU’s campus by creating a safe space for not only Black men but for people of color to come together and learn about each other and themselves while having fun. I hope that The Brotherhood is able to last several years and spread to other campuses in the Greater Cleveland community as well.
- What is your favorite memory of the organization?
My favorite memory of The Brotherhood was when the executive members volunteered at the Kids’ Book Bank and helped sort books for distribution to children around Cleveland. It was a relaxing time where [executive members] could bond while doing something impactful.
Malachi Levy
African American Society (AfroAm) president
A third-year English student with a double minor in social justice and theater, Malachi Levy’s main responsibilities as president of the African American Society include organizing key events, communicating with CWRU students, faculty and staff members, and becoming more active in the community.
- Why did you join your organization?
I joined the African American Society because coming into college, I knew I wanted an opportunity to leave a positive impact on the Black student body at CWRU. I was inspired by my mother who was a community leader for the unrepresented [Black, Indigenous, and people of color] in my hometown of Pittsboro, NC, and I knew that I wanted to bring these experiences with me to college.
- How does your organization contribute to the CWRU campus? What do you hope to accomplish within your organization?
AfroAm contributes to the CWRU campus by pushing both Black excellence and racial equity through our programming, initiatives and collaborative efforts. Put simply, we hope to foster an environment where Black students not only feel comfortable, but feel supported by AfroAm.
- What is your favorite memory of the organization?
My favorite memory and recurring event of the organization is the first [general board] meeting we have each school year, where our topic is “Being Black at a PWI.” I always love hearing the perspective of other students, and I remember attending this event before I was on the executive board, and really feeling understood; like I had finally found a key piece of my identity on this campus.
Candace Williams
Black Law Students Association president
A first-generation law student, Candace Williams is a Juris Doctor candidate at Case Western Reserve University School of Law. On campus, Williams found her support system in the Black Law Students Association, where she is now the organization’s president.
- Why did you join your organization?
As a first-generation law student, I knew having a safe community around me was critical. When applying to CWRU, I found a home and family within the BLSA community. BLSA is a space where I can find love, correction, support, and honesty. Law school can be so isolating and, at times, an unhealthy space for comparison and discourse. Within BLSA, I know that I am respected and seen for who I am, and my value is not dismissed based on any performance.
- How does your organization contribute to the CWRU campus? What do you hope to accomplish within your organization?
As an organization, BLSA has been a distinguished community founded on the principles of leadership, stewardship, and the advancement of African American lawyers. As the second BLSA chapter in the nation, our chapter has produced notable alumni, including several judges, Cleveland Mayor Justin Bibb (LAW ’18, MGT ’18), and legal powerhouses Stephanie Tubb Jones (LAW ’74) and Fred Grey (LAW ’54).
- What is your favorite memory of the organization?
My favorite memory is tied between two annual events: the induction ceremony, and the Black Ties Fundraising Gala. Both events highlight the best of our community, connect current students to alumni, and inspire us to dream bigger for ourselves and our community.