Mercedes Lewis is this week’s Campus Celebrity. She is the President of the African American Alliance (AAA). AAA has been very busy this month putting on several activities a week for Black History month. I asked Mercedes a few Questions relating to herself and her experience as AAA’s president.
What is your Major?
I am a Communications major with a concentration in Visual Media – Video.
How has AAA transformed since you have gotten involved?
Being a First-Year Student at JCU, I was not very excited or passionate about anything until I became Secretary of the African American Alliance. AAA has helped me find my passion, which is to bring Diversity and Equal Opportunity to people. It has opened up my mind and eyes to so many issues prevalent in the Black Community and has even shaped my career goals to be the Director of a Diversity Office at a University. I am now serving my second term as President and AAA has taught me my purpose in life.
What are AAA goals or mission?
The purpose of African American Alliance,is to promote the recognition and involvement of African American students, students of African descent and students of other ethnicities at John Carroll University. The organization holds the intention of creating a strong voice on campus and to make an impact on the decisions regarding students of the JCU Community. We are implementing new goals of building positive relationships with other organizations and departments through collaborations and being allies to them.
How would you define equality?
I would define equality as giving every person “the same thing”. And yes, making sure all people have “equal” access to resources is an important goal but I do not believe that equality should be our focus, it should be the basis upon which we need to work towards equity. Some people need more to be at the same level as others in order to be equal, and that is where equity comes into play.
What is your favorite thing about John Carroll?
My favorite thing about JCU is the entire Student Affairs Department. I have built so many great relationships with The Dean of Students, Office of Student Activities and The Office of Residence Life. The most important office in my life is The Center for Diversity & Inclusion. Danielle, Salo and Carol, who run the office, have impacted my life so much and each in there own unique way. I do not think anyone understands where I would or wouldn’t be without them. Danielle and Salo are two of my biggest supporters in life and I cannot wait to be in their career field in my future career!