It’s that time of the year again, the dreaded finals season. But with finals comes graduation and with graduation comes relief. With their last ever finals, papers, and projects underway, class of 2017 is finally at the finish line. Through grad school acceptances and job offers, we want to take a moment to appreciate some Spelmanites that truly made an impact on their surrounding community during their time at Spelman College. First up we have…
Janae’ Sumter
Pronouns: She/They
Janae’ Sumter is a graduating senior who studies Studio Art at Spelman College. She was born in New Orleans, LA but later moved to Houston following the devastation of Hurricane Katrina.Throughout her time at Spelman, Janae’ was involved in a host of organizations, from being the 2015-2016 Afrekete Co-President to being the 2016-2017 Spelman Student Goverment Association Co-Special Events Director and so much more, all her works were aimed at cultivating a positive campus culture.
During her time at Spelman, she wanted to open opportunities for nontraditional students to feel comfortable within their difference and being in these roles allowed her an opportunity to have a voice. Janae’ is an active artist who works on rebuilding low-income communities through the arts. She is also an active member of Gamma Sigma Sigma National Service Sorority where she passionately gives back to her community and volunteers when an where there’s a need.
Among all these things Janae’ is a big advocate and organizer in ending sexual abuse on college campuses and helping the LGBTQIA+ community, something she’s heavily involved in through ItsOnUs a national campaign aimed at creating cultural and systematic change regarding sexual violence.
After graduation, she will be beginning a new journey at the Pratt Institute MFA program for Integrated practices in Brooklyn, New York.
When asked if she had advice for the incoming class of Spelman 2021, Janae’ responds, “For the Class of 2021, I would say enjoy these four years and live in each moment. Be sure to take care of yourself and to not fall into the Spelman mood of always being emotionally together. In these years, you will understand new things about yourself, be sure to embrace it; Don’t conform and be you. Take on leadership roles but do not get consumed in it. Lastly, please don’t forget to take care of yourself and your Spelman sisters and bristles and always keep an open mind! Enjoy.”