Rutgers-Camden Celebrates Black History Month with a Series of Engaging Events

Throughout February, Rutgers University-Camden hosted a variety of events in honor of Black History Month, celebrating culture, history, and community. The month-long programming, organized by student organizations, faculty, and university departments, provided an opportunity for education, reflection, and joy through diverse experiences.

The Multicultural Student Center kicked off the month with a series titled “Black History Month: Reclaimed Radiance,” featuring interactive workshops aimed at celebrating African and Black cultural heritage. Students participated in an African Headwrap History and Master Class on February 5, where they learned about the historical significance of headwraps while practicing different wrapping styles. Food for the event was provided by Blowin Smoque, adding a taste of cultural authenticity to the gathering. 

Willa McBride (left), Simone Owens (Senior Program Coordinator, Multicultural Center) in the middle, and Rabiyatu Sow (NAACP President) on the right. Photo by Sidney Pratt.

On February 11, students had the chance to engage in a Yoga and Mindfulness Class led by certified instructor Courtney Prince, MSW. The session emphasized the importance of mental and physical well-being within Black communities, offering a beginner-friendly environment for relaxation and self-care.

The Natural Hair Care Workshop on February 18 provided an opportunity for students to embrace and learn about natural hair maintenance, including the creation of DIY deep conditioners. Attendees discussed the significance of natural hair in Black identity and self-expression, fostering an inclusive and supportive space for personal empowerment.

Academic discussions and historical reflections were also integral to the month’s programming. The Black History Month Kickoff: Honoring Ida B. Wells on February 4 featured Reverend Eric Dobson, who spoke about Wells’ legacy in the fight for justice and equality. On February 20, the Underground Railroad Sites of South Jersey event at Paul Robeson Library shed light on the region’s rich history of Black resistance and resilience.

For students looking to strengthen their financial literacy, NABA (National Association of Black Accountants) hosted a Tax Edition Financial Literacy Session, equipping attendees with essential knowledge for navigating tax season with guidance from finance professional Osiris Jackson.

The month also included engaging and competitive events like the Black History Jeopardy Night on February 4, hosted by Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc., and the Black Student Union. Participants tested their knowledge of Black history in a fun and interactive setting.

The Master Class on Black Joy, held on February 18, was a highlight of the month. Led by renowned author Tracey Lewis-Giggetts, the session explored Black Joy as a transformative and healing force, offering insight into resilience and the reclaiming of happiness in the face of adversity.

Justin Bamgboye (NAACP Vice President) on the left, Rabiyatu Sow (NAACP President) in the middle, and Leilani Taylor (NAACP 2nd Vice President) on the right. Photo by Sidney Pratt.

The Grand Finale: The 2nd Annual Black Excellence Gala

Closing out the month’s celebrations was the highly anticipated Black Excellence Gala on February 17, hosted by the Rutgers-Camden NAACP. This formal event, themed “Black, by Popular Demand!”, welcomed students, faculty, and special guests to an evening of elegance, culture, and recognition. Attendees donned black attire with gold accents, setting the tone for a night dedicated to honoring Black achievement and excellence.

Distinguished Guests and Speakers

The gala featured the following speakers:

• Mayor Victor Carstarphen (Mayor of Camden) – Welcoming Remarks
• Tylik McMillan (Civil Rights Activist & Strategist) – Keynote Speaker
• Reet Starwind (Poet & Rutgers-Camden Alumnus) – Spoken Word Performance

Student Organization Awards

Student organizations received recognition for their efforts in cultural preservation, empowerment, and social justice:

• L’Ouverture Legacy Award – Haitian Student Union
• By Any Means Necessary: Power & Purpose Award – Black Student Union
• Nzinga Mbande Noble Legacy Award – African Student Association
• Marcus Garvey Global Impact Award – Caribbean Student Association (CARIBSA)
• Thurgood Marshall Maverick of Justice Award – Rutgers-Camden NAACP
• Madam C.J. Walker Award for Promoting Pan-African Prosperity – National Association of Black Accountants (NABA)
• Dr. Anna Julia Cooper Pearl of Wisdom Award – Pi Epsilon Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.
• Violette Neatley Anderson Pearl of Service Award – Theta Omicron Chapter of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc.
• Thaddeus Stevens Award for Social Justice – Rutgers-Camden Student Governing Association

Rabiyatu Sow (far left), Justin Bamgboye (next to her), Willa McBride, Mayor Victor Carstarphen of Camden (center), Nahreem Alford (NAACP Treasurer) on his left, and Nyla Boswell (Assistant Secretary) on his left. Photo by Sidney Pratt.

Honoring Faculty and Professionals

Faculty and professionals received awards for their contributions to education, law, and advocacy:

• The Foundation for Excellence Award – Dr. Marsha Lowery, Vice Chancellor for Student Academic Success
• The Legal Luminaries Award – Dr. Paris McPherson & Dean Rhasheda Douglas, for work in diversity and equity in the legal field
• The People’s Professor Award – Dr. Keith Benson, President of the Camden Education Association and Rutgers-Camden professor

As Black History Month came to a close, the events at Rutgers-Camden, including the Black Excellence Gala, highlighted themes of leadership and community recognition. As the campus reflects on the month’s programming, the conversations and connections formed are expected to influence student and faculty engagement in the months ahead.

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On November 7, Student Governing Association held its eighth General Body Meeting. The meeting began with welcoming remarks and the usual roll call. In the absence of Treasurer Toft, Senator John, and Representative Sta. Anna, the meeting proceeded.

Dean Nickitas from the School of Nursing joined the meeting as a guest speaker, delivering an inspiring message of support and appreciation. She commended the dedication of SGA members and applauded the School of Nursing’s faculty and students, acknowledging the hard work and commitment shown by all involved.

The President’s report included several key campus updates. Members of the President’s Advisory Committee, including President Lugo, Vice President Mody, Treasurer Toft, and student Paul Boyd are focused on campus advocacy initiatives for Rutgers-Camden. Additionally, the President announced an upcoming one-on-one meeting with Chancellor Tillis scheduled for November 26, which will provide an opportunity to discuss campus priorities and improvements.

Looking ahead, the President reminded attendees that the next General Body Meeting would take place on November 14 in the West ABC Conference Rooms. The report also included announcements about post-election debrief events, which are scheduled for November 13th at the Raptor Roost and November 21st in the West AB Conference Rooms during free period. These events are hosted by the Wellness Center and they aim to offer students a space to reflect and discuss the election’s impact.

GAO Chairperson Quitola gave important reminders for student organizations, emphasizing attendance requirements for securing additional funding. The Chairperson also noted that all SGA General Body Meetings count as approved Honors College activities, encouraging Honors students to attend and engage in these meetings.

Quitola shared upcoming events on campus include the 1st Gen Sneaker Ball on November 7th, a Cyberpunk-themed gaming campaign hosted by the Tabletop Gaming and Anime and Manga Alliance on the same day, a Student Nurses Association event on November 12th, and a Research Retreat on November 20th hosted by AMSA, the Biology Club, and the Chemistry Club.

Additionally, a President’s Meeting featuring a Treasurer’s Workshop is scheduled for November 13th in the West AB Conference Room, with two sessions available during the free period and in the evening. Budget applications for student organizations will open on November 11th.

In the Executive Senator’s report updates were shared about the campus food pantry, confirming it has been added to the Canvas RUC student resource page. SGA aims to improve its accessibility, making it easier for students to locate this valuable resource.

During the open forum, Katherine, the Director of Dining Services, provided updates about Thanksgiving dining hall hours, which are now available on the website. She also invited students to attend Friendsgiving on November 19th.

Students with further questions can reach Dining Services via the text-to-chat service. Additionally, student Jenna Ahmed promoted the upcoming Research Retreat and encouraged students to reach out to the Biology Club or Chemistry Club for more information.

The meeting adjourned at 5:46 PM, closing a swift session focused on strengthening campus resources, student support, and upcoming events.

For any additional questions or details, students are encouraged to reach out to the SGA.

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SGA Highlights Experiential Learning and Campus Initiatives in Sixth Meeting

Rutgers University-Camden’s Student Governing Association (SGA) gathered on October 24, 2024, for its sixth General Body Meeting of the semester. Running from 5:15 PM to 5:49 PM in the West ABC Conference Rooms. The meeting covered important campus updates, a presentation on experiential learning, and an open forum for student concerns.

The session began with a presentation by Michael D’Italia, who spoke on the benefits of experiential learning, highlighting how it contributes to both academic success and personal growth. D’Italia encouraged the SGA to help foster a culture of “experiential excellence” at Rutgers-Camden and explained various funding opportunities available to support students in these endeavors. He addressed questions from members on a variety of topics, including how students can get started with experiential learning, whether credit requirements apply, and how students can balance such activities with their academic responsibilities.

In response, D’Italia outlined that students eligible for experiential learning would receive information through emails and other initiatives from the Chancellor’s office. He added that there is no credit requirement for participation, though a minimum GPA of 2.5 is typically expected. He assured the group that his office works closely with students to discuss goals and demonstrate how experiential learning can aid academic achievement. Additionally, he emphasized efforts to improve accessibility for first-year and graduate students, pointing to recent updates like expanded internship awards and website improvements.

Following the presentation, the SGA President shared several updates. The president recapped the Chancellor’s recent Fall Address, announced that the next “Welcome Wednesday” event would take place on November 6, and highlighted an upcoming meeting between SGA nursing student members and Dean Nickitas on October 30 to discuss issues pertinent to nursing students.

The president also shared insights from a monthly meeting with Vice Chancellor Mary Beth Daisey, clarifying questions raised during a recent town hall. In other news, Debbie Shiers was introduced as the new Director of Residence Life, and an open position for an executive senator was announced for students interested in leadership roles within the SGA.

Financial updates followed, with the SGA Treasurer providing details on the upcoming budget timeline. The treasurer also announced a budgeting workshop in collaboration with the Office of Student Involvement, scheduled for November 13. This workshop will be offered twice during free period and again at 5:00 PM in the West ABC rooms to accommodate a variety of student schedules.

GAO Chairperson Quitola reminded attendees about the attendance requirement for student organizations seeking additional funding and encouraged members to stay up-to-date through the SGA newsletter. Among upcoming events, the chairperson highlighted a Punk Rock concert organized by WCCR on October 31 at the Raptor Roost.

During the open forum, students voiced various concerns and ideas. Gabriella, an SGA member, raised issues regarding malfunctioning vending machines and GrubHub lockers on campus. Vice Chancellor Daisey plans to follow up to address these concerns. Another member, Charlotte, discussed a potential collaboration with NJPIRG to implement an automatic textbook billing system for students. Charlotte intends to connect with SGA President Lugo to explore this idea further.

The meeting adjourned at 5:49 PM, concluding a productive session. SGA encourages all students to attend future meetings to stay engaged with campus developments and to bring forward any issues or suggestions.

SGA Holds a Speedy Seventh General Body Meeting 

The Rutgers University-Camden Student Governing Association (SGA) convened on October 31, 2024, for its seventh General Body Meeting of the semester. The meeting, held in the West ABC Conference Rooms, began at 5:15 PM with a roll call. Senator Lescht, Representative Fiore, and Representative Johnson were absent, and the minutes from the October 24 meeting were approved without issue.

The president’s report provided updates on various initiatives and events. An upcoming “Community Conversation” event, scheduled for November 4, 2024, will allow students to debrief following the election, with pizza provided for attendees. In recent advocacy efforts, President Lugo, Secretary Levy, Senator Jeyaprakash, and Representative St. Anna met with Dean Nickitas of the nursing school to address specific needs within the program, including the potential addition of standing desks in certain classrooms, offering medical terminology courses, and reviewing general concerns around course scheduling.

Additionally, members of the SGA submitted a work order for vending machines in Armitage Hall, with technicians addressing ongoing issues. Students who lose money in a vending machine can request refunds through a QR code on the machine or by contacting Dining Services representative Jane Caputo, with credit card transactions being refunded automatically within a few hours if items are not dispensed.

The treasurer’s report reminded student organizations to check their emails for details on the upcoming budget workshop and timeline, while the GAO Chairperson highlighted the attendance requirement for student organizations seeking additional funding. It was also noted that all SGA general body meetings qualify as approved Honors College events, encouraging greater involvement from Honors College students.

In the Executive Representative Report, SGA members shared insights from a recent focus group with Simone Owens, where they discussed plans for the upcoming Multicultural Student Center. This initiative aims to create inclusive spaces for student engagement, and student leaders are advised to stay updated on future developments.

During new business, SGA approved a resolution to host a “Pizza and Politics” event on November 4 from 11:20 AM to 12:20 PM in the Campus Center’s South AB. This event, supported by the Office of Student Involvement (OSI), will provide students with a relaxed, non-partisan space to share their concerns and thoughts on the upcoming election. Attendees will get free pizza as part of OSI’s “Upcoming Election Events” series. Additionally, Senator Sow was appointed as Executive Senator following a successful vote.

In an announcement during the open forum, Vice Chancellor Mary Beth Daisey announced her upcoming retirement, effective January 1, 2025, marking the end of her tenure at Rutgers Camden.

The meeting ended at 5:28 PM, concluding a concise but productive session. SGA encourages students to participate in upcoming events and to attend future meetings to stay engaged with campus activities and initiatives.

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On Thursday, October 17th, the Student Government Association (SGA) held a productive general body meeting starting at 5:15 PM. Among the key highlights was a guest presentation by Angela DeRocini, who shared valuable insights into the campus’s academic support services. DeRocini emphasized that there are currently 40 peer tutors on hand, covering more than 100 courses. These services, which include personalized learning plans, Canvas learning modules, and academic achievement workshops, have seen significant engagement this semester. With 553 appointments already held, 203 unique students have benefited from tutoring. DeRocini encouraged SGA members to advocate for these resources, promote a culture of learning, and support students in developing a growth mindset.

President Lugo also provided several important updates. She reminded members about upcoming post-election events and the next Senate meeting, which will now be held in West ABC instead of ATG 121. Additionally, she highlighted Assemblywoman Carol Murphy’s sponsorship of the Red Sand Project, an initiative to raise awareness about human trafficking. She also recognized the achievements of Rutgers–Camden veterans who were recently honored with medallions, including students Zach Bautista, Julio Dagand, and Randy Petronko.

Vice President Mody gave a brief update on the upcoming Townhall, and GAO Chairperson Quitola shared details about the Student Organizations Incentive Program and an upcoming meeting with the President.

In new business, the SGA appointed Jennifer Levy as Secretary, along with several other officer appointments. The open forum provided an opportunity for members to share insights and updates, with Vice President Mody reminding attendees of Chancellor Tillis’ Fall Address, scheduled for October 24th. General body member Amber raised the issue of increasing turnout at campus events, sparking a discussion with input from Vice President Mody and GAO Chairperson Quitola. Executive Senator Joseph Lescht joined the meeting shortly before adjournment at 5:50 PM.

While this meeting was brief, it was productive as students were informed and encouraged to stay engaged with SGA events and attend the Chancellor’s address next week!

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Recap of the General Body Meeting on October 3, 2024

On Thursday, October 3rd, the Student Government Association (SGA) convened for a productive General Body Meeting (GBM) from 5:15 PM to 6:15 PM. All members were present except Nursing Senator Nikitha Jeyaprakash, who was excused. The meeting commenced with an approval of the agenda, followed by a guest speaker segment featuring Laura Collins, Director of the Office of Student Development and Financial Aid (OSDFA). Laura provided insights into her work on campus, highlighting the importance of fellowships and grants available to students for both undergraduate and graduate opportunities. Her presentation aimed to inform students on how to connect with funding for external opportunities. While there were no immediate questions, the detailed information she shared is accessible through the OSDFA office for further inquiry.

In the President’s Report, several key updates were announced, including ongoing efforts to address financial aid issues for students in need, information regarding the Homecoming event on October 5th, and a reiteration that the SGA’s General Body Meetings are classified as part of Honors College activities. Additionally, reminders about social media engagement were highlighted. The Vice President’s Report focused on issues impacting the student body, particularly concerns about dining hall availability and quality. There was a follow-up on divestment discussions and updates on housing and various committees, with the VP encouraging students to participate in committees such as the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee and the Legislative Affairs Committee.

Treasurer updates revealed that a meeting regarding commuter experiences in Lot 16 took place, emphasizing the importance of student input. The Treasurer also reminded members to send any budget-related queries to the SGA email. New business discussions were particularly engaging, with Executive Senator Joseph Lescht motioning for a resolution recognizing the anniversary of the October 7th event. A spirited debate ensued over the resolution’s wording, with amendments made to refine its intent. Despite a push for commemoration, the resolution ultimately did not pass, with a vote tally of 2 in favor, 8 against, and 1 abstention. Senator Lescht expressed disappointment, calling for reflection on the moral implications of the decision.

During the open forum, students voiced their concerns about memorializing significant events and the need for more dedicated workspaces for students in the BFA program. The SGA acknowledged these issues and committed to bringing them to administrative attention. Overall, the GBM was a testament to the SGA’s commitment to fostering an inclusive and responsive student government. As always, the SGA encourages student participation and feedback to enhance the university experience for all. For those interested in contributing to ongoing initiatives or voicing concerns, please reach out through the SGA channels.

Recap of the General Body Meeting on October 10, 2024

The Student Government Association (SGA) convened for its General Body Meeting (GBM) on October 10th, from 5:15 PM to 6:15 PM. During the roll call, all members were present except for Senator Agbo Eje, Executive Representative Simone, and Representative Sta. Ana. 

The meeting featured guest speakers Dr. Stacy Haynes and Joseph Abbas from the Student Wellness Center. Dr. Haynes provided an insightful introduction, discussing initiatives such as “Woof Wednesdays” and other programming aimed at addressing student needs. These programs include activities like coloring and guest speaker events designed to help students de-stress, particularly during midterms and finals. All services offered by the Wellness Center, including psychiatry and medical assistance, are free for students. Dr. Haynes also highlighted collaborations with wellness radio (WCCR) and various recognized student organizations. Questions from the SGA included one from Treasurer Toft about links to student resources and events, and Representative Johnson’s questions about upcoming collaborations with organizations like Animation Alliance.

In the President’s Report, updates included information from a recent meeting with the Chancellor, addressing post-election events and support plans, and a follow-up on realignment questions raised during the first GBM. The President also announced a “Welcome In-Wednesday” event scheduled for October 23rd, and a meeting with Dean Nickitas from the Nursing school on October 30th. The Vice President reported on equitable restroom distribution in the Science Building. There were no reports from the Secretary, Treasurer, GAO Chairperson, Executive Senator, or Executive Representative.

In the new business segment, a resolution was proposed to commemorate the lives lost in October 2023. The motion was discussed, and after consulting with the executive board, Representative Fiore, and advisor Wallace, a moment of silence was established, lasting 15 seconds. The motion passed unanimously. The swearing-in of new members, including Secretary Levy, GAO Chairwoman Quitola, CCAS Senator Sow, Business Representative Barcklow, Nursing Senator Jeyaprakash, CCAS Representative Fiore, and Nursing Representative Sta. Ana was postponed to the next GBM meeting.

During the open forum, Representative Johnson followed up on a previous BFA request, and Treasurer Toft announced an upcoming event with Assemblywoman Carol Murphy at the Quad on October 16th. Additionally, Hoda Niaz, Yaren Aykit, and another representative from the Muslim Student Association (MSA) expressed their disappointment regarding problems that occurred during a prior event, “What’s Happening in Palestine“. Lastly, Kait Buser, President of the Animation Alliance raised concerns about the quality of chairs in the animation labs, asking if improvements could be made, and inquired about funding for additional resources such as 3D printers. To end the meeting, Treasurer Toft and Representative Fiore announced that they are collaborating on projects related to accessibility and recommend reaching out via email for further assistance.

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This year’s second General Body Meeting (GBM) of the Rutgers University-Camden Student Government Association (SGA) took place Thursday, September 26th from 5:15pm-6:15pm.

The SGA welcomed guest speaker Vice Chancellor Mike Sepanic, who discussed his role in strengthening connections between Rutgers-Camden and the community through government relations. He updated attendees on how he and his department secured $3 million in funding for civic engagement, mental health support, and academic programs–emphasizing the importance of student advocacy in demonstrating the need for such resources. Vice Chancellor Sepanic encouraged students to engage with local and federal officials to continue advocating for their academic and professional futures.

He highlighted the university’s ties to the South Jersey business community and the opportunities for students to network through local Chamber of Commerce events. He also addressed questions about the university’s Board of Directors, encouraging student participation in board meetings.

A key topic was Rutgers-Camden’s Minority Serving Institution (MSI) status, which opens doors to federal grants for academic programs and student services. He stressed that the campus is actively pursuing these grants with support from South Jersey’s congressional delegation.

Sepanic concluded by emphasizing the importance of student advocacy in securing resources and maintaining Rutgers-Camden’s identity, urging students to remain engaged in advocacy efforts both on campus and beyond.

President Kimberly Lugo welcomed students and emphasized the importance of participation, highlighting that catering will be provided for all GBMs. She encouraged students to engage with guest speakers and stay informed through posted meeting documents, which are shared on the SGA Engage page. Vice President Shaan Mody reminded members about filling vacant positions and promoting the upcoming Town Hall on October 22, which will feature discussions on SGA initiatives.

The meeting included significant motions, such as extending the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) committee, which sparked debate about its impact on other committees. Senator Joseph Lescht (CCAS) suggested making DEI membership optional to ensure other committees, like the Constitution Committee, are adequately staffed, which was met with resistance from Representative Alexander Simone (CCAS). Both Senator Lescht and Representative Simone noted the need for all committees to remain active and representative.

Further discussions led to the approval of a motion to extend the Legislative Affairs Committee for another three years, maintaining its focus on advocacy and education. 

Candidates who were running for open positions on SGA had the opportunity to introduce themselves and shared their reasons for running for office.

One candidate is seeking the CCAS representative position, highlighting their transfer experience and involvement in student organizations. They emphasized their unique perspective as a commuter student and expressed a desire to advocate for their major and improve funding for their department. They also raised concerns about accessibility on campus, noting issues with the elevators that violate the Americans with Disabilities Act.

Another candidate announced their intention to run for the nursing representative role. They stressed the importance of representing nursing students and shared their commitment to voicing their peers’ opinions. This candidate is also the communications chair for a student organization, showcasing their active engagement in the campus community.

Significant efforts toward enhancing student involvement and community connections were the topic of this meeting. With key discussions on funding, advocacy, and representation. As the SGA continues to prioritize communication and collaboration, students are encouraged to actively participate in shaping their academic and campus experiences.

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The first Student Governing Association (SGA) General Body Meeting of the semester took place on Thursday, September 19th, from 5:15 to 6:15 PM, led by SGA board members President Kimberly Lugo, Vice President Shaan Mody, Secretary Jenna Ahmed, and Treasurer Jessica Toft. The meeting featured a raffle with prizes of an iPad, AirPods, and an Apple Watch. Clubs were also encouraged to boost funding with a $100 prize and reminded that attending 9 out of 11 SGA meetings makes them eligible for $150 in their revenue accounts.

Chancellor Antonio Tillis opened the meeting by asking, “What does it mean to be a chancellor?”, comparing his role to that of a ship’s captain and emphasizing the collaborative nature of university leadership, with vice-chancellors in areas like Academic Affairs and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. Tillis also highlighted his responsibilities to create scholarships and shared his experience as a first-generation student. He stressed the importance of student engagement with SGA, noting its reliance on active participation, and encouraged students to think in five-year increments. He announced an additional $10,000 for SGA’s budget to support student organizations, stating, “now you have the opportunity to not wish, but to do.”

Rutgers Camden Office of Marketing and Communications

SGA had the opportunity to pose direct questions to Chancellor Tillis, addressing a variety of pressing issues that have been on the minds of the student body. The first question, posed by Senator Joseph Lescht, referenced significant changes made in the Division of Student Academic Success and Student Affairs over the summer, which included layoffs and realignments that, according to the SGA, have impacted student life.

“Could you please share a little bit more information on the determination of these changes, of these reorganizations, what their purpose was, and if and when the Rutgers Camden community can expect some documentation?” Lescht asked.

Chancellor Tillis explained that the personnel changes aimed to maximize efficiency, not reduce student services, acknowledging that duplication had caused financial strain. He noted that Senior Vice Chancellor Jimmy John would return to provide more details on the restructuring.

Moving on to financial concerns, SGA Treasurer Jessica Toft raised an important follow-up question about the recent tuition increase. Over the summer, students saw a rise in both tuition and dining fees, with an 11% increase in dining costs being especially notable.

“I was just wondering where our tuition increases are going, and going forward, I would appreciate more transparency regarding decisions to increase costs on campus and how it will affect things and improve their experience,” Toft said.

Chancellor Tillis explained that the tuition and dining fee increases were decisions made by the Board of Governors, with input from leadership. He acknowledged the burden on students but noted that financial aid, including increased Pell Grants, was adjusted to help ease the impact.

The discussion then shifted to commuter students, with SGA Secretary Jenna Ahmed highlighting the challenges faced by Rutgers-Camden’s large commuter population. On noted that despite over 87% of students being commuters, fewer than 9% had purchased parking permits. Instead, most students chose to use parking meters or avoid parking fees altogether.

“I would like to formally invite all administrators to immerse themselves in the average Rutgers Camden commuter student experience by parking at lot 16 and either walk to campus or take the shuttle service,” Ahmed stated.

Chancellor Tillis acknowledged the suggestion and sought clarification on the core issues, asking if the problem was the long walk, lack of shuttles, or something else. A student from the crowd responded, saying it was “long, expensive, and unnecessary.” The Chancellor repeated the points and asked for more clarification on why it was considered unnecessary. 

Before the student could continue, the President kindly apologized and reassured everyone that these concerns would be addressed during an upcoming open forum where students could fully express their views. Due to the formal nature of the meeting and the need to maintain decorum, it seems like comments from the crowd couldn’t be allowed at the moment. However, the meeting concluded without holding an open forum. The next day, President Lugo issued an apology, taking responsibility for the oversight and emphasizing the importance of discussing tuition, commuter issues, and other changes. She reassured students that all voices will be heard. An E-board member later clarified that the meeting was fast-paced and stressful, with no intent to silence anyone. 

Rutgers Camden Office of Marketing and Communications

Throughout the meeting, the QR code for the Student Concern Form was projected and remains accessible via SGA’s Engage page. Additionally, the SGA maintains an open-door policy in the Leaders Lounge, though access is limited, as students must notify SGA members beforehand. The SGA is actively involved in various advisory boards, including the Campus Advisory Board, Pre-Med Committee, Centennial Committee, and Executive Board. They are also coordinating a meeting with the provost and deans to address student concerns. On October 22nd, they will launch their academic plan.

Looking ahead, on October 22nd, from 12:45 PM to 1:45 PM, SGA will host a town hall where they will launch their academic plan for the year. The event will feature speeches from an administrator and student leaders and an open forum for students to express their concerns.

To wrap up the meeting, Brandon QUines announced that RUC Homecoming will return on October 3rd. They also reminded clubs and organizations that they must attend 9 out of 11 SGA meetings to be eligible for $150 to be added to their revenue accounts. 

The SGA continues to demonstrate its commitment to addressing student concerns and fostering a more connected campus community. Be sure to stay tuned for future editions, where we’ll provide updates on upcoming initiatives and events, including the much-anticipated town hall and academic plan launch.

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I saw a City Invincible 2003 mural by Cesar Viveros (photo from X/@cesarmural)

Story by Amaya Solar

In the heart of Camden City, lies an intersection often overlooked: Rutgers University and the
Camden community. This relationship, often marked by both collaboration and contention,
mirrors broader interactions between universities and the cities they inhabit. To unravel the
dynamic of this relationship, I sat down with three influential voices: Dr. Stephen Danley,
Director of the Center for Urban Research and Education (CURE) and associate professor of
public policy and administration; Ronsha Dickerson, an advocate and leader of community
empowerment serving as Chair of Camden, We Choose and National Organizer for The Journey for
Justice Alliance; and Asiyah Kurtz, the executive director of Camden FireWorks creating art for
social change.

With Dr. Stephen Danley’s expertise in urban studies, he offers an academic perspective into the
detailed relations between Rutgers University and the city of Camden. Danley, having resided in Camden
for 11 years, arrived with the belief that “If I want to be here, I have to live here,” to show that
he’s serious about being part of the community. He wanted to challenge the idea of just doing
research from a distance, which he calls “helicopter research”. Danley stresses the significance of
the individuals who supported him when he first arrived in Camden. He specifically mentions the
late Colandus ‘Kelly’ Francis, the former longtime head of the NAACP in Camden County.
Francis, a powerful activist, not only educated Danley about Camden’s history but also infused
hope into a time marked by despair for organized progressive movements. Danley describes his
work as, “relational, I made my life here, I became a part of the community here, I became a
part of the movements, I was interested in studying and my work has grown out of those
relationships.” He believes genuine change begins with building trust through understanding the
people and culture of Camden and being invited into spaces within the community. Further
efforts to foster connections with the Camden community are exemplified by Danley’s
collaboration with Joseph Russell. Inspired by Ray Lamboy’s concept, they initiated a project to
bus people from Rutgers University to Camden’s restaurants for lunch, ultimately establishing the Camden Supper Club. This initiative aimed to introduce students to Camden’s culinary scene, often
overshadowed by negative media coverage. To counteract biased reviews that portrayed Camden
as unsafe, Danley’s students wrote positive Yelp reviews, encouraging consumers to support
local restaurants. “There is so much Camden has to offer that is not visible if you’re not rooted in
Camden.”

CURE’s driving goals are to foster academic life with an education mission for students and
faculty, a traditional research mission that matters to the city’s justice issues, and finally doing
work directly with community members. Danley trains his students to hear when they are doing
harm or not contributing to the cause the way community members want. Camden residents have
had negative experiences with Rutgers Police over the years, “for years the Rutgers Police was
used as a force to enforce the boundaries of the Rutgers Campus…sometimes we can brag about our community engaged work without thinking about the core of what our University is doing.”
Danley listed his largest critiques of Rutgers: “I don’t think we should have a police force, I
think we need to be more cooperative with development and I think we should be paying
PILOTs (payment in lieu of taxes)”. These critiques highlight structural issues that must be
addressed to ensure that positive work, whether through CURE or other initiatives, doesn’t
overshadow underlying problems, Danley says.

To fully understand Camden’s distrust of big institutions like Rutgers, we need to explore the
underlying reasons for their reluctance. “Camden is often criticized from around the state as
being a place where we throw money at problems, … when we throw money at a problem, who
catches the money?” Danley adds. When asked about Camden’s relationship with subsidies
moving into their city, Danley brings up the fact that corporations like Holtec, Campbell’s Soup,
Triad1828 Centre, and Subaru, “create little fortresses that have very little to do with the local
economy”. Very few Camden residents are being hired at these companies and their existence is
intentional due to the tax cuts they receive to reside in Camden. These corporations make it so
that their staff does not interact with the Camden community, these buildings are enclosed by
fences and offer numerous parking spaces to prevent the use of public transportation.
Additionally, for those who do use public transit like PATCO, there are shuttle buses provided to
avoid passing by local businesses, and the buildings themselves often have cafeterias inside.
“What I would argue is that 1.6 billion dollars for which the justification was improving a city
got captured by private companies, and that’s heartbreaking”. As Danley sees it,
Students have been the driving force behind the changes Danley has witnessed during his time
living in Camden and teaching at Rutgers. There’s a significant stigma surrounding Camden,
evident in media, conversations, and academia. Danley urges us to acknowledge that students are
starting to view Camden beyond its longstanding labels. Danley attributes the shift in student
perceptions to Gen Z’s political awareness and the diversification of the student body, including
efforts to bring in more residents from Camden and other diverse backgrounds. He also credits
the efforts of campus leaders like Dr. Nyeema Watson and community partnerships with
individuals like Roncha Dickerson and Asiyah Kurtz for combating negative stigmas about
Camden. Students are seeking genuine experiences and a departure from the “ivory tower”
mentality. Danley highlighted that “community organizations are doing double work.” Meaning
they’re not only improving communities but also reshaping Rutgers’ perception of Camden.

As previously mentioned by Dr. Stephen Danley, the passionate advocate for Camden residents,
Ronsha Dickerson sat down with me to share her experience working with Rutgers and private
corporations. Dickerson, a proud mother and grandmother, began her journey in community-
based organized work through Unity Community Center where she specializes in African
dancing and drums, martial arts, and music, to “help youth understand their genius in urban
communities”. Her leadership in Camden, We Choose, aims for education, housing, food
production, employment, safety, and healthcare improvements in Camden.

The group collaborates with other Camden organizations, such as New Jersey Working Families,
Camden Parent Student Union, as well as advocacy groups focusing on environmental and
economic justice birthing their coalition. “Bringing in big corporations to Camden was supposed to mean more job opportunities for residents,” Dickerson recalls. She remembers when jobs at places like Campbell’s Soup and the waterfront docks provided steady employment to residents like her mother and father. “If you’re going to give these people no taxes … at least make it to where it is lucrative to the community and residents are able to work in these spaces”. The need for these corporations to benefit the community was desired. Residents want more than just entry-level positions; they seek
opportunities for career advancement and higher-level roles. However, obstacles such as
educational requirements often hinder residents from accessing these jobs. Dickerson questions
why corporations came to Camden if they weren’t going to prioritize hiring local residents.
Efforts were made to gather signatures for a petition proposed by Camden, We Choose. They
aimed to change the law so that corporations hiring at least 25 employees must disclose how
many are Camden residents. “People were standing in line to sign that petition…our goal was to
hit the streets to get 750 signatures”. Excited about the overwhelming support, they collected
around 1200 signatures, exceeding the required amount. However, the city council rejected 500
of them, claiming they didn’t meet their standards. Despite feeling discouraged, they addressed
the city council where President Angel Fuentes criticized Dickerson and her team for not
following proper signature procedures. However, undeterred, they organized a rally with the
assistance of support groups and individuals, ultimately gathering around 1000 additional
signatures required for the petition. The next step was to present the matter to the city council for
a vote. If the council rejected it, residents would then vote directly on the referendum during the
November midterm election. Initially, the City Council didn’t want to vote on the matter, so a
lawsuit was filed to challenge their decision. The judge ruled in favor of Camden’s coalitions and
residents, making it law since September 7th, 2022, that every February and August,
corporations with 25 or more employees must report how many are Camden residents. The first
report in February 2023 revealed that in about 10 large Camden corporations, only 1% of their employees are Camden residents. While there has been some upward change in employment percentages, Danley emphasizes that “The gains that are coming in Camden residential hiring is not being the goodwill of private corporations but is being the result of Camden residents organizing and
holding companies accountable for keeping their promises.”

Dickerson describes Rutgers’s efforts to connect with Camden residents as being like a “bubble”
that separates the institution from the city, creating a divide. She faced challenges in trying to
collaborate with Rutgers’ Fine Arts and Gordon Theater to showcase underrepresented sides of
Camden through art shows, plays, and music. “There were so many loopholes and trade tape to
get Rutgers to become a good partner with residents in Camden.” However, she notes a positive
change with faculty like Dr. Stephen Danley, who supported grassroots organizations and used academia to advocate for social justice. “He was with us when we were fighting for the winning
back of our local school board. He was with us when we were fighting for safe schools in
Camden…he was showing his humility and support for the things that Camden’s grassroots
organizations were doing and he wasn’t afraid to utilize his academic side and his classroom to
tell the story.” Academia plays a big part in fighting for social justice, “he knew that data and
research were going to take us to the next level.”Dickerson emphasizes the importance of access
to Danley’s graduate fellows for their data expertise. She appreciates efforts from individuals like
Dr. Green and Dr. Nilson, but believes Rutgers needs to foster trust and true partnership by
allowing faculty like Danley to showcase what collaboration really looks like. “Where Rutgers
can do better is to allow the Dr. Danley’s and Professor Green’s and other folks on that campus
to show that partnership looks like trust.” She urges Rutgers to realize if they open their gates,
they must allow members to “not visit the campus to be the campus.”

Dickerson ended our conversation highlighting the opportunities for Rutgers students to make a
difference on campus and in Camden. She encouraged students to join social clubs, connect with
grassroots organizations, and engage in political activities, such as organizing debates for local
candidates. She stressed the importance of voting in local elections, volunteering in community
meetings, and staying connected to Camden’s progress. Dickerson expressed appreciation for
individuals like Dr. Danley and Jim Brown who have worked for positive change. She hopes for
greater respect towards Rutgers Camden from South Jersey, emphasizing the potential for
collaboration between Rutgers and Camden residents to achieve significant outcomes despite
Camden’s size.

Asaiyah Kurtz, originally from Memphis, Tennessee, and the executive director of Camden
Fireworks, found exploring Camden to be a rewarding experience. Through this, Kurtz and her
team developed a mission to use art for social change. They provided low-rent studios and
workshops to engage artists, resulting in nearly $50,000 invested in local artists through
employment opportunities and exhibitions. Kurtz also collaborates with other organizations to
advocate for issues like environmental justice in various ways.

The city has had trouble in the past with developing a public art program due to none of
the city budget being dedicated to the arts, and Kurtz wants to “establish a model that is said to be
environmentally overburdened and make it a national example of how inclusive, environmentally
friendly public art…can engage the community.” Camden FireWorks is teaming up with the city
to turn vacant lots into public art spaces. They’re offering paid apprenticeships to artists who
want to learn how to use these areas creatively, according to Kurtz. Currently, Camden
FireWorks is running a project funded by Rutgers’ Diversity, Inclusion, and Community
Engagement (DICE) office to conduct community mapping. This creates an overlay on the map
of Waterfront South, identifying key areas where improvements can be made to enhance safety,
such as clearing weeds or improving lighting. Kurtz explains that some Camden organizers may
feel uncomfortable seeking funding from Rutgers due to a “perception, and I don’t know how warranted it is but Rutgers tends to throw its weight around that does not include the community.” It’s suggested that Rutgers should build trusting relationships with local organizations to encourage them to seek support for their projects.

“I want to share a story. I was talking with a gentleman in the neighborhood about a focus group
that was happening, and…he told me ‘I am so tired of being studied’. You know what’s going
on…why do you keep asking me to repeat the same thing if you never fix it.” Kurtz emphasizes
the need to stop viewing Camden as a place needing fixing, disregarding its residents’ agency
and power. Many longtime residents have deep connections to the community, and we should
identify and strengthen those bonds. “There is some history, some connection to place…and we
need to be identifying them so that we can strengthen those and partner with folks who know
best their community.” She describes stories of institutional powers often imposing their ideas on
urban areas without considering residents’ perspectives. Building true relationships between
institutional powers and local residents is essential for improving Camden neighborhoods
collaboratively according to Kurtz.

Kurtz emphasizes that people already have power; organizations like Camden FireWorks don’t
give it to them. However, “sharing the institutional power that FireWorks has” can help amplify
this power by sharing its institutional resources. Kurtz ensures that their work respects and
honors people’s inherent power and voices. She believes it’s crucial for organizations like
Camden FireWorks to go beyond the status quo and challenge and question existing power
dynamics to bring about meaningful change.

To stay connected with the organizations mentioned, I encourage you to follow them on social
media and visit their websites. Keep informed about their latest initiatives, events, and
opportunities to get involved. Visit the websites of CURE and Camden FireWorks. If you’d like
to receive updates from Stephen Danley and CURE, please sign up here. Follow CURE on X
@CureRutgers, @camdenfireworks on Instagram, and @Camedn,WeChoose on Facebook.
Thank you for reading and for your interest in supporting their work.

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