Emily M. Cooper
Junior
Florence, South Carolina

Why did you become a BCC Ambassa'DORE?

I became a BCC Ambassa’DORE because I was inspired by what the BCC had to offer. The BCC made me feel more comfortable and provided a sense of relief. I want to help other students that look like me to feel the same way.

What does the BCC mean to you?

The BCC is a home that promotes the unity of color on campus while maintaining relations with everyone on campus.

Ceara I. Dorsey
Junior
Kansas City, Missouri

Why did you become a BCC Ambassa'DORE?

I became an Ambassa’DORE because I want to play a role in building up and enhancing the Black experience on campus. Not only does the position provide me with an opportunity to inspire others students to embrace their Black culture but it also gives me the benefit of self-growth.

What does the BCC mean to you?

The BCC is the cornerstone of the Black community and foundation for Black pride at this university. As a first-year student, the BCC was the first place I felt like Vanderbilt was my home.

Blair Ellis
Sophomore
Chicago, IL

Why did you become a BCC Ambassa'DORE?

I became a BCC Ambassa’DORE to enhance my leadership skills and to support a space that has done so much for me.

What does the BCC mean to you?

The BCC is a very special place to me. I met some of my closest friends here, I have bonded with the faculty, it’s my favorite study spot, and it’s a place I know I can come and unwind from Vanderbilt stress.

Taylor Grant
Sophomore
Cleveland, Ohio

Why did you become a BCC Ambassa'DORE?

To me, a BCC Ambassa'Dore is a strong leader that is directly involved with a majority of the cultural activities held on Vanderbilt's campus, and that is who I'd like to be. The BCC was once described to me as a "no judgement zone", which swayed my decision to come to Vanderbilt and being a BCC Ambassa'Dore has afforded me the opportunity to help have the same effect on someone else.

What does the BCC mean to you?

The BCC is a "no judgement zone" where ideas can be expressed freely.

Erin A. Hardnett
Junior
Conyers, Georgia

Why did you become a BCC Ambassa'DORE?

I was an ambassador back in high school and it gave me a more sense of belonging and respect while I was at the school. It also instilled in me a confidence that I didn’t know I had. I wanted an organization in college that would give me that same sense of pride, so I joined BCC Ambassa'DOREs.

What does the BCC mean to you?

The BCC is a space where I know that I can truly be myself, and provides so many resources that make me feel more included.

Raegan A. Harrison
Senior
Queens, New York

Why did you become a BCC Ambassa'DORE?

I became a BCC Ambassa’DORE because I believe in the impact of this space in Vanderbilt’s Black students. My goal as a BCC Ambassa’DORE is to give students of color a safe haven in which they can be unapologetically Black.

What does the BCC mean to you?

The BCC is the solidification of the impact of Black individuals and their experiences on this campus, an affirmation of our existence, and a statement that Blackness is here to stay.

Shelby Hart
Sophomore
Indianapolis, Indiana

Why did you become a BCC Ambassa'DORE?

College is challenging for everyone, but for many undergraduate students who look like me there are additionally challenges due to social constructs. I became a BCC Ambassa'DORE to help promote unity and a sense of belonging for those who face adversity, and be an active member in my community.

What does the BCC mean to you?

To me, the BCC is a safe space. This means it’s an environment where anyone, no matter how they look or identify, can seek peace and belonging. It’s a center of intellectual engagement, community, and expression. The BCC is home, rich of resources and tools that greatly improve my Vanderbilt experience.

Jianna B. Miller
Junior
Lawrenceville, Georgia

Why did you become a BCC Ambassa'DORE?

I wanted to become a BCC Ambassa'Dore because I wanted to take initiative in supporting and helping to improve the quality of life of black students on campus. Not only did I want to better our campus, but I also wanted to work on myself as an individual.

What does the BCC mean to you?

The BCC simply means community for me. It’s a place of gathering, learning, sharing, and communicating that makes the experience here at Vanderbilt much more enjoyable.

Jonah Payne
Junior
St. Louis, Missouri

Why did you become a BCC Ambassa'DORE?

I wanted to become a BCCA because I wanted to take initiative in supporting and helping to improve the quality of life of black students on campus. Not only did I want to better our campus, but I also wanted to work on myself as an individual.

What does the BCC mean to you?

The BCC simply means community for me. It’s a place of gathering, learning, sharing, and communicating that makes the experience here at Vanderbilt much more enjoyable.

Kayla Prowell
Freshman

Why did you become a BCC Ambassa'DORE?

What does the BCC mean to you?

Brandon Scott
Freshman
Coral Springs, FL

Why did you become a BCC Ambassa'DORE?

I became an Ambassa’DORE to learn more about the BCC and become more involved in its programming. I also think it teaches you a lot of organizational skills and leadership development.

What does the BCC mean to you?

The BCC is a place where black students, faculty, and community members can congregate and feel like they have a safe space. Places like the BCC are important, especially on campuses where certain groups may not have as much representation.

Kress Stewart
Sophomore
Chicago, Illinois

Why did you become a BCC Ambassa'DORE?

I became a BCC Ambassa’DORE to become more involved in the black community at Vanderbilt. Also, I felt compelled to contribute to the BCC because it affirmed my identity as a black student.

What does the BCC mean to you?

The BCC to me is a haven. It means having a place where I can be unapologetically black. Ultimately, the BCC means that I always a space to call home at Vanderbilt.

Elysia M. Tillman
Junior
Atlanta, Georgia

Why did you become a BCC Ambassa'DORE?

I became a BCC Ambassa’DORE because when I was a prospective student worrying about college, the BCC made me feel like there would always be somewhere supportive for me on campus, and I want to help others find a home in the BCC.

What does the BCC mean to you?

The BCC is a second home for Black students and space where we can always feel welcome. It is a place for students to gather for social events, study, or just rest when it’s time for a break.

Victor Toliver
Junior
Macon, Georgia

Why did you become a BCC Ambassa'DORE?

I became a BCC Ambassa'DORE because I wanted to be a part of the maintenance and enhancement of Black Vanderbilt's legacy.

What does the BCC mean to you?

The BCC is the place that allows me to fully be myself without worrying about how I am interpreted.

Maureen Ubani
Junior
Tampa, Florida

Why did you become a BCC Ambassa'DORE?

I became a BCC Ambassa’DORE to help promote and execute the mission of the BCC. The BCC is a place of community, friendship, and history. Without the BCC, I believe Vanderbilt University would be an entirely different place.

What does the BCC mean to you?

The BCC is an integral part of Vanderbilt that allows students to be who they are and a place for students to learn lessons about resilience, community, and purpose which are things not typically taught in classrooms.