Welcome to SNebony, a four-week series during Black History Month highlighting Black students and faculty at Southern Nazarene University. This series is important to me because representation matters. When you are part of a smaller community on campus, it becomes even more meaningful to see your peers and professors recognized for who they are and what they contribute.
SNebony is my way of documenting and celebrating the presence, leadership and impact of Black individuals at SNU.
The series begins with Amira Cooper-Stennis, a junior psychology major born and raised in Oklahoma. She currently serves as president of the Black Student Society. When asked what motivated her to take on the role, she answered passionately.
“I wanted to be Black Student Society president because I believed it had so much untapped potential, and I wanted to do different things with it,” Cooper-Stennis said. “I also didn’t want it falling into the wrong hands.”
Under her leadership, the Black Student Society has hosted events designed to create a welcoming space for Black students while also sharing Black culture with the wider campus community. One event featured a paint-and-chill night accompanied by neo-soul music, where the society provided canvases, paint and brushes for students to freely express their creativity. Cooper-Stennis has also organized movie nights, game nights and themed photo shoots, all open to the campus community.
Each meeting includes scripture, discussions about campus and global issues affecting Black communities, and time for fellowship. There are games, food and a strong sense of connection among members.
Outside of her involvement with the Black Student Society, Cooper-Stennis enjoys reading mystery novels and manga, watching gaming content and playing video games herself. “I’m a straight picture of a nerd,” she noted. After graduation, she plans to pursue a master’s degree in psychology and build a career as a therapist.
As a member of the Black Student Society, I appreciate the direction the organization has taken under Cooper-Stennis’ leadership and the environment she has helped cultivate on campus.
In part two of this four-part series, I will highlight Dr. Elicia Brannon-Little from SNU’s business department. Stay tuned.
Photo provided by: Amira Cooper-Stennis