![]() I have to seek ways of getting financial aid, which through a sort of advocacy of UIC folks I was able to get that. So as a Black student, one of the things that was very much similar for me as well as many others was, how do we make our time and transition from being young people to adults? So I had to, as an independent student, live on campus. But that’s what really kind of took me through my experiences throughout my time there. And understanding that it’s the people, right, not the bureaucracies and hierarchies of such a budding large institution. They made sure that there was a place for me. And it was because of running into wonderful people at AAAN, the African American Action Network, as well as the Academic Center for Excellence that really saw me through and made sure that me as a scholar, as someone that wants to be involved with everything that’s good with UIC and beyond. Just go there, just start and just see what happens.” So that’s honestly how I got to UIC. And my mom was really very encouraging, like, yo, “you can make something happen at UIC, just like you did with high school. The college, I almost did not get into college and not because academics, simply because I didn’t have financial aid. There is the in the original mission, understanding that first generation college students and those who otherwise would have been shut out, has a vital place within the university.Īnd so my journey to UIC just began, by chance. And that’s something that I found somewhat of a unique reason as to how I even got tied to UIC. And one of the things that has been really unique for me, is the idea of giving back. For me, I’ve been a lifelong Chicagoan, born and raised. But also bring together other communities to stand in solidarity and understanding how advocacy activism can be very vital in our lives. Pretty much making sure that the Islamophobia, discrimination and hate that the Muslim community experience throughout the state and greater Chicagoland is eliminated. I’ve been with this organization since September 2007. Pretty much my work involves community outreach, civic engagement, youth and service. I currently serve as the outreach coordinator of the Chicago office, Illinois chapter of the Council on American Islamic Relations, otherwise known as CAIR Chicago. Started way back in 1999, actually, and finally completed my degree in 2017. I did graduate from the College of Liberal Arts Sciences as a communication major. ![]() And definitely much love greetings to the UIC fam. So I’m delighted to be connected with you in this way. ![]() I appreciate our friendship and collaboration. Greetings, and thank you so much sister Aisha. I’m going to hand the mic over to my good brother Gerald and let him talk about what he’s been up to since his time at UIC. And so I’m going to hand the mic over, I don’t want to give too much away. And has been involved in numerous ways since then, and been just a trailblazer and busy making the world a better place. And today I am elated to welcome our guest, Gerald Hankerson, who graduated from the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences in 2017. Each day, we’ll have a new guest who will share their story. It is my great honor to celebrate the history of black excellence and UIC with powerful, inspiring and informative conversations with UIC alumni, past faculty and staff. Aisha El-Amin, UIC’s associate vice chancellor for equity and belonging. Greetings UIC family and friends and welcome to UIC “28 Days of Black Excellence.” I am Dr. I’m proud to introduce our new Minister of Information. Study and master a bunch of different things. That we study and master a bunch of different things. ![]() Believe in yourself and believe that you’re somebody. Welcome to Black Excellence at UIC Office of Diversity, Equity and Engagement with Dr. 28 Days of Black Excellence: Yolanda Coleman ![]()
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