By Lillie Cardenas
At a predominantly white institution (PWI), finding a sense of belonging might not be instant for all students. For many Black students at the University of Arkansas,community can be found through spaces like the Multicultural Center and historically Black Greek organizations.
AnReckez Daniels, associate director of the Multicultural Center, said the center’s mission is rooted in creating an environment where students can feel supported and seen.
“We try to be a safe space, a safe hub, a safe haven,” Daniels said. “We try to be a shoulder to cry on, a face to laugh with. We just want to be those people where students feel as if they belong here.”
The Multicultural Center supports student organizations by helping with funding, planning events and connecting students with campus resources. Daniels described his team as experts and explained that when they don’t have an answer for a student, they will guide them to someone who does. Beyond just logistical support, Daniels said the center plays an important role especially at a PWI.
“If students come from communities where most of the people look like them, and then they get here and it’s not like that, they need somewhere to retreat to,” Daniels said. “Somewhere that feels familiar, like a home away from home.”
One of the center’s recent initiatives, “Mirror,”a Black History month photo gallery, had the goal of providingvisibility. What was originally just an idea to capture professional portraits of students transformed into a larger display celebrating Black students on campus.
“I wanted students to have that one picture,” Daniels said. “When they’re older and they pull out a photo from college, I want them to say, ‘This is when I was at the University of Arkansas. This is when I took up space there.’”
For L Jones, a freshman double majoring in political science and communications with a minor in African American studies, the Multicultural Center became a space of belonging early in his first year.
Jones said he first learned about the MC through a friend who would often spend time there. He said he was curious and decided to visit.
“I didn’t even know what it was at first,” Jones said. “But when I walked in, it was just people hanging out, studying and talking. It felt like unity.”
Jones said he actually participated in the “Mirror” photo shoot. He said he did not expect a full professional setup with lighting and a backdrop.
“It was a great experience,” Jones said. “Everyone was welcoming and warm. It just felt good to be in that space.”
Seeing the finished gallery left an impact on him, especially due to exposing him to other Black students.
“I didn’t think there were this many of us here,” Jones said. “Sometimes you don’t see everybody all at once. Seeing all those pictures together was powerful.”
Jones said at first college felt very overwhelming, both academically and socially. Having a space where he felt understood helped make the transition easier.
“When I’m stressed, I can go there and just hang out,” Jones said. “It’s like being around family. It’s a place where I can do my work and talk to people who understand me.”
He added that the center has supported him academically as well by providing peer support and encouragement. He said they have made a difference in his life.
For Antwanette Wilchie, a junior biology major on the pre-dental track, community can be found through leadership and sisterhood. Wilchie serves as president of the Phi Theta chapter of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc., a historically Black sorority founded in 1920 on the principles of scholarship, service, sisterhood and fine womanhood.
“It’s an honor,” Wilchie said. “I feel like I have big shoes to fill. I get to represent our history and continue the principles we were founded on.”
Zeta Phi Beta is one of the organizations under the National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC), more commonly known as the Divine Nine. Wilchie explained that her chapter is committed to being a community conscious, action oriented organization.
This year, alongside other NPHC organizations, members helped contribute more than 62,000 hygiene items for local women’s shelters. The chapter also volunteers with local organizations in Fayetteville and participates in campus initiatives such as Pack the Pantry.
However, Wilchie said the importance of her sorority goes beyond just service.
“At a PWI, you might not always be in spaces where people look like you or share your experiences,” Wilchie said. “So having places like our sorority, the Multicultural Center or Unity House, those spaces are important.”
Unity House serves as a meeting place for NPHC organizations, housing offices and event spaces. Wilchie described it as a central location where members can host programs and build connections.
Wilchie said Divine Nine organizations also play a larger role in strengthening the Black campus community. While centered around Greek life, many events are open to all students.
“It’s important that we reach out to people who aren’t Greek,” Wilchie said. “There are Black students in other organizations who care about community service and connection. We need more unity on campus.”
Serving as president has also shaped her personal growth.
“It’s pushed me outside of my comfort zone,” Wilchie said. “Public speaking, leadership and connecting with new people have helped me grow as a student and as a leader.”
Daniels said that while student needs may evolve over time, the importance of belonging will remain constant.
“The need will always be there,” Daniels said. “This space is a PWI, and it always will be. But what we can do is create spaces where students feel supported.”
In a university where representation can often feel limited, community, whether it’s found at the MC, Unity House, a sorority meeting or a campus event, makes a lasting difference. For students looking for connection, spaces like the MC and Unity House, as well as RSOs like the Black Student Association, offer a place that ensures Black students do not have to navigate college alone.