Hampton University Student Ambassador; Update Article
As it is known, our event is over me, and my internship partner at Hampton is currently focused on more outreach between the classes. Here is a little peek into what these past weeks have looked like for us. On the 19th, I primarily focused on social media outreach. As our social media and public relations lead, interactive eye-catching Instagram posts encourage students to view the account. Before creating the account, I asked some of my close friends and students about Instagram account aesthetics. The goal was that this account would incorporate the colors and aesthetics that are trending right now but also be packed with information. Currently, I chose the term "Black Hair" for the theme around the most recent posts. Here are some of the posts I have created;
These are some of my favorite pictures of Rose Morgan
The goal is to shed light on her impact through her talented hands that created hairstyles and birthed ideologue around black hair.
Another goal is to have viewers recognize her name!
Many know popular black figures as their name can be found in numerous spots from street signs to scholarships but it’s time to bring these other icons to the forefront. The more information about her, and introducing her by her name and title, the information can begin to stick.
Check out our Instagram to see more: Historymakershu.
On February 20th, I did some of the "Hampton Run around." To participate in the 4-6 event, all student organizations must sign a book reserving a table and two chairs for the event. After class, I picked up the flyers from the library and headed to the student center to get everything signed off. The student activities administrator signed off on the flyers as I had eight printed then, and I would make more copies during the week. After it was signed off, I scanned the flyer using my phone to share within the student organizations such as Mosaic, the NAACP group chat, and many more. People started liking the image, and whenever I got questions about the event, I used those opportunities to educate students on the importance of this database tool.
On February 22nd, we aimed to distribute information and flyers to our broad audience of student departments and the home bases (department buildings). Our partners at the library were so kind to help me utilize their printing facilities. As we received the final sign-off from student affairs, we were cleared to share these flyers around Hampton University. Starting with the higher levels and working my way down, each library floor has History maker flyers. I put them where they could see, such as on the study cubicles and information desks. The bright colors of the flyer help make them stand out. After filling the library with flyers, it was time to share them across campus.
The other building I went to was the MLK building as students taking history courses, and the History professor who would be a judge's officer was there. The flyer was brought to the different offices of history teachers, who gave me the approval to do so. It was left in the middle of tables or pinned so students could scan the QR code and register. I demonstrated to my teachers how easy it was to sign up so they could encourage and shows students how they could attend. I am so grateful to have such excellent hands-on teachers that add so much to this experience.
On the 24th, we had an outreach event. The 4-6 student center event was a blast! I ran to Walmart hours before the event grabbing more materials to use, so we could have a well-constructed table that reflected the program's colors (Blue, Orange, and White). I printed some more flyers and brought the merchandise that we were sent in the ambassador boxes we received earlier. I bought a basket that was orange and blue. Using the handles of the basket, I taped paper around it to make a candy basket that incorporated the flyer. Students could come up, scan the QR code to register and grab some candy. To help more students stay longer at the table, I created an activity called "Tell Your Story." Using a posterboard, I encouraged students to write what kind of history they have made, within or outside their family. We got a lot of interesting responses, and students would stick around and tell us the story behind their answers.
As we were on the topic of answers, I started finalizing the questions being asked at the event. I was going through the archive researching my chosen three chosen history makers and forming questions that would challenge the students but were possible to find. Thoroughly searching the archive can be completed promptly, so I made sure to include questions that were in the videos. Overall, the students could learn much from the chosen History Makers. On February 25th, I started recovering all the photos taken during the event to gather for our social media page. Also, to thank our excellent judges and team members, I crafted some thank you notes. These are vital as thanks to your team show your gratitude. I am so proud of everyone who pitched in, as this would not have been possible without you. Afterward, I started bagging up all the event materials, sorting and organizing the papers, treats, and crafting supplies. February 25th was the day I started packing all of the items for the event, ensuring all the suitable materials were in each bag and ready. I was still sending out digital flyers.
February 27th was the day of the event. The day started early; after my first class, it was time to assemble everything, as 4:30 was coming faster than we knew it. Packing was one of the more manageable parts, as I had prepped the materials beforehand. Words cannot describe how thankful I was for Simone Quary, the other History Maker Student Ambassador at Hampton University, as she has access to a vehicle acting as the primary method of transportation for the whole operation. When we arrived, we immediately started setting up, and at 4 pm, students gathered in the library lobby. We were both in shock by the number of students who showed up. A little reminder: we only had 3-4 people register through the registration form, so all of the students who attended surprised us. I saw one student who came by our 4-6 table event, and I am glad the outreach method was effective. At 4:30, our event started, and it was indeed terrific. The images speak for themselves, but I will explain how the game worked. Students were broken up into groups of 4. In their groups, roles were then divided amongst the group. They selected one runner and two other researchers. Then once the roles were set in stone, our runners ran through the obstacle course and selected the history makers of choice off the wall. After selecting their chosen person, they were given 15 minutes to find their person in the archive, then another segment of time to research their chosen person. Afterward, the quizzing began, the most stressful part of the event for attendees, as the judges would assess their knowledge of the person.
For the rest of the week, I used that time to download and save all event images and personally thank those who came out whenever I saw them on campus. I am crafting emails to conclude everything and alert students about their prizes. Again, Ima so thankful we had such a fantastic turnout. Words cannot describe my pride in everyone, including our fantastic team. All thank you notes will be distributed after spring break as we return to campus.