“As an outdoorsy and adventurous black woman, I often found myself in spaces outside with people who did not look like me,” said Zora McKoy, the founder of Speltrek and a 2023 graduate of Spelman College.
With over 85 registered student organizations (RSO) covering a diverse range of interests, it is hard to believe that any student would struggle to find their niche. However, students like McKoy saw a need amongst their peers to create new and exciting RSOs.
Speltrek was created in 2022 by Zora Mckoy with a mission to promote and create a safe space for femmes of color interested in exploring the outdoors.
“I found that black people, though inherently connected to nature, feel an impedance to outdoor recreational activity. I found that the moments I spent outside, whether on a hike or sitting in the park, allowed me time to learn more about myself and the environment. SPELTrek aims to provide a safe space for black femmes to hike, develop community, and supplement research to discuss the benefits of hiking, healing, and the effects of nature on the human psyche (pertaining specifically to black women). So much of this country’s nature has its own history that is rarely explored, and SPELTrek intends to uncover the love and learning of nature for collegiate, black femmes.” said Mckoy.
McKoy’s vision continues to thrive under the leadership of a committed executive board, who aim to “foster a sense of well-being, community, and empowerment among participants, enhancing the overall student life at Spelman College.” as expressed by their current president, Najah Blake.
Spelman College’s RSOs tend to align heavily with the career-driven spirit of Spelmaintes, leading to many professional organizations on campus. These clubs range from Phi Alpha Delta, a pre-law fraternity on campus, to Spelman’s renowned Health Careers Club, aimed at helping students interested in any health profession succeed. Unfortunately, even with a wide variety of professional organizations to choose from, that did not stop Nia Wallace, the founder of Spelman College Public Relations and Communications, from feeling like something was missing from campus.
“The creation of Spelman’s Public Relations and Communications club was inspired by my personal journey to find my purpose. During my sophomore year at Spelman, I was actively searching for clarity on my career goals. While interning on Wall Street with I.E.X. Stock Exchange, I took a Clifton’s Strengths test which illuminated my strengths as a relator and intellectual. After much research, I found both my strengths and passions aligned with Public Relations. Unfortunately, I soon realized Spelman lacked both a related major/minor and a student organization dedicated to this field.” said Wallace.
The growth of social media has changed the way brands, influencers, and celebrities communicate and interact with their audiences. From crisis management to brand strategy, the world of public relations and communications is rapidly evolving. Unfortunately, these industries still suffer from a huge lack of diversity. In 2022, data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics states that 12.2% of public relations specialists identify as African American.
“Recognizing this gap in resources and guidance, I decided to create an organization—I figured if I needed the guidance, so did many of my Spelman sisters. I called on my Vice President, Brooke Smith—a creative and social media enthusiast, to help bring this vision to life. SPRACC is a space for storytellers and perception shapers to come together to gain practical experience and professional development in P.R. & Communications.” said Wallace.
Together, Nia and Brooke aim to elevate Spelman’s voice by focusing on creating strong media relationships and crafting strategic communications, all while building a supportive community for aspiring public relations and communications professionals.
Much like Nia, Milena Clark also noticed a discrepancy on Spelman’s campus. However, this time, it wasn’t related to her profession but rather a lack of representation in her major, History.
“The Spelman College History Club came out of the need to change the discussion around history as a discipline. The knowledge of history is vital to understanding the political, social, and economic oppression we face today. The Spelman College History Club aims to make the student body of Spelman and beyond aware that history is more than just old white men; it is pop culture like rap beef or classic movies like Star Wars. There is a historical nuisance to everything we ingest in our day-to-day lives.” said Clark.
The History Club is open to more than just History majors. Anyone who is passionate about current events and their historical impacts is more than welcome to join. Throughout the year, the organization hosts a series of “Historical Hot-Topic” discussions, with the latest one being “After The Debate: The Importance of Televised Debates,” where they recapped and discussed the 2024 Presidential Debate.
Campus Plus is another organization dedicated to uplifting and spreading body positivity throughout Spelman’s campus and the Atlanta University Center (AUC). They aim to promote sisterhood and self-love by providing spaces for people to feel comfortable and confident in their skin!
“Campus+ was created for the people of Spelman who felt unseen and unheard; its entire existence is to create a community of sisterhood and siblinghood of love. Whether it is pushing self-love, body positivity, and loving the skin you’re in, we truly believe that our organization addresses the silent but loud body type and body representation on Spelman’s campus and aims to increase visibility for all bodies because we are all beautiful and deserving of representation,” says Jennifer Young the President of Campus+.
Throughout the year, Campus+ host a wide variety of events ranging from, yoga and vision board parties to dynamic panel talks showcasing plus-sized women who are dominating in their perspective careers.
Whether you’re looking for a new way to stay active, discover new disciplines, or feel uplifted with your sisters, please check out these newly registered student organizations and follow them on their prospective accounts!
Speltrek – @thespeltrek
SPRACC – @spelmanspracc
The History Club – @spelman_historyclub
Campus+ – @campusplus_spelman
