Africana Community Senator (1 Seat)

Jesse kitumba

I’m running for Africana Community Senator because this past year in the role has been one of the most meaningful parts of my time at Tufts. Serving this community has shown me how much impact consistent support can have, whether that’s helping student organizations navigate resources, advocating for concerns, or simply being present and accessible.

I’m running again to continue that work. Over the past year, I’ve focused on making sure Africana students and clubs feel heard, supported, and equipped to succeed. If re-elected, I plan to build on that by strengthening communication between students and TCU, ensuring organizations have what they need to operate and grow, and continuing to advocate for issues that matter to our community.

 

Elysse Cumberland

I am running for Africana Community Senator because I recognize that the Black experience at Tufts is unique, and cannot be fully understood without being immersed in it- hence its need for intentional support.

After observing historically Black colleges and universities, I have realized the importance of consistency in maintaining our community’s connection. Low-barrier, recurring events and spaces create environments for natural connection, rather than relying on individual effort to bring people together. If elected, I would be a voice that ensures consistent programming and exposure for the Africana community. I want to focus on building that structure, while also introducing ideas like a recurring “Friday Market-” a space to support our student-run Black businesses, music, and upcoming events and opportunities. Events like this provide a way for the Black experience to be shared and appreciated by the broader Tufts community, while strengthening our Black community, internally.

I also understand that it is not always about creating something entirely new. We already have so many great spaces and traditions that could be expanded and improved to be more inclusive and better serve our larger community. For example, Late Night Commons could go beyond an overcrowded pick-up space. It has the potential to become an intentional gathering space, and be built up by music or even small interactive opportunities in Hotung that encourage students to stay and connect. As an athlete, I understand what it takes to build a united front, including repetition and shared experiences- though, I do not run for senate with the idea that I have all the answers, but instead, because I care deeply about my community, and want to build something consistent, visible, and worthy of being shared with greater Tufts community.