NATCHITOCHES – Two students graduating from Northwestern State University this week are the university’s first to complete the Black Studies minor. Destyni Murray of Sulphur and Jeremiah Hollins of Bastrop will earn degrees in criminal justice, along with the minor.
The Black Studies minor is a 21-credit hour cross-disciplinary minor within the School of Social Science and Applied Programs. Students choose classes that range from music to history to sociology.
“This minor is a great way for students to both learn about Black studies and speak on their personal experiences as African Americans,” Hollins said. “The course work is relatable, and the course material is so interesting that you find yourself forgetting that you are even in class at times because of how relatable the materials are.”
“I learned things that I was never taught in high school. It pushed me to expand my knowledge on my own history and get a better understanding,” Murray added. “I am very big on knowledge is power and you can never know too much. Choosing a minor, especially the Black Studies minor, can teach you more diversity going into your career field.”
Both students found the coursework inspiring and see a future in Black studies.
“I hope to encourage other students to take this course in grade school and in college and show them why it is beneficial to be in this minor,” Murray said.
“I plan to use the knowledge that I gained through this minor to possibly serve as an avenue into the field of education to hopefully one day teach on the subject of Black Studies,” Hollins said. “These classes have both given me additional insight as well as the opportunity to gain new perspectives through class discussions with my classmates.”
If you want to learn more about the Black Studies Minor, visit https://www.nsula.edu/ssap/ssapdegrees/ or email Dr. Jasmine Wise, coordinator of Black Studies, at wisej@nsula.edu.
