A group of students at Kent State University is stepping up to make sure their voices are heard.
This fall, the university will officially welcome a chapter of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People. This historic civil rights organization is focused on equality, empowerment and advocacy.
President of NAACP Za’Nya Henderson and vice president Zora Brown launched the NAACP chapter at Kent State as a continuation of the passion they have carried since high school.
“I was really interested in continuing to do the same work that I was doing in high school for NAACP, but a little bit more elevated in college,” Henderson said. “I think that we’re in times right now where Kent State needs the NAACP and our students need a place where they can feel welcomed.”
Brown said the current political climate, especially since the passing of Senate Bill 1, has created a sense of instability for many students at Kent State. For student leaders behind the effort, the timing couldn’t be more critical, as they build a foundation that uplifts marginalized voices and strengthens the community across campus.
“Now that Senate Bill 1 has passed, a lot of students are feeling uncertain about their majors and the future of campus organizations,” Brown said. “I definitely think the NAACP is needed right now to give students another voice and an outlet to express their concerns and hopefully make some real changes on campus.”
For Henderson, building strong ties beyond the university is just as important as organizing it on campus.
“I think working with the community is really important,” she said. “Kent has a strong community, and I’ve been to Kent Roosevelt. I know there are students there who would be interested in getting involved. It means a lot when you have support not just from your college campus, but from the city around you as well.”
As the chapter emerges, members said they are focused on continuing the NAACP’s legacy of advocacy, especially in the realm of education.
“The NAACP has been committed to making sure people’s voices are heard since it was founded in 1909, especially in matters of education, not just for Black students, but for everyone,” Brown said. “With all the uncertainty right now at Kent State, I think it’s important to build a strong foundation. We want students to feel like they can come to us with their ideas so we can work together to strengthen the campus community.”
As the chapter prepares for its official launch in the fall, student leaders are concentrated on building a strong leadership team to guide the organization’s efforts.
“We’re currently working on putting our committee together,” Brown said. “We sent out a form for people to express interest in different positions, like secretary or community outreach. Right now, the focus is on gathering our core leadership, so we can start moving forward.”
While the NAACP looks ahead, members said the chapter’s formation is more than just starting a new organization; it’s about continuing activism at Kent State.
“I think it’s really about taking a stand,” Henderson said. “We’re not going to let things diminish the work we’ve done or the work that’s been done by those who came before us, like Black United Students. By launching the NAACP, we’re showing that we’re here to support all students, push back when needed and make sure our voices aren’t silenced.”
Those interested in joining the NAACP chapter at Kent State can apply here or follow their Instagram for updates.
Savannah Carroll is a reporter. Contact her at [email protected].
