The Black Caucus Club is a student led organization that was founded in 1971. Its goal
has always been to collaborate and engage with other organizations and faculty to provide a safe
space for those who are underrepresented. In addition, the Black Caucus Club provides
community outreach opportunities to students while focusing on creating equity in economics,
health, and education.
At its annual Welcome Black Event in August, Black Caucus (BC) collaborated with
different departments to inform our Black scholars that they are noticed, represented, and cared
for.

When asked how this event impacts students, Monique Bolden, President of Black
Caucus said “We are the people of our people and we want to make sure that students are
involved on campus and we want to show both students and faculty that we care about the
Northeastern Illinois University community, our peers, and our education.”
Bolden continued, “All of these departments are very essential to our growth as students
and it’s hard to get connected when there’s so many things that are already on our plates. We
want to show Black-identified students and other students that these resources exist and that their
hardship of completing their degrees goes unnoticed.
TRIO support services’ Donald Waddell had this to say: “[it’s] always a good thing to be
here since this is the most diverse school in the midwest. I’ve been here for 18 years and the
university is a toss salad of greatness in the making.”
Representatives from other departments were there as well, such as the McNair Scholars’
Program director, Deborah Klos Dehring, who talked about the event being “great exposure for
students.” Student Trustee Edwin Medina said that they “want to be able to provide students with
resources to achieve.”
The event provided students with food, helpful information for success, and upcoming
events for students to engage with other peers.
Students interested in joining Black Caucus can reach out via email to black-
[email protected] and Instagram via @neiublackcaucus.