The true power of the Bx3 Summit wasn’t just in the discussion. It was in the connections made, the perspectives challenged, and the inspiration felt, all of which left the room buzzing long after the event ended. On January 29, 2025, Black student organizations at Oglethorpe University came together to host a groundbreaking summit, creating a space for dialogue, collaboration and empowerment. This event marked a significant moment for the Black student community, providing a forum to discuss their impact, leadership, and narratives that shape their experiences.
The Bx3 Summit, led by Beautiful Black Brains (Bx3) founder and summit host Sanyia Ross, brought together key student organizations, including the Black Student Caucus (BSC), represented by guest speaker Domenique Branch; the African Student Association (ASA), represented by Favour Edehomon; and Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.®, represented by Peyton Morgan. In addition, three standout student-athletes, Charity Cloud (Golf), Charlie Monroe (Track), and Aniedo Udoh (Lacrosse) each lent their voices to the conversation, offering unique insights on balancing sports, academics, and Black identity in a predominantly white institution.
One of the most impactful moments of the summit came during a discussion on social media’s influence on Black culture. Students openly examined how digital platforms shape public perception, representation, and self-identity.
“A lot of the stereotypes and negative things that happen in our community aren’t just from outside people—it’s us as well,” said Gabrielle Andino.
This comment resonated deeply, sparking an engaging dialogue on rewriting narratives and fostering accountability within the Black student body.
Maya Lane, a film and media major with a communications minor, played a crucial role in ensuring the summit’s success as the media coordinator. Through her digital storytelling and event promotion expertise, she helped generate widespread awareness and captured key moments that will extend the summit’s influence beyond a single day. This experience not only strengthened her professional portfolio but also reinforced the role of media in shaping cultural discourse, which is an invaluable opportunity for her career aspirations in media and communications.
Although the event welcomed an external moderator, Morehouse College’s Jordan Turner, whose Blk Redefined initiative has been fostering similar conversations across campuses, the summit’s core remained rooted in Oglethorpe’s student leadership. The university provided the platform, and its students took full ownership, demonstrating their ability to organize, lead, and drive meaningful change within their community.
The presence of faculty members such as Dr. Rayna Gittens Wheeler, chief inclusive excellence officer, and Mr. Austin Rayford, director of equity and care, underscored the university’s commitment to supporting Black student initiatives. Their engagement reaffirmed that conversations like these are essential for fostering a campus culture of inclusion and empowerment.
As the summit concluded, one thing was clear: this wasn’t just an event but a movement toward lasting change. Students are left with a renewed sense of purpose, knowing that their voices matter, their stories deserve to be told, and their community strengthens when they uplift one another. The Bx3 Summit proved that Oglethorpe’s Black student leaders are not just shaping the present but building a legacy of excellence for the future.
Editor’s Note: Sanyia Ross was the organizer for the BX3 Summit.
