There are currently 1,785 students enrolled at Rhodes; of them, only 128 are black. For some, this statistic may be jarring: if diversity is a deciding factor in one’s college selection, some may argue that Rhodes College has greatly improved. Though this may be true, Rhodes still has a long way to go.
I recently spoke with Rue Tsoka, a junior Psychology major, regarding this issue. She raised some pertinent concerns on the matter with which I personally agree. When asked about her experience as a black student at Rhodes, she said, “Being black at Rhodes somehow seems to sum up who I am. It’s not as if people say ‘Oh Rue, the singer!’ It’s always ‘Oh Rue! The black girl!’ I don’t understand why that is. Before I open my mouth to express who I am, I could be stupid, common, etc. The first thing people notice is the fact that I’m black.”
When asked whether she, or anyone she knows, has had any negative experiences regarding racism at Rhodes, Rue commented, “To be completely honest, no, I have not known anyone who has been a victim of racism at Rhodes. However, what I have witnessed is separatism among black and white students. It’s like I won’t be approached because I am black. For instance, with voting in this student body election, it’s mostly like a popularity contest. Since we’re separate, we may not have as much exposure as the white people on this campus. Some of the white people may not vote for a black candidate because they may not know the black candidate. I’ve also become acutely aware of the opportunities that I may or may not have and will have. It’s almost as if race is linked into that because of black students who are solely here on financial aid scholarships. Money to black students here is crucial, and we are unable to partake in certain trips such as back packing in Europe.” I myself share this same viewpoint as a full scholarship recipient. It does impress a sense of separatism as I live in my own little bubble. The only real interactions I have with members of the opposite race are purely academic. We never hang out or go off campus anywhere. Many of the members of the black community are in the same area as me with this issue.
Being a black female at Rhodes is also one of great interest to review. When asked about the level of comfort for a black female student here, Rue says, “Comfortable, as opposed to where? Being a woman of color anywhere is going to be difficult. Being at Rhodes is one of the first places where an awakening occurs and shows what our future holds. While it is uncomfortable in a way, I guess it’s necessary. We don’t combat experiences like blacks did in the 50s, but there are moments where we as blacks wish that our situation would be better.”
I personally think that Rhodes has greatly improved its diversity. However, it seems as if Rhodes does whatever it takes to get students of color here, yet thy seem to forget about us once we arrive on campus. More programs and overall interaction should be encouraged to bridge the gap between the races. Until that time, certain members of the black community will continue to live in a separatist world in their own perspective bubbles.