Let us speak amongst ourselves

without interpreters.

 
The Sword and Shield
Strategic Alliances: Why Black Interests Align with MAGA on H-1B Reform
Strategic Alliances: Why Black Interests Align with MAGA on H-1B Reform

There is a haunting familiarity to this moment in America. It is the echo of a past we know too well—the powerful exploiting division to preserve their empires. Today, the stage is set in Silicon Valley, where tech billionaires and the MAGA movement find themselves locked in an ideological and economic war. This time, however, Black Americans stand poised not as pawns, but as strategic players in a game that could reshape our future.

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Welcome to Black ECU

Welcome to Black ECU, the digital home for African-American alumni of East Carolina University (ECU) to connect, engage, and thrive. Whether you graduated decades ago or just recently, you're part of a vibrant community with a shared history and a bright future.

Connecting Alumni, Empowering Success

At Black ECU, we believe in the power of connection. Our platform serves as a virtual gathering place where you can reconnect with old friends, make new connections, and expand your professional network. From networking events to mentorship opportunities, we're here to help you forge meaningful relationships that can support your personal and professional growth.

Celebrating Achievement, Inspiring Excellence

We're proud to celebrate the achievements of our alumni and share their inspiring stories with the world. Whether you're making waves in your career, giving back to your community, or pursuing your passions, we want to hear from you. Together, we can inspire excellence and create a legacy of success for generations to come.

Get Involved, Make a Difference

Whether you're looking to reconnect with fellow alumni, advance your career, or give back to the ECU community, there's a place for you at Black ECU. Explore our events, join our networking groups, and discover opportunities to make a difference. Your participation helps us build a stronger, more vibrant community for all.

Join Us Today

Ready to take the next step? Join the Black ECU community today and unlock a world of opportunities, connections, and inspiration. Together, we can make a difference and create a brighter future for African-American alumni of ECU.

Welcome home to Black ECU.

Education

The Sword and Shield
"Not Black Enough": The Identity Policing Black Students Face at PWIs and Within Their Own Communities
"Not Black Enough": The Identity Policing Black Students Face at PWIs and Within Their Own Communities

The journey of Black students at predominantly white institutions (PWIs) is layered with challenges that extend beyond academic rigor and social integration.

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The Alumni Dilemma: Navigating Loyalty and Criticism Towards PWIs as a Black Graduate
The Alumni Dilemma: Navigating Loyalty and Criticism Towards PWIs as a Black Graduate

The relationship between Black alumni and their predominantly white institutions (PWIs) is fraught with complexity. On one hand, these alumni often harbor a sense of loyalty to their alma maters, institutions that have played significant roles in their personal and professional development.

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Coming Home to ECU: The Significance of Homecoming for Black Alumni
Coming Home to ECU: The Significance of Homecoming for Black Alumni

The Black alumni experience at East Carolina University (ECU) during Homecoming provides a unique lens to view the broader narrative of African American presence and participation in predominantly white institutions (PWIs).

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"Fitting In" vs. "Standing Out": The Pressure on Black Students to Assimilate at PWIs
"Fitting In" vs. "Standing Out": The Pressure on Black Students to Assimilate at PWIs

At predominantly white institutions (PWIs), Black students navigate a complex social and academic landscape shaped by the dual pressures of assimilation and representation.

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The Alchemy of Struggle: Rekindling Our Legacy Through Our Sanctuaries of Knowledge and Unity
The Alchemy of Struggle: Rekindling Our Legacy Through Our Sanctuaries of Knowledge and Unity

In the tapestry of our past, woven with the threads of resilience and resistance, our people have perennially transformed the crucibles of hardship into the crucibles of collective fortification.

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The Paradox of Diversity Initiatives at PWIs: Tokenism vs. True Inclusion
The Paradox of Diversity Initiatives at PWIs: Tokenism vs. True Inclusion

In recent years, predominantly white institutions (PWIs) have made notable strides toward diversifying their campuses, driven by a societal push for racial equality and inclusivity. These efforts are often encapsulated in diversity initiatives, ranging from affirmative action admissions policies to targeted scholarship programs and the establishment of cultural centers. However, beneath the surface of these well-intentioned efforts lies a complex paradox: the fine line between fostering true inclusion for Black students and engaging in tokenism for institutional gain.

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The Sword and Shield
Point 3: Affirmative Action for Black Men: Restoring Equity in Opportunity
Point 3: Affirmative Action for Black Men: Restoring Equity in Opportunity

Affirmative action has long been a tool for addressing systemic discrimination in education and employment, yet its implementation often fails to account for the specific challenges faced by Black men. Point #3 of the Black Male Political Agenda calls for targeted affirmative action policies that focus specifically on the needs of Black men, addressing their unique position at the intersection of racial and gender inequity. This targeted approach seeks to correct historical injustices and create equitable opportunities for Black men to succeed in education, employment, and beyond.

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The Sword and Shield
Turning Inward: The Key to Black Resilience and Rebuilding the Family
Turning Inward: The Key to Black Resilience and Rebuilding the Family

In a society that thrives on division, what happens when Black women find power and opportunity—but at the expense of the Black family? Drawing parallels to The Godfather, this piece unpacks the deliberate strategies that have uplifted Black women while leaving Black men and boys behind, creating a divide that weakens us all. As alliances with external systems falter, it asks a critical question: how do we rebuild the unity and strength of the Black family? Turning inward may be the only way forward.

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A panel discussion with Black people who have either attended or have a connection to the Black Experience at East Carolina University about the importance of Black professors at PWI's