Upon walking into Melanin Minds In Motion, hosted by Royal Court, attendees received a warm welcome and a sense of ease, setting the tone for the evening centered on openness and connection. 

Held on Thursday, Feb. 19, in room 215 of Discovery, the event carried a serene energy underscored by the tranquil background music, which further encouraged insightful conversations. 

Taylor Presbery Fields serves as both Vice President and Secretary for the organization and opened the night by introducing the organization and explaining its affiliation with Alpha Phi, describing it as a safe and affirming space for students of color on campus. 

Royal Court, Fields noted how it works as a pageant for women and how Miss Gold & Black is the highest ranking you can receive and is considered the President, essentially, of the court within the pageant and organization. While at the same time, Fields discusses how it isn’t just an organization, it works as a place where students can express themselves freely and work as a safe space for people of color. 

“Essentially, we work hand in hand with the fraternity Alpha Phi and serve as a female expansion, working together with events, supporting one another, and trying to bring everyone out, no matter what race or ethnicity you are, serving as a positive way to bring one another together,” said Fields. 

As everyone gathered into a circle, the members started with a ground introduction of their roles, who they are, and how the organization functions as a safe community hub. Shortly after passing the floor to each of the attendees, who also introduced themselves and what drew them to the event. The introduction and open exchange helped establish a sense of connection with attendees, emphasizing how the organization helped some members step out of their comfort zone and try something new. 

Sophomore Janiya Whitaker, President of Royal Court, discussed how she would tell her younger self not be afraid to branch out and that it’s okay to step out of one’s comfort zone. 

“Royal Court was definitely something that I had never done before and forced me to step out of my shell. I also knew it would help me advocate for women of color here at Rowan and show them that there are many opportunities at hand,” said Whitaker. “Clubs in college definitely work as a foundation to branch out, especially when I was a freshman, surrounding myself with clubs such as Black Cultural League, Black Student Union, and African Student Association, which all helped in making friendships.”

Following the introductions, the evening’s main activity featured a rotating slideshow with members reading open-ended discussion prompts projected at the front of the room for attendees. These questions encouraged the audience to reflect deeply on topics such as personal motivation, academic challenges, identity, and well-being. From conversations touching on everything from what challenges students have faced as students of color to academic spaces. 

Discussions unfolding from self-care and wellness to college experiences. Among those who shared, senior Saniyah Belfor spoke passionately of her decision to major in biology and pursue a career in pre-med. Belfor voiced her concerns about gender disparities in healthcare, emphasizing that women, especially women of color, are often subject to negligent or dismissive treatment.

“I feel like cultivating is definitely within me, and that’s a crucial tool you need in pre-med. Especially to learn and cultivate as a whole, my impact is to make patients, specifically women, be seen, heard, and acknowledged as an obstetrician-gynecologist. You’re already extremely vulnerable as a patient and you need someone that will truly help you not be negligent toward you,” said Belfor. 

As the session came to a close, there was a palpable feeling of unity in the room, an unspoken understanding that these moments of shared dialogue are not just discussions but acts of empowerment. Through events like Melanin Minds In Motion, Royal Court continues to remind students that their stories, struggles, and successes are not only valuable but essential threads in the fabric of the Rowan community.

For comments/questions about this story, DM us on Instagram @thewhitatrowan or email [email protected]