<p>Why is Harvard so appealing to African Americans?
A large part of what makes Harvard appealing to African-American students is the African-American community that’s already in place when you get there. I know that sounds circular, but the black community at Harvard has been very vibrant, diverse, and powerful on campus for many years now, and you can see that the minute you arrive. I think that’s a great deal of what draws in many black students. It’s certainly what drew me in. Also, the African-American studies department at Harvard is one of the best - if not THE best - in the nation. But overall, I think African-American students are drawn to the school for the same reasons everyone is - it’s a great school with almost unparalleled academic, financial, and extracurricular resources. There’s virtually nothing you can’t do at Harvard, and the people there are some of the most interesting you’ll meet anywhere. </p>
<p>What is the Black community at Harvard like?
It’s big, active, fun, diverse, and powerful. I’m sure I’m leaving out some adjectives. There are lots of black student groups that plan social events, manage community service programs, hold discussion groups, and bring in great speakers. Within the community people are generally very supportive of one another, academically and extracurricularly. So what you get is a very tight-knit community of black students and who are very active in visible in all aspects of campus life - not just the black organizations. It’s like a family in many ways. Groups include the Black Students Association, the Association of Black Harvard Women (ABHW), the Black Men’s Forum (BMF), the Nigerian Students Association, the Harvard African Students Association, BlackCAST (theater group), the Caribbean Club, and Black Pre-Law Association. I’m leaving many of them out, and obviously the memberships of these groups overlap a great deal. A sampling of some activities and events:</p>
<p>Weekly BMF and ABHW meetings where members discuss issues of concern to black men/women
Monthly BSA meetings
ABHW/BMF Challenge - competition between the men and women with relay races, spades games, etc.
BlackCAST plays - relatively recent shows include The Wiz and The Exonerated
David Walker Program - community service program run by the BMF
Alberta V. Scott Program - community service program run by ABHW
Eleganza - fashion show put on by BlackCAST
Tribute to Black Men and Celebration of Black Women awards dinners - banquets honoring leaders in the Harvard community and the country at large, past keynote speakers have included Debbie Allen and Tavis Smiley</p>
<p>What are the benefits of attending Harvard?
World class professors, classmates, and extracurriculars; the House system; excellent post-grad prospects in the working world and academics (law school, business school, etc.) … I could go on but this question’s been answered at greater length in other threads. </p>
<p>Are blacks excluded from secret societies like A.D?
There are no secret societies at Harvard, there are finals clubs. And no, black students are not excluded from them at all. Some of the clubs are more diverse than others, but black students are well-represented in both the male and the female clubs, not just as members but on the executive boards and so on. </p>
<p>Does Harvard have numerous internship programs in Africa and Washington?
Definitely in Washington. I’m not sure about Africa since I’ve never looked, but I’ve heard of plenty of students going abroad to different parts of Africa over summers and during the year so I don’t think there’s any shortage of opportunities there. </p>
<p>What is the Harvard’s institute of Politics like?
It’s great. Lots of speakers and events, and opportunities for students to meet and interact with political heavyweights. </p>
<p>Are blacks stigmatized as undeserving of their position?
No. Students at Harvard, of any race, don’t think or talk about their SAT scores or their high school grades - in general no one cares how you got there. </p>
<p>Are the blacks from Africa or are they African Americans?
Both, and there are also many whose parents are from the Caribbean. There are more students whose parents are recent immigrants from Africa and the Caribbean than there are black American students, but there’s still a healthy number of black Americans overall. It doesn’t really matter that much though since everyone mixes together without a problem.</p>
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