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Five WIU students and their faculty mentor, Sharon Hunter, presented papers at the National Council for Black Studies (NCBS) conference in March.
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Five WIU Students Featured at NCSB Conference

April 9, 2025

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MACOMB, IL - - Five Western Illinois University students and their faculty mentor, Sharon Hunter, presented papers at the National Council for Black Studies (NCBS) conference held March 19-23 in Cincinnati, OH. The African American Studies Experiential Learning Fund, supported by lead contributions from WIU alumni Robert Haley `85 MA `87 and Roxanne Hori `74, funded all student expenses for the trip.

Students presented on a wide range of topics related to their work in African American Studies, which WIU students can take as an option within the Liberal Arts and Sciences major or as a minor.

Torrie Williams, a junior Sociology major with a minor in African American Studies and recipient of the 2024-25 Essie Manuel Rutledge Scholarship in African American Studies, presented on the topic, "A Seat at the Table: How Black Culinarians Shattered the Glass Ceiling."

"My experience at the NCBS Conference was wonderful," Williams said. "It was great to be around so many professionals who were in various careers related to African American Studies."

Williams noted that since she plans to pursue a career in law, she was excited to meet both professors and other students working on legal issues.

Psychology major Kierra Collins, who will graduate this spring and begin a doctoral program at Illinois State University, presented on the harmful stigmas that prevent Black people from utilizing therapy. Collins also serves as the vice president of the African American Studies Club (AASC).

"My time at NCBS was absolutely amazing. I have never been in a place where I had learned so much about my culture and Black Excellence, which was so prevalent there," Collins said. "Everyone was so genuinely caring, intelligent and ready to ask questions, learn and connect. I will definitely be going back next year."

Three other students also presented papers: Psychology major Somayyah Austin, on "Underneath the Mask: The Psychology of African American Women and their ‘Masking'"; Broadcasting and Journalism major Joi Lee, on "Unveiling Strength: The Journey and Triumphs of Black Womanhood" and Psychology major Nathaniel L. Spears, on "How the Media Industry Paints African American Men and Boys."

"We are so pleased that these students have had this opportunity for professional development, and so proud that they were able to represent WIU's African American Studies Program," said Betsy Perabo, interim chair of the department of Race, Religion, Gender and Multidisciplinary Studies. "We are also incredibly grateful to Roxanne and Robert for supporting this important activity."

Amy Crosby, interim executive director of Advancement and Alumni Relations, worked with Haley and Hori on supporting this trip.

"Roxanne and Robert both feel strongly about the importance of experiential learning," Crosby said. "When I spoke to each of them about this trip, they immediately saw the value and were enthusiastic about supporting this opportunity. When we can connect donors with meaningful experiences, our students benefit greatly."

In addition to mentoring and accompanying her students, Hunter, instructor of African American Studies, presented a paper at the conference, "Now Ya Preaching: A Critical Gendered Analysis of Juanita Byrum's ‘No More Sheets.'"

"I was honored to speak at the NCBS Conference for the first time and proud to represent WIU with five of my students," Hunter said. "They had the opportunity to share their research with peers, scholars who shared similar academic interests and faculty in Black Studies—an outstanding academic experience!"

Donors wishing to support experiential learning opportunities for students in the College of Arts and Sciences can contact Crosby at al-crosby@wiu.edu.

Posted By: Drew Donahoo (AM-Donahoo@wiu.edu)
Office of University Communications & Marketing