The Black Column: Intro

Meet Latoya and Roberta 

 Roberta   Latoya 

                                                                            

            According to the Merriam-Webster Dictionary the definition of the word black is “of or relating to any of various population groups having dark pigmentation of the skin”. Also, the meaning of the word column is “a vertical arrangement of items printed or written on a page”. For the purposes of Longwood University and The Rotunda,“The Black Column” is an outlet for the black and/or African-American population of Farmville and Longwood University.

“The Black Column” will address the triumphs, programs, issues, etc. of the black community in the town of Farmville with emphasis of things happening on the campus of Longwood University.  This column is the creation of two Longwood University seniors, Latoya Miller and Roberta Collier; both are young black women and Communication Studies majors.

Before Latoya and I start “The Black Column,” we want to make sure people are aware of the foci of the column. We would also like to tell you all a little about ourselves, so you feel as if you know us and also think that we are credible sources for this column.

Latoya Miller was born on December 31, 1986; she was born and raised in Richmond, Va. She is a Rotunda Reporter and she aspires to be a TV show host that is considered as good, if not better, than Oprah Winfrey. She describes and/or defines herself as being loud, ambitious, hype and outspoken. 

I was born on August 6, 1989 and partially raised in Huntsville, Ala. I currently reside in the town of Gurley, Ala. I am a member of the B.S.A. (Black Student Association) and B.A.S.I.C. (Brothers and Sisters in Christ) Gospel Choir on campus. I am also a Rotunda Reporter and a member of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. I aspire to be an A&R (Artist and Repertoire) executive at a record label. I describe and/or define myself as a quiet, loving, God-fearing, and soft spoken person that stands up for what I believe in.

It is evident that Latoya and I are polar opposites. The only things we have in common are our race, sex, major and school. We represent two different types of young black women, and we are confident our differences will work out for the best of this article and allow our stories to be both interesting and factual.

We both have recognized issues and triumphs in the black community in the Farmville and Longwood area, and we would like to inform the campus and the world alike of what our community is doing. Black people are a minority on this campus and Latoya and I want this column to be the voice of all types of black people.

We encourage the black community to not just complain or share with each other. Latoya and I charge you all to let the world know what you do and what they can do for you as well.  One of my teachers once said to me, “You can complain about issues, but if you just complain nothing is getting solved." So, be more proactive and contact Latoya or myself at TheBlackColumn@hotmail.com with any issue you believe needs to be discussed. 

Yours Truly,

Roberta Collier