Sunlight softly pours into a window in a corner on the third floor of the
Yonis continues to pray the Salaat, a Muslim prayer, recited five times a day.
Yonis, a second year international affairs and newspapers major from Lawrenceville, in some ways is a minority within a minority. As an African-American and Muslim student at the
"Just as a people, we are lacking a sense of humanity for our brothers and sisters as just human beings,” Yonis said. As the 2008-09 Political Action Chair for the Black Affairs Council, Yonis has strived to make the voices of minority students and communities heard.
Some of the events held this year included the annual Black America Oratorical Contest, a debate between the Young Democrats and College Republicans and a voting registration drive for the entire fall semester.
"When people hear political action they often think about the militant side but it is much more than that," said Isis Men-Nefer, vice president for the Black Affairs Council.
Men-Nefer also said that the organization’s political action initiatives, which Yonis directs, help with outreach and educate others on African-American and world culture.
To some African-American students being politically active is important to creating change.
active is important." Politics has a lot to do with how corrupt our society may seem, so it is important as young
people it is important to be involved so we can help end discrimination against certain groups. For Yonis being
a political activist stems from a sense of personal responsibility.
"I look back at several movements throughout history like the civil rights movement, the situation in Darfur and
South Africa
"And I asked myself, ' why didn't the whole world stand up?' I don't want to look back years from now and
have my kids ask me why I didn't do anything."
