Upon entering the stage to speak with Professor Nikki Greene, Monáe received a standing ovation from the attendees. As the journalist sitting in the back corner, the impact of this ovation was not only felt by those around me, but by Monáe themself. Their impact on the world of art and activism, two sectors students at Wellesley specialize in, was so profound that no words were even necessary for us to appreciate what they have accomplished.

Janelle Monáe has emerged as a revolutionary figure not only within the entertainment industry, but also within the wider cultural landscape, redefining how art and activism intersect in ways that force us to confront outdated and oppressive structures. 

Monáe referred to themselves as a filmmaker, stating, “I always see the vision. I am curating stories of the future.” As a black, queer person navigating an industry built on heteronormative ideals, Monáe’s work has been a continual confrontation of obsolete limiting structures.

It is through music, filmmaking and, most recently, their writing, that Monáe has carved out a space where all identities are celebrated, explored, and given a transformative platform that has shaken the entertainment industry as we arrive on a new front. This act in itself is one of defiance against the systems that seek to silence the identities that Monáe has so proudly embraced. 

In their album Dirty Computer, Monáe seeks to unveil societal issues such as surveillance, gender identity and love, using Afrofuturism to tell the stories that are often erased. This work most strongly challenges listeners to envision a world where marginalized groups are central to a story, rather than simply sidelined.

This type of artistic activism is further solidified by Monáe’s gender nonconformity as a crucial part of their identity. Using their large social media following to challenge gender norms, specifically through their refusal to identify with traditional gender labels, Janelle is able to open the eyes of her audience to the world of fluidity. In their eyes, this is the core of activism that prevails.

The discussion with Professor Greene was more than an out loud congratulations of her achievements in writing and producing, but rather an invitation to the young students here at Wellesley College to take up space in the world, using their voices and intellect as the strongest tools for advocacy. Urging the audience to never settle for the prescribed narratives society expects of them, but rather encourages us to create our own reality regardless of how uncomfortable they may seem – just as she has done with her music and writing. 

Such a commitment to activism through her artistry is something that undoubtedly resonates with students here at Wellesley, and we could not be more appreciative of Monáe’s incredible words of inspiration. The intersection of art and activism has always been a source of cultural change, and has been a pillar of the education at Wellesley for 154 years. Monáe’s work continues this tradition, granting us the opportunity to embrace art – whether it’s music, film, literature or visual art – and recognize the power it has to shift paradigms for our future.

As best said by Janelle Monáe themself, “No story is more important than yours. We need writers, artists, and speakers for this reason,” we implore you to continue to pursue the change you desire, and do so in the form of art, which often holds more power than we may have thought.

Contact the editor(s) responsible for this story: Caitlin Donovan

I am sorry that the rights of women, immigrants and international communities were placed under the rights of the rich. Tax breaks over a million, and tariffs on the foreign goods that supply our homes will take charge in heeding an ‘America First,’ goal.

I am sorry but ‘America First’ doesn’t mean ‘Americans’ First, for the only ones who are benefiting are those who were never in need. It is not the working class, academics or welfare users who get to give up less of their salary, but rather the men who lobbied for their own fruitful collection. Such inequities are a disgrace to everything we, as students, advocate for. 

I am sorry that America chose a man who has shown us how deep his racist, misogynistic and conspiratorial thoughts run in his administration. With a convicted felon, who far too often mongers with fear, in power, we must ask what cultural and political ties could possibly benefit from a Trump regime? 

While Wellesley students mourn the loss of progression, I would like to empathize with the recent words from US president, Joe Biden. Speaking on the results of this year’s Presidential election, Biden implores, “Setbacks are unavoidable, but giving up is unforgivable.” Eloquently put, for all to understand, we must remember the power that remains with us. 

Though we are undeniably disappointed and fearful of what changes could arise, we must remain mindful of our privilege as members of a liberal arts college. As Biden reminds us, it would be unforgivable if we were to succumb to the goals of a conservative government. The history of Wellesley College, in our commitment to empowering women, is not to be forgotten, but rather embraced. 

The names of Madeleine Albright, Hillary Clinton and Cokie Roberts are known by all, but our strength goes beyond those eye-catching names. Thousands of Wellesley students have poured their souls into advocacy, whether that was through the means of academia, government, volunteer or policy advising that have made strides in advancing the rights of women and minority groups. We are extraordinarily privileged to attend an institution with such prestige and recognition that allows for such strong advocacy to be heard. 

While not all of us may see our names on luxurious buildings, college benches, or in Alumnae Hall, I implore you to remain confident in your ability to fight for change. While we prepare for our right to autonomy to be put under fire by the federal government, it is astonishingly important that we continue a legacy of encouragement. 

I am sorry that despite the work of those who came before us, we still have to grapple for equity and equality. I am sorry that our time at Wellesley will be shaped by radicalism. I am sorry to all those who are feeling the depth of threat from our President-elect. This being said, I am not sorry when I ask you to continue in your efforts for what we know is right, for the good fight will always prevail.

Contact the editor(s) responsible for this story: Caitlin Donovan

In the past few years, California has proposed a ban on legacy admissions to all schools under its jurisdiction. This past month, the bill has been ratified, and a ban on legacy preferences in college admissions has gone into effect. This is a result of the efforts of advocacy from students and faculty who saw the advantage that legacy admits had over the rest of the applicant pool. With the Commonwealth of Massachusetts being home to numerous prestigious universities, state legislators must strengthen their efforts to follow suit. 

Wellesley College has built a platform on the siblinghood of attending this institution. For many generations, mothers and daughters alike have sought the tradition of sharing a collegiate experience. While Wellesley admissions still takes note of those who are legacy students, they have put forth statements agreeing that they are to meet the same standards as other applicants. This rhetoric can be reassuring to undergraduate applicants, however does not put the issue to rest. 

The concept of legacy admissions is foundationally inequitable. Legacy admissions have been wrong since the beginning, and the issue is no different at Wellesley College. Our siblinghood relies solely on the community and safety curated by current students, where outside connections are purely irrelevant. Especially with the recent overturning of affirmative action, legacy consideration is egregious. 

Such policies and preferences that continue to prevail in college admissions target prospective students who are underprivileged, yet just as valuable to be a member of a collegiate community. It is important that as students we are able to recognize such inequities, and urge our leaders to follow the moves of others. 

Wellesley College should completely disregard legacy preferences in order to become the premier front towards progression. To follow should be the state of Massachusetts, where prestigious education and family advantage come in tandem far too often. 

Work in the state’s house has already moved towards this idea with Bill S.821, and neighboring states have introduced the topic to be discussed. As students who demand diversity and equity in college admissions, we implore our legislators to support this bill.

If such actions were supported, this could become the additional support needed to be recognized on Capitol Hill. Such recognition from the top universities here in Massachusetts to the steps of the Senate could produce a solution that would leave legacy admissions in the history books. It is undeniably the time for our representatives to take the action so many have advocated for. 

For most of us, the issue of legacy admissions has been long “over with,” and it is time for both the college and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts to accept this for good.

Contact the editor(s) responsible for this story: Caitlin Donovan

The 2024 United Nations Week boasted significant leaders, such as UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, who advocated the need for immediate action to combat worsening climate impacts. He warned that we are, “ … on a highway to hell” if we fail to intervene in a timely manner, and urged policymakers for transformative action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The exertion of new policies, such as the Climate Solidarity Pact, were discussed in the assembly to encourage more sustainable business practices, highlighting the need for leadership in climate finance. 

Among many other issues challenging international organizations, the climate crisis takes on the role of demanding greater attention from the United Nations. During the week, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change revealed that current efforts to limit the warming of the earth were completely insufficient to keep the margin below 1.5 degrees. Because the effects of climate change most greatly affect marginalized populations, it has become increasingly imperative that the UN gets involved in order to prioritize equitable human rights. 

As students of  Wellesley College, we are able to learn from the youth activists present during UN week who urged decision makers to listen, stating, “We are the generation that will bear the brunt of inaction.”  The voices of these young leaders echo the sentiments of millions around the globe who are begging for government accountability for a sustainable future. The commitments made during the Assembly at UN Week must be turned into ratified policies and mechanisms that prioritize the betterment of climate justice. As students, and humans, who want to have a promised future of environmental freedom, it is our job to assess the work of our leaders and continue our advocacy for our earth. 

As UN Week has concluded, it leaves us with a powerful message: while the state of the environment may frighten us, our advocacy will work. The time for reflection has passed, and our call to action is more agreeable than ever. If we are to secure a future that boasts a healthy climate, as young advocates we must embrace the spirit of action that embodies the United Nations. 

In one of the city’s previously most dangerous areas, the police precinct in charge has reported zero incidents of homicide. Alongside this, the presence of non-violent crime has been down for quite a few consecutive years. While these statistics help Wellesley students feel greater confidence for a successful trip into Boston, as revealed in The Boston Indicators, the ongoing opiate crisis undermines how truly safe the city can be. 

Christopher Winship, a local sociologist from Harvard University, highlights that there are a few factors that have led to increased security in the greater Boston area. One contribution is the increase in finance, tech, and insurance firms in areas such as the South End. If one looks onto a local scale, Boston officials also reveal the multitude of community groups that play a role in maintaining safety within their designated areas. 

While officials are celebrating these accomplishments in low crime rates, they are refusing to recognize the epidemic that is taking the lives of hundreds. The state of Massachusetts has an opiate death toll that is more than double that of the national average. At times, there have been more deaths from opioid-related incidents than vehicle accidents, an alarming statistic for students and residents of Boston. The emphasis put on fallen crime rates in Boston media is a direct attempt at hiding this issue from the greater public. 

As a first-year coming in internationally from a country of great safety, South Korea, these ongoing movements towards better security do make me feel better about heading out for the day. However, the opiate crisis also brings great concern for my future in Boston. Korea’s strict policies on drugs have resulted in extremely low death rates, a true accomplishment. My experiential difference between these two environments drives a sense of advocacy to urge politicians to reorient their focus to what is actually happening in their city. 

The title of ‘safety’ that has been carelessly given to the city of Boston grossly ignores an epidemic that has no plans of slowing down. It is immensely important that as students we are able to look beyond the attempts made at our perception to ignore those in need. As students of Wellesley College who equally indulge in our excursions, as we do our civic engagement, we must come to terms with the fact that Boston isn’t as safe as officials would like us to believe. 

Our awareness of the opiate crisis is essential as we are at the forefront of political advocacy as temporary-Bostonians. We are encouraged to not stand by these false ideas of a ‘safer Boston,’ but rather acknowledge the depth of the situation and advocate for laws that will truly protect Bostonians, those who are temporary or permanent. 

Contact the editor(s) responsible for this story: Caitlin Donovan