By Bro. Alton Peques
Communiversity Youth Program (CYP), sponsored by the Stone Center, is an after school program for community youth designed to educate, empower, and expose them to various aspects of African and African American culture and history. Brothers of the Mu Zeta Chapter have worked with the program for several years, and throughout this year, brothers Joshua Dickens, Bakari Smith, and Jonathan Smith dedicated themselves each week to teaching young men how to step and serving as mentors. Two 7th graders, two 6th graders, a 5th grader, and a 4th grader participated in the weekly step workshops. CYP concluded with a graduation ceremony Friday night, and the scholars were able to perform in front of their parents and guests.
Brother Reflections
Bro. Josh Dickens
"In my time with Communiversity, I came to see and personally experience it as a space - community, if you will - to grow...and I’m not solely referencing the scholars by that. With that, I’d love to see Communiversity implement future correspondence (if it doesn’t already) because seeing the development of the youth past the program really highlights the impact it has on the youth and community at large."
Bro. Bakari Smith
“I have been afforded the opportunity to work with several after school programs throughout the years, and one thing that makes communiversity special is the genuine relationship I have with the scholars. We were able to cultivate a bond that allows for both parties to connect naturally.”
Bro. Jonathan Smith
Communiversity was easily the most worthwhile service opportunity I took part in while at UNC. Having the opportunity to work with and promote the growth of a group of bright young men each week for an entire year and watch them go from not knowing how to step at all to having a full performance gave me plenty of memories I will never forget.