Olamide Gbotosho, a senior business management major from Westchester, New York, made history when she became Quinnipiac’s first black class president on Sept. 24, 2020.
“When I run for this for SGA I don’t think about my skin color, being the first black ‘this or that,’ Gbotosho said. “I just run based on my past experience. So it’s kind of nice to know, it’s an accomplishment to know that I’ve been able to make this landmark. It’s an accomplishment to know that I’m a part of the change that QU is trying to make.”
Quinnipiac’s mission is to create a diverse and inclusive community where every member is acknowledged, and Gbotosho will be sure to pursue these endeavours.
“I’m going to advocate for minority groups more,” said Gbotosho, who has held the position of class vice president over the past three years. “It’ll be interesting to see what I can do with my role now, considering I have more of a say toward administration.”
Gbotosho’s overall goal is to create an environment where students can feel comfortable in participating, no matter their ethnicity or background.
“I think it’s really important,” said Gbotosho on the topic of racial and sexual literacy as a student. “Even if you’re not comfortable, I think it’s important to at least respect and understand others. Because you never know, you may come into contact with someone that may identify as something different than how they initially look.”
Gbotosho also wants students to be able to talk to each other to gain a better understanding of their peers.
“Having conversations helps you not only understand someone you may know, but also someone you may come across later,” Gbotosho said. “It’s one of the most important things right now. In the past people would have a conversation just to respond, but it’s very important that people are able to listen and digest what’s being said before responding. A conversation with someone you may not agree politically with, socially with, economically with is really important because it helps expand your knowledge on things. It’s important to see how you can be able to advocate for people that don’t necessarily look like you.”
According to Gbotosho as well as multicultural societies at QU, the easiest way to have these conversations is to attend events on campus. Students looking for event times and more information can find it either in their emails or on student government social media pages.
“I think it’s pretty well deserved,” said Sean Stirrup, a senior game design major. “Ever since freshman year she’s been running for student government roles. She’s always been an outspoken voice. I feel like she’ll be able to give a voice for those who unheard around campus.”
Students feel that this is also reflective of a slow but steady change happening within QU.
“I think it says something about the culture here at QU,” said Ja’Sean Johnson-Henry, a senior marketing major. “If you get involved and people recognize your name and the things that you’ve done, instead of who you are. I think it says a lot about our values as a school. There’s big potential for changes in the school, whatever those may be.”