More than a headline: Police brutality
Within the recent month, we have been bombarded with acts of ignorance coming from police brutality. We’ve had an Army…
The violence in Philly: How it’s still impacting us at college
Some of us go to college with the hope that we can eventually better ourselves and be surrounded by the…
A year of COVID
2020 has come and gone, but it has still left some of its effects behind. It’s coming down to the…
A new climate needs better change
This winter has shown nothing short of climate change. Through the end of last year to now, we’ve seen bizarre…
Tokenism
Going to a Predominantly White Institution (PWI), as a Black, Latinx or other person of color has its challenges. It’s…
Self-care in uncertain times
We’ve been more than just college students this semester: we’ve been protesters, advocates, politicians and community leaders. Even though the…
State Representative Carolyn Comitta speaks on the 2020 election
West Chester University graduate Carolyn Comitta, is currently the State Representative for the 156th Legislative District and is running for…
New podcast alert: “Golden Word”
“Golden Word” is a political podcast about the importance of voting in the 2020 presidential election. Viewers can expect to…
Women in power
2020 has bought a lot of movements of change and a lot of opportunities to use your voice. I want…
What happens when we don’t vote?
Growing up, knowing right from wrong seemed very obvious for most of us. Knowing when to go to bed, or…
One of our own
Last Sunday evening, Sept. 14, West Chester University student Taylor Enterline was wrongfully arrested during a Black Lives Matter protest.…
Virtual school to prison pipeline
As we return to another school year virtually, most students are prepping for their online classes, downloading Zoom, trying to…
When is enough, enough?
*TW: sexual assault, racial violence, police brutality, military, drug use, general violence. Dr. Fiorentino, what will it take? Your…
To the class of 2020
Photo by Marco Verch Professional Photographer and Speaker via Flickr (CC BY 2.0) With the recent events, we finally…
Racial Health
It’s no doubt that COVID-19 is a virus that’s affecting everyone, but to tell the truth, there are a lot…
Your Voice is Still There
With the recent university, job and other major closings due to COVID-19, most of us are experiencing a difficult transition…
Why people of color should travel more
Photo by Midori Suber Being from the city, it’s easy to see generations from certain neighborhoods enter into a cycle…
Representation in faculty matters, especially in sciences
Being a cell and molecular biology major can be a lot. I’ve experienced long nights of studying formulas, molecules and…
“Aspire high” in your own community
Photo by Najah Hendricks The Pi chapter of Lambda Theta Alpha Latin Sorority Inc., along with Aspire High Youth Development…
The voices of Public Safety town hall
First and foremost, on behalf of the entire AVATT staff, we would like to thank you for your support. If…
Transgender Day of Remembrance: trans people don’t owe you anything
Nov. 20, 2019 is Transgender Day of Remembrance. On Nov. 21, Sexuality and Gender Alliance will be having a ceremony…
You Deserve
You deserve love. You deserve grace and humanity. You deserve safety. You deserve comfort. You deserve a chance. A chance…
The journey of AVATT: change starts with using your voice
As a whole, “A Voice at the Table” has really grown this semester, thanks to the support and everyone who…
Neutrality doesn’t exist
Photo by miss_millions via Flickr CC BY 2.0. Desmond Tutu stated, “If you are neutral in situations of injustice, you…
The Impact of a Voice
Homecoming has come and gone for WCU students and public safety’s presence was stronger than ever. It is believed that…
Culture versus costume
Photo by Dowdy Multicultural Center. Pumpkins, candy and scary masks are a few things to look forward to each Halloween,…
A stranger in your own home
Black people and minorities are often taught how to act in public in regards to keeping their color and how…
“To protect and serve”
The tension that has increased between Public Safety and the students of West Chester University has been far from hidden.…
Hear our voice: for black women
When you look at a black woman, do you really see her? Or do you see the clothes she wears,…
Mental health in the black community
The black experience has always been a unique one, something we take pride in, but we don’t often recognize the…
Let’s not: no Kamala Harris 2020
I know, okay? I know that you all want to believe and have great faith in Kamala Harris’ candidacy to…
Welcome to West Chester: the PWI
Photo by West Chester University via Flickr. You’ve done it. You did your research, applied to West Chester University and…
Review: “When They See Us” documentary
Photo courtesy of Inter-American Commission on Human Rights. It was April 19, 1989. The day the lives of five teenage…
Thanks, but no.
Photo courtesy of Nahje Royster. How many times do we say sorry for things that aren’t our fault? How many…
Two perspectives on finding community at WCU
Devin Washington This past month I had the chance to speak with Devin Washington, a student known around West Chester…
Breaking the lines: third-culture students
Of course AVATT wouldn’t have happened without all of the amazing students that participated and interviewed this semester for their…
Inspiring voices: Dr. Tracey Ray
It took many hands to help bring “A Voice at the Table” to West Chester University’s campus. Without the help…
Affirmation over tolerance: taking things a step farther.
Recently, our school participated in another round of Diversity Week. Student organizations and departments were tabling, having general assembly meetings…
Thanks, but no.
Photo courtesy of Nahje Royster. How many times do we say sorry for things that aren’t our fault? How many…
Inspiring Voices: self-care and positive mental health
Photo courtesy of Gabriella Melchiorre. I had the pleasure to sit down with Gabriella Melchiorre, soon-to-be-graduating senior from East Stroudsburg…
AVATT: Ariel Moore-Sturdivant
Ariel Moore-Sturdivant, a senior here at West Chester University, is known by those close to her as one who is…
Never fold: remaining unapologetic
Photo courtesy of Lauren Townsville. Never fold. Remaining unapologetic, remaining true and self-preservation are techniques that are essential for the…
Changing West Chester: one voice at a time
From the outside looking in, West Chester University seems like a regular college campus. Walking around campus, you couldn’t see…
Advocating for change at HBCUs
Image: “1909 Cheyney Library” by Smallbones is licensed under Public Domain. The argument between PWIs (predominately white institution) and HBCUs…
Two perspectives on finding community at WCU
Devin Washington This past month I had the chance to speak with Devin Washington, a student known around West Chester as …
A voice at West Chester: kicking off Black History Month
18,000 … the total population of students at West Chester University. We probably pass at least 50 people in a…
A Voice at the Table
We’re introducing a new segment to West Chester’s The Quad called “A Voice at the Table,” a diversity segment that…