May 21, 2025
AFRO 495 senior thesis flyer

Prof. Bobby J. Smith II had the pleasure of hosting the annual senior thesis research symposium.  This year's research topic focused on "(Re) Evaluating the Black Experience", where 8 students presented their final work: Zoe Howard, Tommy Pettie, Vans Smallwood, Faith Lee, Nyx Melancon, Ma'at Husband-Ausar, Zoë Newman-Payne, and 

With themes ranging from:  "Analysis of Black female athletes, mental health, and the world of sports"; "Black carcerality and isolation cells"; "Food segregation in Chicago"; "Analysis of mental health stigma within the Black communities"; "A systematic review of Black elite identity and influence"; "Narrative analysis of Black lesbian self-determination"; "Black physically disabled people's experience with food insecurity";  and Black creators reimagining media representation".   Each challenging both the audience and themselves to seek opportunities for continual development and advancement of the broader Black community.  

Culminating the spring semester with a celebration!  See the photos below.

student 1 presenting

Faith Lee
student 1 presenting
student 1 presenting
student 1 presenting
student 2 presenting

Ma'at Husband-Ausar
student 2 presenting
student 2 presenting
student 2 presenting
student 2 presenting
student 3 presenting

Camra Simmons
student 3 presenting
student 3 presenting
student 3 presenting
student 3 presenting
student 3 presenting
student 4 presenting

Nyx Melancon
student 4 presenting
student 4 presenting
student 4 presenting
student 5 presenting

Tommy Pettie
student 5 presenting
Student 5 presenting
student 5 presenting
student 6 presenting

Vans Smallwood
student 6 presenting
student 6 presenting
student 6 presenting
student 6 presenting
student 7 presenting

Zoie Howard
student 7 presenting
student 7 presenting
student 7 presenting
student 7 presenting
student 8 presenting

Zoë Newman-Payne
student 8 presenting
Group 1 photo of 4 students for panel discussion

Discussion panel (left to right): Vans, Faith, Ma'at, and Camra
Group 2 photo of 4 students for panel discussion

Discussion panel (left to right): Nyx, Tommy, Zoie, and Zoë
Group 2 photo of 4 students for panel discussion
Group 2 photo of 4 students for panel discussion
Group photo of all 8 students & Professor Bobby J Smith

Professor Bobby J. Smith II & the 8 Thesis Students
Group photo of 6 students & Professor Bobby J Smith
Group photo of 6 students & Professor Bobby J Smith
3 AFRO Faculty (photo 1)

Left to right: Professors Eddie O'Byrn, Ronald Bailey, and Esther Ngumbi
3 AFRO Faculty (photo 2)
Students, family, and art backdrop at Siebel Center for Design (photo 1)
Students, family, and art backdrop at Siebel Center for Design (photo 2)
Decorated cake for AFRO 495 symposium