The Social Justice Fellows
The Social Justice Undergraduate Fellowship is a unique opportunity for Philander Smith students to gain firsthand experience and develop skills in advocacy, storytelling, servant leadership, service learning and more.
The program provides a structured opportunity to learn how to identify and offer solutions to some society’s greatest challenges. Through the program, Fellows learn from some of the country’s finest experts and specialists working to advance social justice around the world.
The Fellowship is a stimulating journey of personal and professional development—equipping the leaders who will create stronger, more just communities for all.
2021-2022 SJI Fellows
Imri Davis is a junior majoring in Business Administration with a concentration in Entrepreneurship. Imri is originally from New Orleans, Louisiana but spent most of his upbringing in Houston, Texas. He is heavily involved on campus and serves in various leadership positions for Student Government Association, the Empowerment of the African American Male organization, and Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. After graduating college, Imri plans on becoming an educator in the Galena Park Independent School District where he attended high school. Ultimately, Imri wants to earn a PhD in Higher Education Administration. He hopes to be heavily involved with his community and plans to make a difference in the world.
Chigozie Nwankpa was born and raised in Chicago, IL. He is currently a junior majoring in Business Administration with a concentration in Accounting. He is currently involved with the Empowering African American Males organization, Legal Aid of Arkansas Fair Housing Initiative, and Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. Upon graduation, he plans on obtaining his CPA license and creating mentorship programs in his community at home and other at-risk communities where minorities are heavily populated. Social justice became one of his main focuses when he realized that people like himself struggle to obtain opportunities due to their background. He firmly believes that enriching the youth in financial literacy can change the stereotypes they face daily.
J’Nya Thompson, a senior from Dallas, Texas, is majoring in criminal justice with an aspiration of being a public defender for juveniles one day. On campus, J’Nya is part of the McKinley Newton Honors Academy, and serves in the National Association of Colored Women, Student Government Association, Religious Life Council, and the Philander Smith Collegiate Choir. She was also selected as a 2021 White House HBCU Scholar. Social Justice to J’Nya means to fight for the unjust. She believes the most effective way to fight for justice is from the inside out. She ultimately plans to work within the Criminal Justice System to advocate, represent, and enforce change rather than just speak on it.
Eric Kendrick is a junior from Gary, Indiana majoring in Biology. He is currently the captain of the Philander Men’s Basketball Team. Additionally, Eric is involved on campus and holds leadership roles in the Student Government Association and Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. After graduating, Eric plans to attend medical school to become a plastic surgeon. He became an advocate for social justice because he was raised by an independent black nurse who has experienced health care from the patient and caregiver perspective. He believes in ensuring the next generation of young people are adequately educated about our nation’s social justice history in order for them to advocate for a better future
Larena Walker, a senior from Star City, AR, is majoring in Business Administration with a concentration in Healthcare Administration and a minor in Marketing. She is currently the captain of the Philander Women’s Basketball Team and the Chief of Staff for the Platinum by Design organization. Social Justice to Larena means using her voice to become an advocate for the voiceless. She seeks to be an effective change agent in the future by utilizing the skill set she is learning throughout this fellowship.
Xavier Chatman is a junior from Dallas, Texas majoring in Criminal Justice. He is extremely passionate about sexual violence and victim advocacy. He aspires to be a sexual abuse attorney. He currently serves as the Student Relations Senator in the Student Government Association, Treasurer for the Empowering African American Males organization, and the President of the Beta Chi chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. Mr. Chatman is determined to change the world one heart at a time.
Amelia Ayomoh is a junior Social Work major. She is from Delta State, Nigeria and is driven by activism and charity work. She is an aspiring mental health therapist and is passionate about helping others overcome emotional challenges and trauma. Amelia hopes to also help alleviate the problems that come with homelessness and ensure that by doing her part, more people have access to basic needs. Social justice to her means a fair and equal way of life for all.
Nashir Robinson, a junior from St. Louis, Missouri, is majoring in English with an emphasis in Journalism. He currently serves as the Senator of Student Life for the Student Government Association. Nashir has also held positions with the S.T.A.R.S. department serving as a mentor for the S.T.A.R.T. Summer Bridge Program in the Summer of 2020. Additionally, he also served as a Peer Success Specialist for the 2020-2021 academic school year. Nashir plans to become a journalist back in St. Louis and attend graduate school with a focus in communications. He became a social justice advocate in 2014 when the tragic killing of Michael Brown happened in his hometown. The situation of Michael Brown opened his eyes to the many injustices Black people face in our nation. He is determined to have his voice heard in order to enact change in his community.
Ciara Jenkins, a junior Pre-Med/Biology and Psychology major from North Little Rock, Arkansas, yearns for equity and equality in health care for minorities, the underrepresented, and the less fortunate. Ciara currently serves as the Secretary for the Philander Smith College Pre-Med Society. After graduation, she aspires to become a Child Psychiatrist. To Ciara, social justice means bringing about change and advocating for those who can not advocate for themselves.