Courtesy of Collyn Robinson (left) and Gemard Guery (right)

Every year, Black members of the YDN attempt to reimagine how we present ourselves in the newsroom and Yale at large. Despite the burden placed on Black students to show up in every space they can and be the representation for our community, deciding to take on the role of leading the spissue was an easy one. 

Our goal for this issue is to pass the torch to the next generation of Black creatives on campus, bridging the old and the new. It is important to us that we keep the tradition of commemorating Black History Month alive through this special issue. 

Our voices matter now more than ever, and you can find those unique voices in Olivia Cyrus’ profiles of six Black first years — members of the first class of Black students following the fall of affirmative action. In Nora Moses’s article on the Yale chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha, traverse the rich history and legacy of one of Yale’s Divine Nine sororities. Also, enjoy learning about the ways in which Yalies embody Blackness through style written by Shela Mensah.

We would also like to give special thanks to the contributors and everyone at the News for which this issue wouldn’t be possible without their hard work, talent and vision. 

We welcome and appreciate any feedback about the spissue. Feel free to contact us at editor@yaledailynews.com, or email us directly via email.

With love,

Collyn Robinson and Gemard Guery are the co-editors for the Black History Month Spissue. Collyn is the Multimedia Managing Editor emeritus for the News and Gemard is an associate beat reporter for the Arts Desk covering music at Yale.

 

Writers

Nicolas Ciminiello

Olivia Cyrus

Gemard Guery

Adele Haeg

Jamar Jackson

Shela Mensah

Nora Moses

Tyson Odermann

Prentiss Patrick-Carter

Collyn Robinson

Faven Wondwosen

 

Illustrators

Maria Arozamena

Ericka Henriquez 

 

Photographers

Kris Aziabor

Nicolas Ciminiello

Elishevlyne Eliason

Shela Mensah

Ethan Wolin

 

Photo Editors

Christina Lee

 

Production and Design

Carter Cashen

Ariela Lopez

Alexander Medel

Collyn Robinson

 

COLLYN ROBINSON
Collyn Robinson served as the Multimedia Managing Editor for the Managing Board of 2025. Before that, he served as the lead producer for the “Full Disclosure” podcast. Originally from St. Louis, he lives in Silliman College and is majoring in Film and Media studies.
GEMARD GUERY
Gemard Guery covers music at Yale. He is a first-year in Davenport College majoring in Global Affairs and History.