Honoring the achievements and contributions of students
February 2025 – This Black History Month, Drew University proudly celebrates the achievements and contributions of its Black students who are making an impact both on and off campus.
Here we highlight student stories, showcasing the ways they are shaping the Drew community and beyond. Join us in honoring their dedication, creativity, and commitment to fostering a more inclusive and equitable future.
Conway G. Gittens T’25
Master of Divinity
President, Drew University’s Black Ministerial Caucus
Member, Drew University Institute for Emerging Leaders
Board Member, New York Financial Writers Association
Pastor, The Worship Experience Church
My celebration of Black History Month takes me back to the shores of Cape Coast, Ghana. As I took in the aura of a castle once used as cargo holding for captured Africans before they were shipped off to become slaves across the Americas, and as I looked out at the vast, endless Atlantic Ocean, I thought to myself: “wow, we are survivors.” For me, Black History Month is about celebrating the survivors and their descendants. These are survivors of the Middle Passage; survivors of domestic violence vis-a-vis slavery, Reconstruction, the Civil Rights Era; survivors of oppressive conditions across the Caribbean, Latin America, and South America; survivors of the ravages of colonialism across the African continent. During Black History Month, I remember that we are the descendants of the ones who survived. How they managed to endure all that they did, find someone to love, start a family, and keep going until we showed up—I can only imagine. Black History Month is a celebration of resilience. Though the goal was to deny our humanity and literally break us, in the end, we are still here—as survivors.
Renessta Olds-Haigler T’26
Master of Divinity
National Coalition of 100 Black Women Manhattan Chapter – Education Committee Co-Chair
National Council of Negro Women – Queens County Section – Education Committee Co-Chair
New York Urban League _ Education Policy Committee Member
John Wesley United Methodist Church – Youth Pastor
Brooklyn Cooperative Central Parish (7 UMC Churches) – Youth Director
Black History Month means more to me than I believe I have the words to adequately describe. It means honoring my ancestors that were enslaved in this country and that are found on the 1870 census in Augusta, Georgia. For building upon the legacy that the soil bears witness to through their blood, sweat and tears. This legacy allows me to keep “striving” when I want to give up. Sharing the contributions of African Americans in the United States is something I do daily and not just during Black History Month. Amplifying others and my voice during this time when others would want to silence us is a never-ending cause that I champion. Striving to make them proud by pulling the next generation up behind me is my goal.
Zaire Wright C’27
Major: Political Science
Drew University Kean Summer Fellow Summer 2024
Intern to Councilman Frank E. Gilmore (City of Jersey City, Ward F) 2023-2025
Intern for the Hudson County Democratic Organization (starts in March 2025)
President of the Student Government of the College of Liberal Arts of Drew University
Member of the Drew University Black Student Union
Founder & Choir Master of the Drew University Gospel Choir
I have always been heavily involved in the institutions I’ve attended. I like being a leader because it suits my personality as well as my love for representation, advocacy, and the right to use the powers granted to me for the betterment of society. I have interned on the municipal level for two years, learning the ins and outs of local government to develop skills in constituent services, administrative support, legislative research, and data management while using some of the many things I learned in Professor Patrick McGuinn’s State & Local Politics Course (PSCI 218). I will be starting a new internship later this spring and fully into the summer with the Hudson County Democratic Organization (HCDO). Drew University has not influenced my participation and involvement whatsoever. I’ve been this way since I was in middle school from taking Character Education at Dr. Lena Education Academic Charter School to attending BelovED Community Charter High School where I took a course called Justice and being involved in the Student Council those are the places that influenced my participation and involvement. However, Drew University has enhanced and professionalized my ability to participate and be involved and fully immersed in the things that I do because of the diverse and hardworking community, the multitude of opportunities through LAUNCH, experiential learning, the various clubs & organizations, and the members of our community who push you to greatness. Drew has provided me with an experience of a lifetime and I’m just getting started.
