Andre Hardy ’23
Major: Criminology and Sociology
COMPASS Program Community Navigator, Step-Up Inc. Indy

How have you exemplified Black excellence, as defined by you, in your life post-grad?
I have exemplified Black excellence post-grad by staying in touch with and providing resources to current students as they navigate their leadership journey, living authentically in spite of adversity, building community in Black spaces, and working a job where I have the privilege of addressing the unmet needs of the transgender and gender diverse community. In less than two years post-grad, I’ve been a keynote speaker at Butler, been elected as the Vice President of CILYAG (a queer serving 501(c)3 organization), completed a fellowship at the Damien Center, been interviewed by a local journalist, and found myself when everything seemed lost. I have not only survived but thrived.

Where was your go-to decompression/safe space on campus?
The Diversity Center. When I walked in those doors, I could truly breathe. The DC was a shelter from racism, microaggressions, mounds of emotional labor, misgendering, and hyper-visibility. I knew that even if some of us disagreed on something, we’d come together to fight for each other without hesitation.

What organization were you involved with while on campus?
I was involved with the Student Government Association (SGA), Diversity Program Council, LGBTQIA+ Alliance, Black Student Union, and the National Society of Collegiate Scholars.

What was your favorite Black experience when you were on campus?
Unity Ball and the Black History Month Brunch. I will never forget the beautiful range of emotions I felt being in a room full of Black people to just have fun, share a meal, and be ourselves. No expectations, just community.

What advice would you give to students, recent graduates, or fellow graduates?
Students: Keep being your beautiful Black self. You are divine. Prioritize yourself in these trying times, and do not feel pressured to provide free emotional labor. College isn’t just about homework, testing, and job training. Find your joy, shine your light, and don’t let anyone dim it.

Recent graduates: It’s ok to not have everything figured out. Things are undoubtedly terrifying for you right now, and as cliché as it sounds, things have a way of working themselves out. Now is the time to lean into your community, create your safe spaces, and explore. Most importantly, remember that rest is a form of protest. Fellow graduates: Allow me to water your flowers. Acknowledge and celebrate just how far you’ve come in your journey. We were put through hell and still prevailed. Let me remind you of just how special you are.

To all: There is unparalleled beauty in the mundane. We don’t have to be superheroes; it is not our job to hold the world on our shoulders while we watch ourselves crumble. Simply existing in our Black bodies with our free minds and our free will is enough. You are enough!