Editorial: An example of change


img-1165
A new vending machine featuring hair and beauty products is available on the bottom floor in the Bovee University Center.

Central Michigan University alumna Antoinette Lewis is proof that, with creativity, dedication and innovation, change can occur on our campus.

Until last year, hair products for women of color were not easily accessible in Mount Pleasant. Lewis changed that by creating a vending machine, Brown Crown Beauty, where students can purchase the products they need.

Lewis experienced a problem finding beauty products for herself locally. She knew it had to affect other students and didn't quit until she found a solution.

Her strategy was recognized at the New Venture Competition in 2019, where she won the $10,000 prize money. Lack of additional funding and the COVID-19 pandemic made things difficult. The vending machine that she thought would give students the products they needed was being kept in storage. 

She did not waver. In fact, Lewis even used stimulus money to ensure her project would be completed. After all that work, the vending machine in the Bovee University Center is finally set up and is being used by students.

Lewis's independent contributions to campus should be recognized. We applaud her service to the student body.

Her experience is not unique. There are plenty of issues being experienced on and off campus: lack of attention to sustainability, lack of diversity, racial slurs being used in the classroom and the university’s handling of COVID-19.

If changes are going to be made, people can look to Lewis for inspiration. 

Change can sometimes be brought through unconventional means. We, as a student body and as individuals, must decide what issues are affecting us locally. Let's be part of the solution as it manifests itself.

We should ask ourselves: What can be done beyond banners or online petitions?

These past few weeks we have met many students protesting with signs, organizing online petitions and pushing university administrators to promote changes at CMU. Those efforts are important.

However, we also know that indirect, unfocused messages by many different groups become noise rather than meaningful dialogue. We should follow the example of leadership set by Antoniette Lewis. Creativity, dedication and innovation is the best way students can make a difference.

Share: