Black History Month: CEU’s favorite role models
Among the few African-American students at the College of Eastern Utah exists victories, dilemmas and goals.
Henry Rudolph looks up to many black idols. “I like Susan Lori Parks because she is a black playwright who writes strictly for black theatre.” Actor Terrence Howard is another one of his role models because he started on stage and worked his way up to film. Rudolph named actor James Earl Jones because of his great diction and pronunciation. One specific quality of Jones is that he was speech impaired as a child, but defeated the impairment.
This archived article was written by: Kelli Burke-Gabossi
Among the few African-American students at the College of Eastern Utah exists victories, dilemmas and goals.
Henry Rudolph looks up to many black idols. “I like Susan Lori Parks because she is a black playwright who writes strictly for black theatre.” Actor Terrence Howard is another one of his role models because he started on stage and worked his way up to film. Rudolph named actor James Earl Jones because of his great diction and pronunciation. One specific quality of Jones is that he was speech impaired as a child, but defeated the impairment.
After graduating from CEU, Rudolph plans to return to his hometown, Salt Lake City, and go to the University of Utah or Westminster. He eventually wants to audition for Julliard, NYU, and UCLA.
Priscila Santos named Jesus as her role model. “He is my savior,” she stated. “I think I’m not different; everyone is different but I’m not more special than others.” Santos came to CEU to play basketball. Once she graduates, she would like to go to the East Coast.
Some problems that Santos has dealt with is living on her own and creating new relationships. “Coming here is a good accomplishment. What I do now is what really matters,” she added.
For Michael Glover, his brother is his role model. “He pushes me and motivates me,” he stated. Glover feels like he’s made a difference by his actions, attitude and leadership on and off the basketball court. “I like giving back to the community and helping out as much as I can.”
Glover came to CEU because he spoke with Coach Chris Craig about playing basketball. He plans to graduate with his associate’s degree and return to his hometown, New York’s the Bronx, and attend St. Francis University to receive his bachelor’s degree. He feels his greatest problem is overcoming frustration; but being the second male in his family to graduate has been a great accomplishment.
Leon Sutton named Martin Luther King Jr. as his role model. “He changed the world. If it wasn’t for him, none of us would be here,” he stated. Sutton has made a difference by giving back to the community. From Las Vegas, Nev., he came to CEU because of a basketball scholarship. He plans to go to the University of North Carolina, Kentucky University or Wake Forest University after graduating from CEU.
A major problem that Sutton has dealt with is his uncle passing away. “Some accomplishments are meeting Jimmy Bosserman, Robby Dilg, Kasey Day, Kaylee Robinson, Cliff Coleman, Brandon Williams, his sister Logan and Chris Mast.”
King is also a role model of Brandon Williams. “He did so much stuff for our race and did it nonviolently,” Williams confirmed. He looks up to his grandmother: “She raised me and my four siblings and her own kids too; she is very strong lady.” Malcolm-X is among his idols because he made speeches, led marches and fought for equal rights.
“I show young kids they can make it to college and I stay positive,” Williams said. He came to CEU because he was recruited by Coach Craig to play basketball. “He’s a great recruiter,” he added. After Williams graduates, he plans to attend Kansas University, Kentucky University or Villanova University. Coming from Houston Texas, Williams has had to deal with several problems including police harassment, seeing violence and drugs and witnessing shootings. Making it to college, though, has been a great accomplishment, along with winning the state championship in basketball.
“I’d like to give a shout out to So Icy Ent., Jangalang Ent., Jangalang blood game, Coach Craig, and Third Ward in Houston Texas.
For Chris Mast, his role model is Jackie Robinson. “He broke the barrier as a black professional baseball player,” he stated. Mast makes a difference by staying positive towards others and helping others. He was recruited by Coach Craig to play basketball and received a scholarship to CEU. When he graduates, he plans to Texas A&M Corpus Christi.
Experiencing life in Washington, D.C., Mast has dealt with several conflicts. “I had a problem with communicating with people I’m not used to being around but I’ve overcome that. I’ve seen people shot and die on the same street I live on, I’ve seen friends pass before my eyes, most from drugs and poverty.” He has experienced many accomplishments, “Going to college, getting out of D.C., getting a scholarship and making my mother proud.”
“I’d like to give a shout out to So Icy Ent., Jangalang Ent. D.C., South East/South Side, and Coach Craig and his Nike shoes – the blue and white ones,” Mast said.
