MSU BGSA

The Black Graduate Student Association @michiganstateu • Supporting grad/professional students of the Black Diaspora through scholarship, solidarity, + service.

[Charles W McKinney, Jr. @CharlesWMcKinn2]

Stop using this. Today, please.

[MSU BGSA @MSU_BGSA]

@DocDill Classic!

[MSU BGSA @MSU_BGSA]

“Here is the song that cannot kill. I love you now. Do you love me still?” - excerpt from the poetic @DocDill

[MSU BGSA @MSU_BGSA]

“I hope that the BGSA reminds you that YOU ARE NOT ALONE. You have spaces…create those spaces.” - @DocDill

[MSU BGSA @MSU_BGSA]

“Just know that what you are doing is important even if you have white colleagues or people pushing back and telling you that your work isn’t possible. Doing work that you believe in just carries you further than doing work that you think others want you to do.” - Dr. Burgess

[MSU BGSA @MSU_BGSA]

Dr. Burgess is speaking on the expectation to do humanizing (service) within a dehumanizing system

[MSU BGSA @MSU_BGSA]

@DrDorindaCA is getting praise during this conversation!!

[MSU BGSA @MSU_BGSA]

“Service is what sustains me. That’s why I do what I do. For me, it is important to make sure that the things I write about or believe in that I actually embody those things and believe in them.” - Dr. Burgess

[MSU BGSA @MSU_BGSA]

There is power of creative writing when working with youth! - @DocDill

[MSU BGSA @MSU_BGSA]

@DocDill invited research participants into poetic analysis of data

[MSU BGSA @MSU_BGSA]

“I found a couple models of narrative analysis and using poetry as a research method.”

[MSU BGSA @MSU_BGSA]

@DocDill now gives insight on how she integrates poetry with public health

[MSU BGSA @MSU_BGSA]

“You don’t have to be on a yoga mat. You can meditate anywhere. It is what you make it.” - BGSA Secretary and event cohost Deja with the masterful recap of key points

[MSU BGSA @MSU_BGSA]

“If I figure something out, then you shouldn’t have to if you are traveling along that same path.” - Dr. Burgess’ framing for mentorship, especially of Black students

[MSU BGSA @MSU_BGSA]

“My interest is talking about race specifically!”- Dr. Burgess #RESPECTFULLY

[MSU BGSA @MSU_BGSA]

The tension of navigating the tenure track structure while trying to push back against harmful traditions that can attack one’s self-worth

[MSU BGSA @MSU_BGSA]

Dr. Burgess educated himself beyond Science Ed, e.g., reading James Baldwin and other formative works.

[MSU BGSA @MSU_BGSA]

Dr. Burgess takes criticism and rejections that don’t understand his work with a grain of salt.

[MSU BGSA @MSU_BGSA]

“It became very apparent to me as a student (in grad school) that I’m in this space surrounded by white people that have this degree that I’m pursuing. They’re saying things that don’t make sense, and I’m like, how did they get here?” - Dr. Burgess

[MSU BGSA @MSU_BGSA]

“There wasn’t really a pathway or handbook for me to follow. As a grad student, I didn’t know when I needed things. And when I did need things, I didn’t know how to ask for them.” - Dr. Burgess

[MSU BGSA @MSU_BGSA]

Being a McNair Scholar and Upward Bound participant compelled Dr. Burgess to work to transform education for Black youth.