Making cents of the Magic: Supporting women in leadership

At the end of Magic Johnson's inspirational speech at the Martin Luther King event on June 3, honoring MLK’s visit to Arizona State University 60 years ago, he announced that he would join ASU in supporting women in leadership. In doing so, he awarded $25,000 each to three leaders on the executive board of ASU’s Black African Coalition (BAC), Toshalyn Kareem, Nia Heckler and Serenity Reynolds, to help them succeed in the future.

"Oh, it feels so unbelievable," Heckler said after being asked how it felt to receive the funds. "We are just so ecstatic."

"I am still in a state of shock, which is why the tears aren't falling down yet. But when I get home later, and I start analyzing it, it will come," Kareem said.

"It's been truly a blessing to have Magic Johnson here and to bless us in an inspirational way,” Reynolds said. “I feel so grateful, and I'm just so happy that I have my two members on our executive board with me."

She says she is grateful to be a part of the coalition, saying that "being a part of the BAC provides more things than I even thought would come my way." She also believes that "being here and in this space, even at Arizona State, is such a blessing."

"The fact that we can be here as Black women and leaders and kind of lead this new wave and be an empowering vision for everyone and be trailblazers is kind of scary, but it's also what we've been preparing for our whole lives," Reynolds said.

The Black African Coalition dedicates itself to unifying and supporting ASU Black, African and Caribbean students. They are there to empower students and provide a safe space and community.

"It's not just so Black people can be in our little corner. It is for every student wanting to learn more about our history and backgrounds," Reynolds said.

"It's a safe environment for Black, African and Caribbean students to feel empowered, to feel heard, and to have access to resources on and off campus,” said Heckler, their internal vice president. “To have good relationships with staff, administrators, faculty, professionals, and professors on campus."

She continued, talking about how the BAC is there to help break generational curses.

"We have new beginnings, close doors of oppression, and open new doors of opportunity,” she said.

When asked what they would do with the $25,000 Johnson awarded them, the three spoke collectively, saying, "Tuition. This is for school. To even have these positions, you have to have a certain GPA. "

"These ladies here have high standards,” said Heckler about her fellow comrades. “And they work well, and they work hard. They're good at communicating and opening new doors for themselves. Like the African Coalition does. I'm just very proud of them as well.”

You can follow the Black African Coalition on Instagram and Sun Devil Sync to learn more about events and the 28 clubs affiliated with the Coalition.