Jessica Sullivan

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a thank you letter

Let’s Make a Painting

This week’s “Small Talk” is another beautiful poem from Melanin Speaking writer Jessica Sullivan, showing the importance of creativity and ingenuity. let’s make a painting. we’ll need all the colors for this one, burgundy, sapphire, teal, gold, brown. pick up your brush don’t you see this space is waiting for us? we’ll unleash a wheelhouse watch our colors collide what we’ll create will be breathtaking.

The Perks of Being a Mermaid

I’ve always wanted to be a mermaid.  Not for the sexy, mystical persona,  The slim figure sunbathing on a rock, nah,  I want to be a mermaid for the tail.  I want to swim into the waters that swallowed  My ancestors, feel my beautiful glistening tail Power through the waves, go back  Through time, meet all of those who left too soon.  I imagine when we die the earth enveloped us back  In its arms it made us mermaids,  Ethereal and magical.  I want to delve deep into the waters That we call home,  Swim up to Emmett Till as he was Before the lynching, a gorgeous black Boy with a tail that matched the color  Of the autumn leaves.  He’d welcome me home with the sun in his smile,  Ask if the world is better now.  How do I tell a boy who died in 1955  The trees still seep our blood,  That we’re in a losing race with bullets?  We’d swim together, water particles  Brushing our skin like we’re kindred spirits,  He’d show me the family I’ve never known. I’d play messenger for the unarmed black boys  Who want to tell their families they’re okay,  Now, there’s no to worry for our safety because  Who would shoot a mermaid? I can’t look at the water  Without seeing the ships, they’re calling me home, waiting to welcome me with open arms.  What can I say, I’ve always wanted to be a mermaid.

Two student orgs sue grant committee chair for revoked funding

After the Wisconsin Law Review and REFORMA, which aims to serve the Latinx community, had their funding revoked, the two organization are suing the Associated Students of Madison Grant Allocation Committee Chair Rachel Widra.

Lori Berquam named interim vice chancellor for student affairs

In addition to serving as UW-Madison’s dean of students and vice provost for student life, Lori Berquam will take on an additional role as the interim vice chancellor for student affairs, a new position within campus administration.

Instant recap: UW faculty retainment may improve if bill to allow privately funded research passes

UW-Madison researchers may have fewer obstacles when seeking funding from private entities and nonprofit organizations.

UW-Stout questions Eau Claire, Barron County campus merger

UW-Stout’s student government is asking the Board of Regents to reconsider a plan to merge UW-Barron County, a two-year college, with UW-Eau Claire, a four-year college, as part of a restructuring of the UW System.

Wisconsin Association of Black Men wins lawsuit against finance committee

The Wisconsin Association of Black Men won their case against the Student Services Finance Committee Thursday, granting them the opportunity to make their case for student funding.

Reflection space in SAC to be available for daytime student use

Students who want to pray, meditate or reflect during the school day can now do so thanks to a new reflection space in the Student Activity Center that will have its “soft run” Tuesday.