By: Kai Hopkinson-Ramsammy
University of San Diego
2024-2025
My mini grant project “Crown and Culture” was inspired by a need for a community-wide reconnection and cultural celebration at the University of San Diego. The event name refers to hair but also a sense of cultural pride. As a graduating senior I knew that I wanted to introduce the campus to other forms of cultural expression and knowledge that I had not seen and this event was my chance to do this. The goals were to educate, rejuvenate and cultivate connections and to represent Black diasporic culture. Moreover, the timing of this event was perfect given the current political situation regarding the acknowledgement and celebration of diverse stories and identities. Therefore, my intention with this event was to take up space on campus and represent culture in its various forms. In many ways Crown and Culture was a labor of love for my community. I received funding from the AllState Foundation via the Mini Grant as well as funding from other campus centers and programs. After months of planning and establishing a team of supporters, myself and my team successfully executed the event on March 29th, 2025. The scene was vibrant with students from various campus clubs, organizations and spectators in attendance.
There were over 71 attendees who enjoyed Jamaican cuisine and dessert, a presentation on black hair care and history with giveaways, a gospel performance, a steel pan workshop, an African drum circle and lastly, an art exhibit and DJ set from some visually impaired artists of color Gifted Back (Gifted Blind Artists Crafters and Knitters). There was also a booth where attendees could interact with a hot comb and other older hair devices and receive a scalp check and many attendees took advantage of the opportunity to learn more about their hair health. Faculty, students, campus partners and community members gathered, some of which drove to San Diego from LA, to experience the event. Attendees particularly enjoyed the steel pan workshop which was a personal delight since it is the national instrument of Trinidad and Tobago, which is my home country. Too often we forget where we come from and how that can impact our present and future. This event was a reminder of community and the excellence and beauty of color and culture whether it be music, hair, food or art. Moreover, the collaboration with Gifted back was particularly beautiful because it highlighted visually impaired artists and allowed them to showcase and sell their work.
This experience was eye-opening and creatively activating. I enjoyed planning and executing it. I learned the importance of a network and utilizing one’s village (support system) to accomplish their goals. As a leader, I gained confidence in my vision, my ability to adapt to changes with logistics and to accept and seek support when needed. I also learned how to manage a budget for a large scale project and found novel ways to engage my community. All in all, my experience as a Newman Civic Fellow was enriching and positive. I enjoyed meeting my peers at the convening in Chicago and learning about their various projects. Moreover, the training sessions were insightful and allowed for self reflection regarding my values as a leader and duty as a responsible and civically engaged global citizen. It also paved the way for me to represent the United States as a student leader on a panel at the Global Forum on Higher Education: Renewal of the Democratic and Civic Mission in Prague, Czech Republic where I met the Campus Compact President Bobbie Laur. I am deeply grateful for this experience and look forward to joining the Newman Civic Fellow Alumni network