VOICES OF DRAKE Candace Carr
Black History Month is a celebration of Black Americans’ resilience, triumphs, and culture-shaping contributions to the world. BHM transcends time. We celebrate where we’ve been, where we are, how far we’ve come, and the future of our community.
What is your favorite thing about Drake?
My favorite thing about Drake is the ingenuity of students. If there is a space missing, Drake students work to create it. If a need needs to be met, Drake students work together and meet it. If there are traditions that need revamping to better serve our communities, Drake students honor what was before them and pivot into something even more wonderful.
In what ways have you grown since coming to Drake?
Since coming to Drake, I’ve grown as a community member. I’m grateful for the leadership opportunities, academic achievements, and personal accolades I’ve gained but I am truly proudest of my ability to live in community with others. I am proud to see growth in the ways I connect, help advocate, and collaborate with my neighbors and colleagues.
Who has been the biggest influence in your life, and what lessons did that person teach you?
My mom has been the biggest influence in my life. Her giving spirit, wisdom, and tenacity have been a wonderful blueprint for life. She teaches and regularly reminds me to strike a balance between deep humility and celebrating the gifts I have. As Black women, we are often challenged for taking up “too much space” that often; then we over-correct and reduce who we are to make room for others. Finding that balance illuminates the reality: Black women standing in their truth makes room for others to stand in their truth, as well.
Voices of Drake is a story series honoring Black History month by highlighting the diversity, ambition, and passion of the incredible people who make up our campus community. Candace Carr, a Drake senior double majoring in multimedia journalism and rhetoric/media studies, was one of the voices featured in this year’s series.