UC Berkeley has a poor reputation among Black students. It’s trying to change that

UC Berkeley student Ahmad Mahmuod, center, chats with Kendall Dowell, left, and Kyra Abrams during “Black Wednesday” on Sproul Plaza in February. 1 public university in the world,” Mahmuod said, “but it took less than 10 minutes for me to feel I did not belong.” That persistent feeling among many Black students at Berkeley — and years of demands for remedies — have led to what campus officials call their most concerted effort ever to improve diversity and combat anti-Blackness and other racism. “When you don’t see that, it sends a signal that you’re not wanted.” UC Berkeley students hold a prayer circle during “Black Wednesday.” After demands by Black students, diversity efforts were expanded in admissions, financial aid and communal spaces. The student-led Black Recruitment and Retention Center has visited high schools, “Even though we have a lot of issues here, it kind of motivates us to fight because I don’t think just giving up on this school is going to be beneficial for the Black students who are here,” said Nazak Wali-Ali, the center’s community development coordinator and a rising senior in legal studies and ethnic studies. When she walked through Sproul Plaza, which is typically lined with campus clubs trying to recruit members, she said no one offered her fliers — a common experience known as “Sprouling while Black.” When she did try to join a campus consulting club, Anyanwu said, she was told she wasn’t a good “cultural fit.” Meanwhile, Black students have worked hard to create a sense of community among their limited numbers.