Student Senate plans events for Women’s History Month

Women’s week of programs and events, hosted by FAMU SGA.
Courtesy of FAMU SGA.

The eighth senate meeting for the 2020-2021 academic year shed light on the events that are taking place this week in celebration of women’s history month, resources that may be present in the near future and the fiscal budget for this year’s allocation period.

Sophomore senator Artise Lewis introduced the pillar of events to look out for this week. A paint party will take place at Florida A&M University’s Polkinghorne Village East community rooms today at 6:30 p.m. Supplies will be provided and CDC guidelines will be abided by.

The “Melanin Goddess Women In Leadership Panel” will follow this Thursday at 6:30 p.m. via zoom.

On Friday, March 12, the Student Government Association is partnering with the FAMU Chapters of the National Council of Negro Women, Big Sister Little Sister Mentoring Program, Warriors Against Rape, Girls 2 Girls, Women’s Student Union, Black Women in Medicine and FAMU Campus Plus to fundraise at Sneauxball between 1 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Twenty percent of the proceeds will go to SGA, which will be put towards the Refuge House, a safe space for domestic violence and abuse victims, to aid in operations.

“Please tell and take as many friends as possible and make sure you show this flyer when you go so we can raise money for this great cause,” said Lewis.

President Shanel Brown updated that efforts are being made to grant students at least one health and wellness day for the month of March and April in the absence of spring break.

“Students need a break at least one point in time during this semester,” said Brown.

She clarified that a follow-up would be made today with administration for the status of the bill.

Sophomore senator Armon Mckinney presented the fiscal budget for this school year, announcing that the Organization and Finance Committee is making strides with administration to move the allocation season to fall instead of spring.

Junior senator Maurice Gilbert questioned why Journey Magazine is receiving significantly less money than the FAMUAN and executive branch comptroller Johnathan Mcleod illuminated that Journey pivoted to more of a digital platform, which resulted in budget-cutting.

McKinney closed with the financial forecast amounting to $2.5 million meticulously distributed to each organization on campus, with $10,000 leftover and designated for the legislative branch.

The next senate meeting will continue the impeachment trial of Travis Finley, which is in favorable recommendation for not completing his duties. This trial will go to the FAMU supreme court.

The congregation adjourned the meeting after sharing profound words of advice and encouragement to finish the semester strong.

“Martin Luther King stated that ‘the ultimate test of a man is not where he stands in times of comfort, but where he stands in times of adversity.’ If you have something you believe or stand for and it’s not the norm, don’t let anyone distract you from what you want to achieve in life,” said McKinney.

Senate meetings are held every Monday at 6 p.m. To find out more information, visit sga.famu.edu.