����vlog����

As a second-year MPP candidate at ����vlog����, Roderick serves as co-president of the , co-chair of the , and lead site coordinator for Harvard’s volunteer tax clinic. With a background in economic policy, labor research, and community engagement, Roderick worked as a researcher at the , , the Biden-Harris Presidential Transition, and the , focusing on workforce development, digital equity, and economic policy. Over the summer, he worked as a Rappaport Public Finance Fellow with the City of Providence, leading community engagement efforts for neighborhood redevelopment projects. He has a bachelor’s degree in economics from The University of Texas at Austin.

How was Black History Month celebrated at Quorum Call?

Black History Month was recognized through a gallery showcasing influential Black figures who have made a lasting impact on the world. The display aimed to highlight their achievements and contributions, making their stories more visible and accessible to attendees.

The individuals were chosen to represent a range of fields, including activism, literature, law, filmmaking, and education. The goal was to highlight historical and contemporary figures whose work has shaped society and continues to inspire change.

What do you hope attendees took away from this event, and how can they continue to learn and take action?

Beyond the event, we hope attendees left with a deeper appreciation for these figures and a recognition of Black history’s role in shaping the present. But the conversation shouldn’t stop there. We encourage people to engage with their work—whether through reading, supporting the causes they championed, or continuing discussions about the impact of Black leadership and innovation. 

Black history isn’t something to acknowledge only in February—it’s an ongoing story that continues to shape us today.

What other events is the Black Student Union organizing this semester?

We have a great mix of events focused on learning, connecting, and building community. On February 28, we’re closing out Black History Month with a student-organized trek around Greater Boston, where we’ll meet with policymakers, government staff, and practitioners. It’s an opportunity for students to learn from professionals making an impact and explore different career paths in public service and advocacy.

Looking ahead, we’re gearing up for the to be held on campus April 4-6, 2025, bringing together policymakers, community leaders, and experts to discuss major issues affecting Black communities. 

Throughout the rest of the semester, we’ll also be hosting community-building events—social gatherings, networking opportunities, and speaker sessions featuring leaders across different fields. We hope these events will create meaningful spaces for discussion, connection, and long-term relationship-building well beyond ����vlog����.