Making an IMPACT with Maurice Powe

IMPACT Founder, Maurice Powe at an event. (Photo contributed by the IMPACT movement)

By Diamond Smith

Maurice Powe felt it was his responsibility to take care of those who were vulnerable and those who were less fortunate. The greater his passion, the greater his purpose, giving him the drive to make an impact in his community. Maurice Powell, a junior studying Psychology and English, always felt there was an importance to empowerment and advocacy.

Before becoming president of the IMPACT Movement, Powe took a leap of faith and met with National IMPACT President Jimmy McGee on a flight to Indianapolis after emailing him. Before he knew it, he was off to an event with McGee. Powe felt called to become President of IMPACT as part of the desire to be a part of a change within UMASS Amherst. Since just last year, this organization has had a significant impact on its members. 

Throughout his time at UMass Amherst, Powe has seen a pattern among Black and minority students. There are several other Christian organizations on campus that express their love for God and have fellowship within welcoming environments. When racially charged situations occur on campus, Powe expressed the importance for Black Christian students to want to feel safe within their own spaces. The IMPACT Movement was created to serve as an avenue for young Black Christian students to express themselves, build relationships, and be supported by other UMass Amherst community members. Creating these safe spaces is very beneficial regarding representation and solidarity. In many ways, Powe says “it can be a healing environment.”

“In addition to managing schoolwork and other responsibilities, it can be extremely stressful. Anyone who may feel like they are going through a tough season in classes, on campus, or in any situation, there will always be joy in it. You will make it through, said Powe.

A bible verse Powe shares that rests on his heart is James 1:2-3: “Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, to endure trials of many kinds because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.” There is sometimes tension on campus due to discrimination against minority students. Powe emphasizes that, through his hardships, he is building faith which is very empowering because he is both a student and a leader.

“Sharing your story has a lot of importance when it comes to living a life that exemplifies God’s love toward us and encourages others to seek him. When you share your trials with someone and how you have overcome them, you can change someone’s life a lot.” said Powe.

Powe expands on how IMPACT works to help promote minority students and their stories. “As both a Black student and a Black Christian, you have power. No one shouldn’t feel minimalized for their experiences.” said Powe. IMPACT is dedicated to equipping Black students to “become disciples of Jesus Christ, and impact is implementing their faith into every aspect of their life.”  In addition to helping students grow as servant-leaders, the movement offers opportunities for them to serve others by participating in projects outside of UMASS Amherst that have positive influences on their communities.

The Impact movement goes on trips to Ghana, other states, and cities like Milwaukee, which has been impacted by police brutality. The IMPACT Movement places a lot of emphasis on coming alongside locals and learning from them rather than forcing a particular framework or agenda that might disrupt or even damage those communities and their cultures.

“With this perspective, it allows students to understand that it is our privilege to take part in mission trips, instead of the narrative of foreign countries being privileged enough to receive us. At the end of the day, it’s all about them, and it shouldn’t be about us. We’re supporting and coming alongside rather than intruding and disrupting.” said Powe.

 As a cultural identity student movement, representation, and community engagement matter. “The intersectionality Black Christian students may experience can be understood within spaces like IMPACT. It is an affinity space to decompress and discuss these issues we face.” When we are called to understand our biblical identity in God’s eyes, a big thing members should take away is grounding themselves in the gospel and knowing Jesus Christ died on the cross for us.” said Powe.

The IMPACT Movement is ongoing during the school year and meets Wednesdays at 6:45 p.m. Each session will have different activities that can be attended by all members of IMPACT Club regardless of where you live on campus or what level of involvement someone may have with the organization. IMPACT is more than just fun activities; it’s a way of life. We are left to question how we live out our faith in a way that exemplifies God’s love toward us and encourages others to experience God’s love and grace.

Impact’s Instagram: @Impactumass 

Email: impactumassma@gmail.com

Members of IMPACT (Photo contributed by the IMPACT Movement)

Interview with People’s Beauty Supply Founder, Zih Nche

People’s Beauty Supply shelf opened on March 24 in People’s Market (Photo by Christmaelle Vernet)

By Christmaelle Vernet

When passing through the Student Union, you may notice a new student business has opened within People’s Market. On March 24, 2023, a sophomore computer science major, Zih Nche, founded the first Black hair supply on campus. People Beauty Supply is a small business shelf with braiding hair, gel, crochet hooks, rubber bands, and other haircare needs. Nche shared that she began planning to open a Beauty supply by getting involved with the center for Student Businesses.

“I originally wanted a vending machine. I began discussing my ideas with Mary Morf, but she said to get a vending machine would be a long process. She could have been like no, it’s not possible, but she recommended People’s Market. Student Vendors can sell their own products, like tote bags and crafts that they knit through People’s Market,” said Nche.

PBS is open during regular People’s Market hours from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. every weekday. Nche, a Malden native, searched locally for a supplier earlier in the process of beginning her business. “There is a store called Parisian beauty supply store on Eastern Ave. It’s a five-minute walk away from me. I went to see the owner and ask if there was a way for her to be my supplier, got her connected to Mary, and now she has an agreement with the school,” said Nche.

Nche cited having good time management as an essential skill when balancing managing a business and being a full-time college student. “When we first opened, I actually had two exams due. The bulk of this was done from June to now. There was a lot of back and forth and actually setting up. Coming off spring break, I did study. I used a calendar dry-erase board, and that’s how I scheduled everything,”

She expressed the importance of accessibility to hair products for Black women on campus. “I feel like with this being a PWI (predominantly white institution), our presence being known is important. There used to be a beauty supply in Amherst, but not anymore, and I would have to go to Springfield to do my hair or get products. It’s so far, and some students don’t have access to a car. You can also order things on Amazon, but even that takes a minute,” said Nche.

As for the best part of running her own business on campus, Nche described being thanked by her peers as well as seeing her idea come to life. “I’ve had the flyer and logo in Canva since June,” said Nche. The impact the supply has is evident with the store’s Instagram page already amassing over 100 followers. “A Lot of people told me they needed this. Alumni commented that this was long needed, and a girl from UMass Dartmouth DMed me saying they faced the same problem and asked us to expand,” said Nche.

As for the future of People’s beauty supply, Nche hopes to add another shelf stocked with more color variations, weaves, and bundles by the Fall 2023 semester, wanting to make the business “as big as it can get.” She also plans to expand to other schools. Upon graduating, Nche hopes to pass the business down to a freshman.

For all students interested in starting a business of their own Nche advises to have a plan. “Do intensive research make sure it is something that you’re passionate about and don’t get discouraged. Keep bouncing ideas back and forth with somebody who has an equal interest. You need a cosign from an established business and have patience,” said Nche.

You can support Zih and her business on Instagram @PBSUMass and @26Zih, and People’s Market @Peoplesmarket73.

Zih Nche’s mission statement in People’s Market.
Photo by Christmaelle Vernet

Natural Hair Stories-Part Two

by Desire’ Jackson-Crosby and Cynthia Ntinunu

What is hair? Is it just a follicle on the top of one’s head? Or is it a piece of you that evokes certain feelings? The natural hair journey is a unique experience for anyone who goes through it. For some it’s a straightforward journey and for others there’s a lot to unpack.

This project allowed 11 people to relive and share their natural hair journeys-from their struggles to their triumphs. Below are the next three people for the natural hair stories series.

Yanni Cabrera

For senior Yanni Cabrera, natural hair is more than just a phase. It’s a part of her that has been straightened, cut, and growing alongside her while expanding her understanding of self. She refuses to change it to fit others’ standards of beauty. (Click the image above to read the full story)

U Tryna Feel like a Baddie? Listen to this Playlist.

By Lucia Solorzano

I love women in hip-hop because they are all so different from each other and bring in new styles, aesthetics, and dope personalities to the industry. They are able to embrace their sexuality which is often shamed and furthermore embrace every part of their personality with cockiness and style.