New Graduate Spotlight: Lilly Eidelberg ’23
"I have learned so much about myself and the global world we live in," says new graduate Lilly Eidelberg ’23 (Africana studies, educational studies). While studying abroad, Eidelberg helped fight for the rights of South African shack-dwellers. Her senior research focused on Black queer sexuality and the shift in zine production from the 1960s to the present. Eidelberg was awarded Africana studies honors at graduation.
Hometown:
Manhattan, New York.
Majors:
Africana studies and educational studies.
Clubs and organizations:
Women of Color Summit (executive member and treasurer), Ultimate Frisbee, Liberty Caps (tour guides), Admissions Fellow and WDCV-FM (DJ).
Best thing about my major:
I absolutely love the Africana studies department! The best thing about my major is the combination of professors, students and the content of the courses. The Africana studies major would not be what it is without the dedication, passion and enjoyment that the students and professors give to each class. I have learned so much about myself and the global world we live in from each class I have taken in the major.
On studying abroad:
I was lucky enough to study abroad for a semester in South Africa. The highlight of my experience abroad had to be interning with Abahlali baseMjondolo, a grassroots revolutionary shack-dweller movement that fights for housing, dignity and land rights for shack dwellers in South Africa. My time with Abahlali was my first experience working with a movement with a vision I truly cared about. It was amazing to have hands-on experience with the inner workings of a movement that is fighting its government to save its people. I learned a lot of skills and lessons in their offices and courtrooms and at the shack settlements.
Favorite place on campus:
Morgan Field.
Most important thing I’ve learned so far:
I’ve learned that it’s really important to pay attention to what activities and people give you joy and fill your spirit and what doesn’t. Once I started being intentional with my time and prioritizing what makes me smile and what makes me proud, I really enjoyed my time.
About my research:
I researched Black queer sexuality and the methodological shift in zine production from the 1960s to the present for my honors thesis in Africana studies. I decided to focus on zines, an independent media form with an intriguing history and roots in multiple movements of social change. Specifically, what interested me was the connection between zines and punk-rock culture and the intersections of Black queerness within those worlds.
Read more Student Snapshots.
TAKE THE NEXT STEPS
Published July 18, 2023