After the Celebration: Caring For Our Shared Space - Haderah Phillips (Attending Honors Program events 3 points)

 On Sunday, October 19th after a long Homecoming week and tailgate I attended the "Midnight Riot: Post Homecoming Community Clean-up", there were students from each college in the AUC helping cleanup Morehouse campus where most of the festivities took place. Homecoming is a special time of the year where alumna, family and friends come together to spend time enjoying the school spirit festivities. The week of events is usually remembered for the excitement, laughter, and shared memories. What often goes unnoticed is what happens after the music stops and the crowds leave. Participating in the homecoming cleanup with my group helped me see a different side of community which is one built on responsibility, care and teamwork. After the all the vendors and tents left, the campus was scattered with signs of celebration. As we began cleaning, picking up trash, and restoring the space, the atmosphere shifted from loud energy to quiet purpose. Each small action reminded me that celebrations do not end when the event is over. Taking care of the space afterward is just as important as enjoying it in the moment. Working with my group made the cleanup meaningful. We supported each other, shared conversations, and stayed motivated even when the work felt tiring. It showed me that community is not only having fun together, but also about showing up together when work needs to be done. The clean up made me reflect on respect and gratitude. As the AUC we are all one big community that spend time on each other campus's and caring for them shows appreciation for the memories made there. Cleaning after homecoming felt like properly closing a chapter, allowing the space to return to its academic rhythm and prepare for the routine of going back to classes. By the end of the cleanup, I felt proud of what we accomplished. The campus was cleaner, but more importantly, the experience strengthen my sense of belonging. This service reminded me that real community shows itself not just during the celebration, but in the effort we give afterward.

-Haderah Phillips

-Haderah Phillips