Activity swirled around Grace Latimore as she stood in the crowded atrium at UIS during Open Mic Night.

Students talked, laughed, called out friends to the mic, and applauded each other’s efforts.

Only a freshman, but already active on the Black Student Union executive board, Grace had helped plan this event, and she was laughing and having as good a time as anyone.

But she couldn’t help thinking, I’m surrounded by people but still alone. Continue reading