Stories We Tell

By Gabrielle Howard

The Neo Mob student skating group recently held a successful skate and paint event outside of the student center.

Students came together to sit amongst their friends, paint, and meet new people. NeoMob provided attendees with paint supplies and encouraged students to express themselves through art.

One of the group’s founders, Howard Dawkins explained that NeoMob was created to provide a safe space for Black skaters at A&T.

“We do not make anyone who comes to our events pay for supplies because every action we take is for the culture. While at the same time growing our community for when we become an organization. This lets everyone know they are welcome,” Dawkins said.

Austen Hill, a freshman psychology student, enjoys NeoMob events and voiced how his experience was very pleasurable.

“Listening to good music with friends was the most enjoyable part for me. I have attended previous events and they consistently curate an infectious environment where students can unwind and have a good time amidst the everyday college struggles,” said Hill.

The group is open and responsive to the community around campus.

Mike Wimberly, a junior Mass Communication student, is a member of the NeoMob. He expressed how being a member formed a sense of community for him and he wants others to feel the same.

“The goal of the event was to bring people out and enjoy the day, it felt great outside, and we just wanted to bring people outside,” said Wimberly.

Daija Culley-Halsey, a freshman Kinesiology student, had never previously been to an event hosted by the NeoMob but enjoyed the atmosphere and explained how happy she was to be able to attend.

“I heard about the event through a mutual friend. I loved being able to listen to black music, surrounded by black creatives, at my historically Black college,” said Culley-Hasley.

Austen Hill, a freshman psychology student, enjoys NeoMob events and voiced how his experience was very pleasurable.

“Listening to good music with friends was the most enjoyable part for me. I have attended previous events and they consistently curate an infectious environment where students can unwind and have a good time amidst the everyday college struggles,” said Hill.

NeoMob is a skating group on campus founded by David Cruz, Jordan Brodie, Howard Dawkins, and Jose Villa Romero. The NeoMob events are organized both, for people who skate and for the student body as a whole.