Cultural Initiatives

Barbershop

Research on barbershop talks has overwhelming considered barbershops as “safe places” where black men gather and regularly discuss a variety of topics thus serving as important community “hubs” where key issues are addressed. At William & Mary, Barbershop is an initiative of the Student Center for Inclusive Excellence facilitated by The Black Male Collective, a student organization providing a whole environment for the intellectual and spiritual growth of males connected to the African Diaspora at William and Mary. Barbershop creates space for male students of color to talk about their lives in an unstructured, open manner. Typical conversations focus on building brotherly bonds and providing a safe space to discuss topics particular to black men in college such as mental health, professionalism, financial literacy, networking skills, leadership development, and navigating graduate school and careers. While the initiative focuses on engaging dialogue with men of multicultural identity, especially black men, all male students are welcome to attend to build brotherhood and community. Meetings are held monthly and free haircuts are provided thanks to community partnership with Tomorrow's Image Barber and Beauty Academy.

Brown Table Talk

Brown Table Talk grew out of a need for creating a supportive environment for women of color at William & Mary to come together and talk about every day issues and challenges. This initiative is facilitated by three women of color in the sophomore, junior, and senior classes at William & Mary. Brown Table Talk was launched in 2020 by KeAisha House ’22, MBA ’27, Zaria Hardy ’21, M.Ed ’23, and Faith Odom ’22, MBA ’26. Since then, Brown Table Talk has provided a platform to support women of color to speak their truth, share their experiences, network, and confide in one another. Topics of Brown Table Talk include wellness and self-care, portrayal of women in color in the media, navigating graduate school, and relationships. Meetings are held monthly. While this space creates an opportunity for women of color on campus, all women are welcome to attend. 

International Mini Mart

The International Mini Mart, launched in 2022, is a collaborative effort of more than 10 multicultural organizations to provide students with affordable cultural goods that are not available in Williamsburg. Student organizations collectively fundraiser through a Minimart Banquet in order to purchase foods for their fall and spring Internal Mini Mart. In Fall 2024, students requested collaboration from the Student Center for Inclusive Excellence to support this ongoing effort, creating an initiative led by the "International Mini Mart Executive Council". The International Mini Mart Executive Council consists of voted representatives who hold membership in one of the following multicultural organizations: African Cultural Society, Asian American Student Initiative, Chinese Student Association, Filipino American Student Association, Japans American Student Association, Korean American Student Association, Latin American Student Union, Middle Eastern Students Association, Muslim Student Association, Students of Caribbean Ancestry, Taiwanese American Student Association, and Vietnamese Student Association. International Mini Mart hosts mini marts in the fall and spring semesters, as well as fundraising dinners.

Q.U.E.U.E

(Queer Undergraduates for Engagement, Unity, and Empowerment)

Established in 2025, Q.U.E.U.E was created to sustain community and belonging amongst queer students and allies at William & Mary. Each month of the semester, members facilitate dialogue and activities to foster connection and meaning. The meetings are everything from listening to speakers, sharing meals, and simply playing games and chatting. Through this group, members gain the opportunity to learn from and lean on each other in a space that affirms all identities.