This Q&A is part of the story series Voices of Drake that highlights the diversity, ambition, and passion of the incredible people who make up our campus community. In recognition and celebration of Black History Month, we will be sharing a collection of interviews to spotlight Black voices in our community. This week’s story highlights Drake senior Candace Carr who is double majoring in Multimedia Journalism and Rhetoric/Media Studies.
Tell us about yourself.
My name is Candace Carr and I’m a senior, Multimedia Journalism and Rhetoric/Media Studies double major from St. Louis, Mo.
What does Black History Month mean to you?
Black History Month is a celebration of Black Americans’ resilience, triumphs, and culture-shaping contributions to the world. BHM transcends time. We celebrate where we’ve been, where we are, how far we’ve come, and the future of our community.
I also think that BHM is not merely a celebration of the “greats” of our community, it’s a celebration of our ancestors, our families, and our friends. Many of their names will be lost to the sands of time, but their contributions push our community forward in small yet meaningful ways.
Why did you choose to attend Drake?
I chose to attend Drake for the School of Journalism and Mass Communication and the Office of Community Engaged Learning and Service’s commitment to outreach. I found my footing in each of these spaces through engaging, hands-on curriculum which helped me fall in love with Des Moines. This city and this institution have cemented journalism as a public service for accessibility, enrichment, and community.
What is your favorite thing about Drake?
My favorite thing about Drake is the ingenuity of students. If there is a space missing, Drake students work to create it. If a need needs to be met, Drake students work together and meet it. If there are traditions that need revamping to better serve our communities, Drake students honor what was before them and pivot into something even more wonderful.
In what ways have you grown since coming to Drake?
Since coming to Drake, I’ve grown as a community member. I’m grateful for the leadership opportunities, academic achievements, and personal accolades I’ve gained but I am truly proudest of my ability to live in community with others. I am proud to see growth in the ways I connect, help advocate, and collaborate with my neighbors and colleagues.
What do you hope to do after you graduate?
After graduation, I hope to enter the media industry in Des Moines, travel internationally, and eventually go on to get my Master of Communications with a Rhetoric/Media Criticism focus.
Who has been some of your important mentors during your time at Drake?
Andrea Kjos, Jazlin Coley-Smith, Faber McAlister, Jen Wilson, and Liz Cadwell.
Are you involved in any student organizations, groups, or community service work? Tell us about those experiences.
I’m a CREW Scholar, a member of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc.(2022-present), current president of the National Pan-Hellenic Council (2023-present), a Peer Mentor Academic Consultant (2022-2023) and the Peer Advisory Board (2024).
My involvement on campus has been focused on uplifting Black students’ visibility on campus and in the Des Moines community. Working with SGRho has connected me with grassroots opportunities from voter mobilization, supporting the Des Moines Public School community, Black maternal health crisis, and much more. Our motto: “Greater Service, Greater Progress” has galvanized my commitment to living in community with my neighbors and working toward a future we deserve.
What do you hope is accomplished during the month of celebration and recognition?
This month, I hope the Drake University community spends time with the local Black history in Iowa. Topics to checkout: Buxton, Iowa, Center Street (Des Moines), National Bar Association, and the African American Museum of Iowa (Cedar Rapids).
Who has been the biggest influence in your life, and what lessons did that person teach you?
My mom has been the biggest influence in my life. Her giving spirit, wisdom, and tenacity have been a wonderful blueprint for life. She teaches and regularly reminds me to strike a balance between deep humility and celebrating the gifts I have. As Black women, we are often challenged for taking up “too much space” that often, then we over-correct and reduce who we are to make room for others. Finding that balance illuminates the reality: Black women standing in their truth makes room for others to stand in their truth as well.
How do you like to spend your free time? Tell us about your hobbies and interests.
In my free time, I love to dance, read, craft, and listen to podcasts. I love all things pop culture, fashion, contemporary art, local coffee shops, and community movements. Into 2025, I’ve reestablished my commitment into pouring into myself with activities that feel good physically and mentally. I attend a weekly ballet session, began reducing my screen time, watching documentaries, playing cards and board games with friends, reading at the library, trying new restaurants, and having short but meaningful conversations with strangers (aka my neighbors).
What advice would you like to give to a student thinking about coming to Drake next year?
College is not just about getting your degree. It’s all about making new connections, trying new things, soaking up as much knowledge as you can, going on fun side quests, and embracing the city. Drake sets itself apart in all these factors.