Daiquan Llewellyn ’20, a Criminal Justice major from Queens, New York and born in Jamaica, isn’t afraid to speak up when he sees an injustice happening. “As an Afro-Caribbean male, I embody the hopes and dreams of my ancestors. So, for me, being an advocate means being a passionate, active voice in your community,” he says. “Your voice is the most powerful tool you have—next to pen and paper—and I’m using my voice to help my community, the student body here at John Jay, and the next generation.” Leveraging his dual role as Senior Representative on the Student Council and President of the Black Student Union, Llewellyn sees the opportunity to help voice the needs of senior students and the black community on campus. “As a black individual it’s crucial to have representation,” he says. “Students want to see themselves represented in their student government and their professors.” We sat down with Llewellyn to learn more about his role at Student Council, his hopes for the John Jay community, and his goals for the future.

When you were selecting a college, what made you want to come to John Jay?
John Jay is rich in diversity when it comes to the student body, everyone you meet has a story to tell; and the College is filled with resources and professors that can help me become the best advocate I can be. In coming here, my hope was, and continues to be, to learn from my peers, my professors and their experiences in the field, and to strengthen my own voice. And, the fact that the College is in New York City meant I could have the best of both worlds. John Jay has opened my eyes to what justice means and the different ideas of justice, and it’s given me access and connection to such a diverse community.

What inspired you to join Student Council?
Students want to see themselves reflected in those who are holding leadership positions. When I saw the number of black members in the Student Council was low, I took it upon myself to pick up the torch and be that black leader. By joining Student Council, I’m able to voice the concerns of the senior student body and aid in senior-related activities, such as 100 Days to Commencement. And since I’m also President of the Black Student Union, I can use both roles to advocate for the black community and elevate their voices here on campus.  

Why is it important for student voices to be heard?
Students want to be able to share who they are, what they believe in, and why they believe in what they do—and they should be able to share that with their peers, parents, teachers, and the entire College. John Jay is an environment where students are comfortable enough to speak up and they see how their voices can implement change.

What are some of the Student Council projects you’re most proud of working on?
We’ve tackled many issues that I’m proud of, such as food insecurity. We’ve also advocated for implementation of the 24-hour library service during finals week and the refill water stations on campus. At the moment, we’re working on several projects including renovating the chairs and tables in the library.

Do you have a favorite memory from your time at Student Council?
Interacting with my peers. Whether it was getting feedback from the student body in person or through our monthly survey, handing out food at the start of the 24-hour library, or incorporating ideas from them into projects, every interaction with students here on campus has been memorable.

In five to 10 years, where do you see yourself?
Immediately after graduating John Jay I’ll be traveling to Guinea in Africa and applying to Howard University School of Law for Spring 2021. Then I see myself being at the forefront in the fight for criminal justice and immigration reform, and maybe even running for Congress one day. In my time at John Jay, I’ve joined a strong community of advocates and gained confidence in my ability to fight for what’s right on behalf of others.