Beating the Stereotypes

For Eddie Minniefield, getting a degree from Northern Kentucky University is more than just one, singular accomplishment. 

“Getting my degree means that I have beaten the odds and stereotypes surrounding black men in education,” he says. “It means that all of my experiences and hard work lead me down the correct path.” 

The Hammond, Indiana native chose NKU because of the affordability and smaller class sizes. It also doesn’t hurt that his older sister, Kaitlin, is a senior here as well. 

Eddie, a management major with a minor in business, enjoys studying the fundamental skills needed to manage the operations and resources of organizations, but his biggest passion lies in research.

“My greatest passion is doing research on the disparities that harm the African American community, such as the school-to-prison pipeline and maternal mortality rates for black women, and finding ways that these issues can be corrected,” he says. “I hope to use my research to combat these issues and bring prosperity to black communities.” 

His advice for first-year students like himself? 

“Be yourself and not be afraid to try new things. College is all about finding your friends to build lifetime bonds and finding your passion, and the best way to do that is to be yourself and explore new fields of study and activities whenever possible,” he says. 

On campus, Eddie has been able to follow his own advice and join groups that allow him to be himself. Offices like African American Student Initiatives (AASI) and student organizations like NKU R.O.C.K.S. have given Eddie a place where he feels like he belongs. 

Having a connection to those groups also gives Eddie a sense of community. 

“Having AASI and NKU R.O.C.K.S on campus has provided me with a community and given me the opportunity to connect with like-minded African American individuals who are attempting to navigate life as a college student,” he says. “I have been provided with the opportunity to join organizations on campus and meet people who would give me the opportunity to succeed and form bonds that I feel will last me a lifetime. NKU allowed me to be myself and strive to be the best student and citizen that I can be.” 

As he reflects on Black History Month, Eddie encourages a celebration and remembrance of black culture. 

“It is a time for African Americans to reflect on how far we have come as a people and community, and just how far we still must go to achieve the equality and treatment that we deserve. I stay focused by remembering where I come from and the opportunities that I have been blessed to receive. I also look back on the struggles African Americans have faced and overcome in the past. This helps me to stay on track and remember that I am here for higher education.”