Christian Gray ’25 recounts a small yet significant moment from a learning journey through the Malcolm X Institute of Black Studies (MXIBS) in a paper to his mentor Dean Steven Jones '87. A cohort from the MXIBS embarked on a road trip to Malcolm X’s birthplace in Omaha, Nebraska.
“Having returned home from a 14-hour flight just one day before, I was tired and jet-lagged. I was concerned that I wouldn't be able to appreciate the trip for all its value. However, I was proven wrong,” Gray wrote.
“When we stepped out of the car and walked down those stairs, only to see a plaque surrounded by an unkempt lawn and a decommissioned greenhouse, I was frankly confused,” Gray continued. “To see the landmark of Malcolm's birthplace reduced to a roadside stop was, at first, disheartening. Maybe because I expected to see some grand memorial site. However, I'm coming to learn that this is not the outward treatment that our forbearers receive.”
For psychology major Gray, this experience was the crux of his journey at Wabash—a journey that revealed a deep understanding of his being and his identity.
“Most poignant to my time at Wabash has been exploring what it means to be Black. What does it mean to be a mixed race in a white-dominated space?” questioned Gray.
For the Indianapolis native, it was initially hard to find a space to connect with the Black aspect of his identity.
“Growing up, I became removed from the Black community that I was once close to. I learned that as a mixed man, I will never quite be Black enough or white enough,” said Gray. “I found my mixedness to be an isolating factor in every environment.”
His arrival at Wabash allowed him the freedom to explore being unapologetically Black.
“I have the space at the MXIBS to explore how my Blackness manifests itself.”
The MXIBS provides cultural, educational, and social programs designed to help its members develop leadership skills. Its mission is to create a living and learning environment that fosters an appreciation of the diverse and rich Black history.
For Gray, the MXIBS was a community to foster deep connections, an opportunity to grow in his knowledge of the Black experience, and a space to champion others' Black experiences.
“Not only did I get to explore my Black identity, but I was surrounded by a community challenged by the deeper questions about our societal system,” said Gray.
Within the MXI and its programming, Gray felt the support and drive to challenge the broader issues that face the Black community—starting on the Wabash campus.
“Wabash is only a microcosm of the larger world. The issues we face here reflect broader societal issues that need to have a voice,” said Gray.
Gray takes an observant but powerful approach to his activism, embodying the core tenets of Wabash's critical thinking skills to take on the systemic issues that face the marginalized.
“He has a sense of tenacity that is not necessarily aggressive but thoughtful. He is the kind of person to analyze the whole situation, observe needs, and strive to make scenarios better,” said Director of the Malcolm X Institute, Steven Jones. "He's willing to ask the questions that maybe nobody else is willing to ask—whether that's how we operate on this campus or in the world beyond.”
Referring to his learning journey trip, Gray commented, “Malcolm X and other Black champions' legacies should not be diminished to a street sign. We should use this platform [in the MXIBS] to educate ourselves. But, before we can change the narrative, we must become the educational bridge for others.”
Gray's push to become an educational bridge and advocate in the Black campus community led to many changes within the Institute during his time on the Rams Horn, the leadership council of the MXIBS, including the reintroduction of reading “The Autobiography of Malcolm X” into the membership process. Additionally, Gray spearheaded the creation of an extensive number of educational events for this year's Black History Month.
Jones agrees with the drive to educate. “Christian was full speed ahead, especially reflecting on the past year and the programming he put into place,” He said.
“Because of Gray's connection with a diverse range of students across campus, our membership has now grown to 95 members and many more attendees,” continued Jones.
Gray's desire to bolster programming and activism for the voiceless has made the MXIBS a home for more students on campus.
"He has set the stage for growth in this community and the area of education," agreed Jones with a nod.
Activism and education are a spirit that Gray intends to take with him in the future.
“Increasingly, activism has become important in my life, contributing to the MXIBS and educating younger guys about systems of oppression that are around us,” reflected Gray. “Wherever I find myself next in life, I can't imagine that I will stop doing that. Whether that's advocating for issues affecting the young folk of the future right now, or whether it's putting together an institute where young, minoritized folk can come and learn about different topics like the MXIBS.”