Mikayah Cheeks papers

Collection — Folder: Mikayah Cheeks, Alumni Vertical File

Identifier: MSD-2026-002

Scope and Contents

This collection includes the senior thesis of Mikayah Cheeks, "Ghosts of Hope: Intergenerational Survival and the Persistence of Black Women at a Predominantly White Institution" (PACS 430A, Dr. Goldberg).

Dates

Creation: 2026-05-06

Conditions Governing Access

This collection is open for research.

Conditions Governing Use

Legal title, literary rights, including copyright reside with the creators of the documents or their legal heirs and assigns. All requests to publish or quote must be submitted to the DePauw University Archives and Special Collections. The publisher must also obtain permission from the copyright holder.

Biographical Note

Arriving at DePauw at just 17 as a Chicago Posse Scholar, Mikayah Cheeks set out to make an impact and quickly turned that intention into action. Through leadership roles across campus, from the Association of African American Students and The Heat Majorette Dance Team to Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Mikayah has dedicated her time to building spaces rooted in care, belonging, and community. “I came to realize that creating safe spaces is not just something I do, it’s who I am.” At DePauw, Mikayah found her purpose and the work she’s called to pursue. She plans to focus on social work and crisis management, continuing to create safe, supportive spaces for youth and communities. “Remember: you deserve to be here.”

Source: DePauw University Communications and Marketing social media post, 2026-05.

Full Extent

.04 Cubic Feet (1 folder)

Language of Materials

English

Additional Description

Arrangement

This collection consists of one item.

Custodial History

This collection was received by the DePauw Univeristy Archives and Special Collections as a records donation from Mikayah Cheeks on 2026/05/01.

Accruals

No further additions are expected.

Existence and Location of Copies

A digital reproduction of the "Ghosts of Hope: Intergenerational Survival and the Persistence of Black Women at a Predominantly White Institution" research paper can be found in the Digital Archives: https://www.jstor.org/stable/community.42364778