WSSU sophomore selected as fellow for the John Lewis Young Leaders Program

Winston-Salem State University sophomore Quincey Constant, a pre-biology major, has been named a 2025 Fellow of the prestigious John Lewis Young Leaders Fellowship, sponsored by the Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights Foundation.

Constant, who currently serves as Mister Sophomore, was selected from more than 550 applicants for the cohort, which includes 16 students from public and private universities across the country representing HBCUs and Ivy League institutions.

This year’s cohort also includes the program’s first-ever university partnership with WSSU. Through the partnership, WSSU partially funded their fellow in the amount of $5,000.

The fellowship equips young leaders to champion human rights and advocate for social change through a year-long, community-driven capstone project. Fellows receive resources and support to ensure their success in the program, including access to comprehensive grassroots organizing workshops, one-on-one mentorship from RFK Human Rights staff, financial support, and access to an extensive network of human rights professionals, peers and program alumni. 

Constant’s project will center on human trafficking awareness, designed to educate and empower students on public college campuses. His initiative will focus on recognizing early warning signs, promoting safety strategies, and amplifying the message that human trafficking can impact both women and men.

“Human trafficking often goes under the radar,” Constant said. “I wanted to create a project that brings awareness to this issue. The opportunity to make a change within the community and outside of my major is what motivated me to apply.”

In addition to the Royal Court, Constant has been involved in several campus organizations, including the Campus Life Marketing Committee as a senate representative; the Student Government Association; the Caribbean Student Association as student body representative; and Sophomore Class Council. He sees the role of Mister Sophomore as an extension of his mission for advocacy and service.

“The role has enhanced my ability and reach to create the change I want to see,” he said. “WSSU has encouraged me to advocate for myself and others if I want to see change.”

Constant credits his faith, family and mentors for shaping his journey. “I would like to thank Jesus Christ for the opportunities I’ve been given to make a difference,” he said. “I also thank my mother, Audancie Constant, who inspired me through her own human trafficking awareness project in Charlotte.” He also recognized WSSU’s William Gibson, director of corporate and foundation engagement, and Chelii Broussard, assistant director of student activities, for their support in bringing his vision to life.

Looking ahead, Constant hopes to pursue a career as a pediatrician and continue advocacy programming focused on awareness and prevention.

“I want to be an example for those who look like me that we can achieve our goals and aspirations,” he said. “Had it not been for WSSU, I wouldn’t have realized my potential or learned how to put it into action.”