RIT/NTID Diversity Spotlight
[ID: RIT National Technical Institute for the Deaf. Office of Diversity and Inclusion. Black Heritage Month Spotlight. Pictured in a green circle is Bobga Tete, an African American man smiling with short black hair and black glasses. Quoted below him is: "The larger community can better support BIPOC people by learning [and embracing our cultures]. - Bobga Tete '23, Civil Engineering Technology BS." Black History Month colors, red, yellow, black and green are found on the photo's bottom border.]
Bobga Tete ‘23
(He/Him/His)
Civil Engineering Technology BS
RIT/NTID
Bobga is a third-year civil engineering technology major. He is expected to graduate in 2023.
What is your nationality/how do you identify?
I was born in Cameroon, Africa and then moved to the United States when I was 10 years old. So, I am African American.
What or who has been your biggest cultural influence?
My family and grandparents have been my biggest cultural influences.
What is your favorite cultural dish?
Jollof rice with jerky chicken, lamb, or beef… it’s my favorite African dish.
If you could bring one thing from your culture to Rochester, what would it be?
I would bring my cultural music and dance to Rochester because I think it would be so cool and attractive.
From your lens, how can the larger community better support POC, like yourself?
I think the larger community can better support BIPOC by learning, engaging, and embracing our culture, language, stories, and many more. The more they interact, the more they can support.
Share a quote that you live by.
“Don’t be afraid of what you want. This is your time. The barriers are down,” by Morgan Freeman. He’s my favorite actor.
Do you have any resources to share for someone like yourself or for someone who would like to learn more about your culture?
Ebony Club, BACC, Unity House, OAS or NSBE is a great resource for RIT/NTID students who would like to learn about the culture, I believe. Moreover, there are many incredible resources you can check out such as Black business, Black collections of tv shows and movies, books, and history.
Share a cool, random fact about yourself.
I have never attended an NBA game in a stadium, even though I love watching and playing basketball.