Invasion of Privacy: Clifton Harcum on being your most authentic self

Thumbnail courtesy of Clifton Harcum

Clifton Harcum is a friendly face to see on campus and can often be found in the Multicultural Center alongside other students doing a wide variety of activities.

Clifton Harcum is the interim Chief Diversity Officer, as well as the Director of Multicultural Affairs at SUNY Geneseo. Harcum has been in his position at the college since June of 2023, joining soon after establishing the Multicultural Center in 2022. When asked about his role in the Geneseo community, Harcum states that his role is to “advocate and support students from underrepresented communities” as well as “supporting BIPOC and underrepresented faculty and staff.” 

Harcum states that the purpose of the Multicultural Center was “originally designed to support students who are from underrepresented communities, and, at the time, particularly black and brown students.” Harcum explains now that his view has expanded its focus to being centered around the idea of it “as a place where students from all different backgrounds can congregate, communicate, and learn about one another through just organic interactions.” 

To him, the Multicultural Center stands as a place where concepts of inclusion and belonging are put into real, tangible action. Harcum believes “the Center is a great reflection of what Geneseo aspires to be.” He says that the Center is just one place on campus where people congregate daily. That there is so much pluralism and so many people from different identities, but unfortunately, that isn't often as reflected in the classroom. 

When asked why it is important for a college to have a space like the Multicultural Center, he says, "Education is not just what you learn in the classroom or what you read in books.” He believes that “real-world application” is to truly learn. He states that “these spaces create opportunities for that education to take place in an authentic, natural, and organic way.” 

Harcum states that when students come to the Center to play pool or Playstation, many preconceived notions of people and biases fade away, allowing people to get more comfortable with each other and build a relationship for deeper conversation later on. 

When asked if he would like to see any changes be made in the future, Harcum says that the Center is in the process of expanding as we speak. There are now various departments in the Center, advisors for the McNair Scholarship, study abroad, a counseling center, as well as multicultural student success coaches who have just been introduced to the Center.

The Center is also in the process of introducing math and writing tutors to further enhance the utility of the already space. Looking towards the future, events he’d like to see happen outside of the Center regarding multicultural affairs include “…more culturally relevant performances that are relevant to students of underrepresented communities.” He says Geneseo is doing a decent job, but it can certainly improve. He says he would like to see more visibility on campus, “more representation when it comes to cultural artifacts such as statues or murals, or artwork displayed throughout campus, that can speak to various populations.” Harcum mentions that the cultural clubs at the College do a great job but that it is a lot of work for the students. He states that more financial support and representation could do a lot of good concerning the administration. 

When asked what he thinks the role of the student is in regards to the Multicultural Center, Harcum states that the most important thing anyone, whether student or professor, can do is to just be their authentic self. He says there is a lot of pressure to assimilate within society, to “fit in so you don't stand out. Because sometimes standing out, you feel like you have a target on your back.” He says that he thinks it is very important that people “don’t disregard or don't discard their cultural identity” and that you should “celebrate yourself no matter where you come from.” 

Thus far, what Harcum is most proud of in terms of his work at Geneseo is where the Multicultural Center is today. He’s glad to see that there is now a lively community that is thriving. Harcum says that he hopes people see what authenticity can do in a space and hopes that it “might inspire other people to do similar things and to stop hiding who they are out of fear of not being accepted, fear of retaliation, [or] fear of being misunderstood.” He says that “somebody has to do it. If you want extreme changes, you have to be extreme in how you are.” 

Harcum also mentions the program he created at SUNY Potsdam, “Live Now,” which brings together diverse groups of students into nature, not focusing on differences but creating community and encouraging persons to engage in activities that they might not have had access to historically. Harcum’s Live Now program was also recently featured in Sports Illustrated, featured on August 17 for those looking to learn more. He is excited to see Live Now come to SUNY Geneseo this year. 

Currently, Harcum is working on finishing his second book, Live Now: Embrace Your Power, Purpose, And Passion. His book focuses on being true to yourself and empowerment, with chapters such as “Healing Through Forgiveness” and “The Power of Authenticity.” Harcum says his new book should be out within the next few months and will be available on Amazon, hopefully at the campus bookstore and stores in town. 

You can keep up with Harcum and the Multicultural Center by following them on Instagram @multicultural_geneseo!