Kate Kissel (she/her) is the Associate Magazine Editor for The Heights.In 2024, she served as the Copy ChiefShe is from Skaneateles, N.Y. You can contact her at kate.kissel@bcheights.com.

Celtics Honoree’s App Helps Black Autistic Youth Build Communication Skills and Support Mental Health
2025 Celebrating Black Voices, Profiles, On-Campus Profiles, Features

Celtics Honoree’s App Helps Black Autistic Youth Build Communication Skills and Support Mental Health

“From what I’ve seen, a lot of people that are dealing with autism, they struggle not only labeling their emotions but navigating the world because the world doesn’t understand them,” Nelson said. “Seeing their faces light up when they have a tool that’s made for them, they feel special and heard.”

Black BC Website Maps Out the Black Experience on Campus
2025 Celebrating Black Voices, Long-form Features, Long-term Features, Features

Black BC Website Maps Out the Black Experience on Campus

“It’s one thing to give somebody a book and say ‘If you want to know more about X read this,’” Frederick said. “I think that’s one way to intervene. But the more of yourself you get involved in learning—your physical self, your intellectual self, your emotional self, etc. — the more meaningful what you learn is to you as a human.”

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