What it’s like being called ‘the most hated student in UConn history’
Posters on Yik Yak said Holden Powell was the worst thing to happen to UConn since Luke Gatti
This weekend someone defaced a Nathan Hale Inn resident’s door tag, writing “killed Paris” underneath the student’s name.
In response to this, Mahmoud’s friend Holden Powell, 21, took to UConn’s Buy or Sell page to present his opinion.
The junior Journalism and Communications double major received an absurd amount of hateful comments from Facebook and Yik Yak. “Holden can hold these white nuts” being on one them.
We spoke with Holden about his intentions with the post and how he feels about the grossly negative responses.
Within a half hour of the posting, likes and comments started flooding in to his notifications. From positive feedback to negative responses, Holden received it all.
He was more than willing to sit down with us and talk about the situation.
“I said what I had to say, so oh well. I’m just very unapologetic.”
Why did you post on UConn’s Buy or Sell?
It was the best way to reach the masses and to get everyone to see it. I wanted people to talk.
How do you feel about the reaction to your post?
To be honest, my honest genuine reaction was a smile. It was funny to me. People didn’t understand my post. People just saw the word “white” and got offended and defensive. Had they been knowledgeable in what racism is, there would not be an issue now.
What were you hoping for in posting it?
Ideally, I just wanted us to all be Huskies. In being outraged with the incident. I wanted there to be a focus on what happened to a student on campus. People are trying to make it seem like I was comparing oppression and I was trying to take away what was going on in Paris.
Do you consider yourself an activist?
I consider myself an activist all the way. My goal is to break down walls to get results. At the end of the day, people understanding white privilege and white supremacy is the goal.
Do you like the idea that you’re a voice for people?
I’m still upset and saddened people aren’t stepping up and talking about their experiences. I’m not trying to be the next MLK, maybe the next Beyonce, but honestly if you truly cared, you would be there for all the students of color for support.
It seems as though your post has escalated to being on Yik Yak and Reddit. Any Yaks or posts which stood out to you?
They aren’t even that funny. One is cute, but that’s it.
What’s next for you?
There is a demonstration of solidarity and support tomorrow at 12 PM by the back steps of Wilbur Cross and a protest and speak out on Thursday at 3 PM and 7 PM. I hope to see my fellow peers who truly care about making a difference there.
And more importantly, who is your favorite rapper and why?
Fetty Wap. Trap Queen. It’s biblical.