In Celebration of Colleagues, MLK Convocation, Young Writers, and Convocation @Fairfieldu

Since 2011, I've participated in Fairfield University's Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration and witnessed, first hand, the progress, growth, participation and embrace of the vision, even though it  is far from being met. Each year, the program gets better, engages more individuals, and grows closer to what I feel is supposed to be the Jesuit Mission - a focus on justice, equity, diversity, and engagement of all humanity.
It is far from being realized, but closer today than it was when I first arrived.

Actions speak louder than words and the wisdom of Dr. Ibram X Kendi, as well as the roll out of MLK Vision Awards and MLK Essay winners, gave me hope that the on-going conversation (never enough) has momentum and the respect of the campus where I work.

Still, we must do better.

This year's Vision Awards were given to Ms. Sydney Williams, Women's Volleyball  playerand senior, for her leadership with the Black Student Union, work with immigrant youth, and willingness to keep her professors on their toes. I'm proud to say that she will be running with the Fairfield 30 this Sunday, Super Bowl Sunday, during the Run For Refugees 5K in New Haven.

Maggie Ann Labinski, Ph.D, an Assistant Professor of Philosophy and Director of Peace and Justice, received the 2019 Faculty Award for her classroom work, her leadership with Racial Justice is Social Justice, and her ongoing commitment to conversations, activities and events making our campus stronger.

The staff Vision Award went to the wonderful Sharon Daly from the Office of Student Diversity and Multicultural Affairs, who remains a central do-er, activist, and champion for our entire student body. Her acceptance speech brought us all to tears.

The Lafarge Award, however, was given to this year's Keynote Speaker, Dr. Ibram X. Kendri, who captivated the Quick Center with his wisdom, critical analysis of history, and thought-provoking challenge to racist and anti-racist moments that have paralleled one another since the beginning of American history.

I'm am proud of these individuals, but my heart and mind belong to the youth who were recognized for their writing through the CT Post, CWP-Fairfield, Fairfield University MLK, Jr. Essay Contest - this year's theme: Fighting for Racial Justice- Renewing the Legacy of Martin Luther King, Jr. We had two honorable mentions, Sierra Dufan and Brendy Xochicale from St. Augstustine Academy, third place winner, Samia Kirton, Hallen School, 2nd place winner Mariela Aca, St. Augustine Academy, and 1st place winner Ruhama Choudhury, Multicultural Magnet. These young people are the next generation of the ongoing, necessary work and each year it humbles me to be able to name them, from the 100s of essays, as the winners.

One night and an explosion of excellence. My applause go to Drs. Rachelle Brunn-Bevel, Opheli-Allen, Jocelyn Borycska, as well as Kathleen Byrnes, Suzanne Chamlin-Richer, Dr. Debbie Chappel, Susan Cipollaro, Sara Colabella, Rony Delva, Dr. Elizabeth Hohl, my brother in dreams, Sydney Johnson, Lori Jones, the incredible Gina Ludlow, Kevin Molloy, Eric Mayrhofer, Dr. David McFadden, Dr. Sunil Purushotham, Dr. Kris Sealy (neighbor, friend and colleague), Lisa Thornell, Dr. Ellen Umansky, Luisa Vargas, Kalyn Hicks, and Micah Martin-Parchmant.

They make it all possible and I give them a standing ovation.

Now, however, I need to get ready for the 90 middle schoolers coming for the MLK Youth Leadership Academy on Friday. We got this!