Courageous Conversations explores Living Our Legacies and Pilgrimage 2013
Courageous Conversations explores “Living Our Legacies” and Pilgrimage 2013
Office of Educational Equity and Inclusion hosted a special Courageous Conversations on Wednesday, January 16. Pilgrimage 2013 participants shared their experiences with other members of the Alcorn family and engaged the group in meaningful dialogue around legacy building.
Following introductory remarks and activities facilitated by Richard Jay Aglubub, a junior psychology major from Honolulu, Hawaii, students recounted their powerful journey to the Emmett Till Memorial and the gravesite of Alcorn’s first president, Hiram Rhodes Revels.
Airnecia Mills, a senior education major from Greenville, Mississippi, and Miss ASU 2012-13, expressed her appreciation for this special opportunity provided by Alcorn’s 18th President Dr. M. Christopher Brown II. “It is so important for us to know our history and to honor the sacrifices that others have made for us to be here today,” said Mills.
Marvin Jones, a junior, biology/pre-physical therapy major from Charleston, Mississippi, mentioned that he grew up only a few miles from the location of Till’s brutal killing. Because of the pain of the memory, his own family had not even spoken openly about the tragedy. “I’m so glad that I had this experience, and that I will be a part of creating a positive legacy here at Alcorn,” said Jones.
Shifting the focus of the conversation to directly include all attendees, Dr. Derek Greenfield, director of Educational Equity and Inclusion, asked the entire group to think about the legacy makers in their own families, with students offering testimonies about these everyday heroes who encouraged and motivated them. These moving stories offered inspiration and affirmation about the journeys to success that students were taking at Alcorn. “I was inspired by the discussion and the greatness of our students – this is what Alcorn is all about,” said Lee Johnson, a sophomore, business major from Detroit, Michigan.
Dr. Donzell Lee, vice provost, closed the event by expressing his appreciation of the willingness of students to share openly and to honor their families through their efforts. “I am so proud of you. Indeed, I love being at Alcorn, and it’s particularly because of you – our bright and capable students.
