Dr. Dexter Wakefield to participate on panel for USDA’s MLK Day Observance webinar
Alcorn State University’s interim dean of the School of Agriculture and Applied Sciences will participate in a panel discussion observing Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Dr. Dexter Wakefield will serve as a panelist for the upcoming United States Department of Agriculture’s National Celebration of MLK Day webinar Thursday, Jan. 12, from 1 – 2:30 p.m. The theme of the event is “We Can Be The Dream.” Wakefield is one of nineteen 1890 Land Grant University deans and the 1890 Universities Foundation that will be featured during the ceremony.
USDA’s Office of Partnerships and Public Engagement will host the event in collaboration with the Office of the Assistant Secretary of Civil Rights.
Serving on the panel encourages Wakefield to applaud the progress of these institutions while also recognizing current challenges.
“It’s an honor to represent Alcorn at such a prestigious event,” said Wakefield. “We’re motivated to look at the challenges we’ve faced in the past to realize how much we have grown. Also, it motivates us to tackle the challenges of today to avoid reoccurring struggles from our past regarding equitable treatment at our colleges and universities.”
Wakefield appreciates King’s intelligence and how it provided opportunities for other talented Black people to shine in their respective fields.
“I believe that Dr. King’s history as an intellectual prompted the recruitment of other intelligent Black students to various colleges and universities. Dr. King opened the door for equal treatment and opportunities. The School of Agriculture and Applied Sciences’ foundation is built upon Dr. King’s push for equity and progress in our community.”
Click the Zoom link to register for the event.
