Each participating student received a copy of We Are Big Time, a graphic novel by Hena Khan, based on a Milwaukee high school girl's team who made a tremendous difference in their community and in the sport.
As always, Rony Delva of Upward Bound and Yolehema Felican, Director of Student Diversity & Multicultural Affairs shared their own leadership by welcoming students, arranging the day, and organizing the guests. Dr. Don Sawyer, who earned his PhD from Syracuse and participated in Writing Our Lives events there, also brought his expertise. Currently he is the Vice President of Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging on campus and joined Dr. Sunil Perushotham, Chair of the MLK Committee, to assure the kids were inspired by MLK's legacy and to challenge the next generation of young people to strive towards social justice.
I used Hena Khan's graphic novel, the poetics of Kwame Alexander, the artistry of Jerry Craft, and the novel-writing of Matt de la Peña to get the kids writing and talking at their tables. The day led to an open mic event where they could shared what they composed. Each was given a writer's notebook, as well, and the day was for planting seeds for future writing projects.
There needs to be a special shout out to the administrators, teachers, and counselors who select student leaders from each school to participate in the program. It is a Fairfield University tradition I cherish. I'm rejuvenated every time they ask me to host.
Janelle Brown and Emina Selimović, though, are phenomenal speakers. Not only did they inspire the crowd, but they also inspire (and respect) one another - it was evident in how they responded to questions. Their presence deserved all the finger snap and applause the kids gave them.
So, here's to yesterday and to another winning season for the Women's Basketball Team. Wishing them the best as they play two more games before the MAAC Tournament in Atlantic City in March.
Go, Stags! It's always a pleasure to celebrate student athletes who are making a difference in the world.
