Dear Loyola community,
As we celebrate Black History Month, I’m reminded of the words of civil rights activist Rosa Parks who said, “to bring about change, you must not be afraid to take the first step. We will fail when we fail to try.”
Here at Loyola, many of our faculty, staff and alumni have also taken first steps – becoming the first in their families to attend college, the first in their field to attain an incredible achievement, the first in their demographic to be honored and to be recognized at an extremely high level. Kedrick Perry, Blaine LeCesne, Andrea Armstrong, Judge Calvin Johnson, Sharonda Williams, Judge Dana Douglas, Sheryl Kennedy Haydel, Mitch Crusto, Akilah Jones, Jay Davis, Emir Bailey, Ty Lawson, Olivia Scott, and Judge Robin Pittman are just a few of the trailblazers who play strong roles in our community today.
And they inspire our students. Leading the Pack at the student level is our Student Government Association, where a diverse group of leaders, including a number of young Black women, are building their skills and making a difference. They represent the best and brightest among our talented study body – and strive every day to create a campus culture that is both welcoming and inclusive.
Dr. Haydel, the first Black Director of Loyola’s award-winning School of Communication and Design, wisely says, “I was inspired by other women and people who looked like me. Even though we may have been from different places and spaces, I knew the importance of representation and representing us well and I pray that I can continue this rich legacy.”
This is a time to honor the accomplishments of Black Americans who’ve led and overcome, helping shape the country we live in today. But also to acknowledge that the fight for justice continues. What is our next step as individuals, as allies and advocates, as people of passion and purpose? I encourage you to take time this month to recognize and celebrate the achievements of the past while moving forward on the deliberate and collaborative work of creating a better future.
Gratefully,
Father Justin Daffron, S.J.
Interim President
