Women’s History Month profile: LaRita Banks

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Throughout March, we’ll be highlighting women across campus who have made their mark on Schoolcraft College. This week, it’s LaRita Banks, a Senior Administrative Assistant for the Department of Liberal Arts and Sciences.

We’re highlighting women whose work is inspired by this year’s theme for Women’s History Month: “Women Who Advocate for Equity, Diversity and Inclusion.” 

Women’s History Month is a chance to celebrate those who may not always get the attention they deserve.

That’s what LaRita Banks, a Senior Administrative Assistant for the Department of Liberal Arts and Sciences, believes is important when recognizing the month.

“I think as women we often undervalue ourselves, whether it is on a personal or professional level,” she said. “We believe the narratives that have been perpetuated about who we are, what we are capable (or incapable) of and having other women come alongside you to challenge thought processes that we may not be aware we have is what changes our own trajectories.”

When it comes to diversity, equity and inclusion, Banks said it’s important for a higher education institution to bring everyone possible to the table.

“Not everyone can envision themselves in Higher Ed spaces and I believe that it is the responsibility of an organization to engage in conversations with people of all backgrounds, perspectives and experiences to create an environment that is diverse, equitable, and inclusive,” Banks said. “It is not enough to provide the walls; we also have to foster the culture.”

Promoting Women’s History Month helps showcase the work women have made in society, Banks said.

“It provides an opportunity to highlight contributions that women have made and continue to make that are often not spoken about, underrepresented and or downplayed,” she said.

Banks celebrates this by referring to her favorite quote, one that’s by Maya Angelou: “Do the best you can until you know better. Then when you know better, do better.”

This quote speaks to her, especially as society continues to grow and become more enlightened on issues that affect many.

“It encourages us to do our best while continuing to learn and grow. DEI has shined a light on issues that existed but were often spoken about in hushed conversations between people who may have felt they could not effect change,” Banks said. “Now that the quiet part is being spoken out loud, we have a responsibility to act.”

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We’re highlighting women whose work is inspired by this year’s theme for Women’s History Month: “Women Who Advocate for Equity, Diversity and Inclusion.” 

Maeghan Scully attributes her work ethic to the examples she had growing up.

Scully, the new Associate Director of Culinary Operations, said she had many great female mentors as a child, including her mother.

“My mother lead by example, showing me how be to a successful businesswoman,” she said. “She helped me develop a strong work ethic from a young age, teaching me hard work and dedication is the key to success.”

Scully, who previously managed the cafes and markets on campus, was brought on earlier this year as the Associate Director of Culinary Operations. That role oversees much of the food service on campus, including events in the Vistatech Center, the markets across the College and The Craft Grille.

Those mentorship roles are a crucial part of helping other women become the best they can be, Scully said. That’s something that Women’s History Month helps celebrate, Scully said.

“It is important to have strong female role models to teach women that we can do anything we put our minds to,” she said. “They give us the courage to step out of our comfort zone to continue to grow and inspire others that they can too. Determination is the key to all of this, setting goals, fulfilling them, and setting new goals.”

Working with such a universal item such as food helps bridge connections between groups of people, something she loves. The diversity of the team she works with helps everyone stay strong and supportive of one another.

“It is amazing to work in an industry where no matter your background everyone can relate to one another with food. Food has been bringing people together since the beginning of time, it gives everyone something to bond over,” she said. “We are able to teach with recipes from all different cultures, religions and ethnicities.”

Scully reflects often on the following quote from Alex Elle: “I am thankful for my struggle because, without it, I wouldn’t have stumbled across my strength.” She said recognizing what your struggles are and turning them into strengths is such a rewarding feeling.

“You will have struggles on your path to success, it’s how you deal with them that will set you apart from the rest,” she said. “When you run into problems it is your job to come up with a solution and not let that issue hold you back from achieving your goals.”

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Last held in person in 2019, the 19th Annual Multicultural Fair will feature music, dancing, food and more from countries around the world.

A longtime staple of Schoolcraft College is returning this month after a several-year hiatus.

The 19th Annual Multicultural Fair returns to campus March 28 in the newly-renovated Vistatech Center. This international celebration – returning for the first time since 2019 – will feature cultural displays from dozens of countries, as well as demonstrations, cuisine and so much more.

The Multicultural Fair, a celebration of the variety of cultures at Schoolcraft College, is a great way to travel the world without having to leave campus. The fair routinely attracts thousands of visitors, from students to community members.

“We’re so glad the Multicultural Fair is returning. We’ve missed the excitement it brings to the Vistatech Center every year,” said Dr. Anna Maheshwari, a member of the Fair’s planning committee and Chair of the College’s English Department. “This event is a great way to learn about a wide range of cultures from all over the globe – their foods, traditions, and customs.”

In addition to booths representing countries such as Albania, India, Peru, Turkey and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, several organizations will have tables with information, including the Arab American National Museum and the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History. Visitors will also be offered a “passport” that can be stamped as visitors make their way through fair visiting country tables.

Performances will include mariachi, Philippines dancers and the Marcus Garvey Academy African Drum & Dance Ensemble, to name a few.

Several international food demonstrations will also take place in the brand-new Collaborative Learning Studio. Schoolcraft College’s decorated culinary arts student Sous Chefs will showcase foods from around the globe in the lab, including dishes from South America, Greece, Korea and The Philippines.

The Fair is sponsored by the Schoolcraft College International Institute and the Student Activities Office. It is also supported by generous grants from the Liberal Arts and Science Office, as well as the Schoolcraft College Foundation. 

The event is free and open to the public. It runs from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. March 28 in the DiPonio Room, located inside the renowned Vistatech Center.  More information can be found on the International Institute’s website at schoolcraft.edu/international-institute.

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The selected presenters will utilize the concepts of STEAM – Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics – and demonstrate how the disciplines build on each other to have a societal and global impact.

Schoolcraft College students will showcase the best ways to make a difference globally during the STEAMzSchoolcraft conference later this month.

This year’s event will feature student presenters focusing on this year’s theme: Local Engagement, Global Impact. Students submitted proposals to present during the event March 29 at the Vistatech Center.  The selected presenters will utilize the concepts of STEAM – Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics – and demonstrate how the disciplines build on each other to have a societal and global impact. The annual student-led conference is a collaborative effort sponsored by the Center for Experiential Learning and the Learning Support Services department.

The keynote speaker for the conference this year is Corin Tyler, a Schoolcraft College alumnus and a Ph.D. student at the University of Michigan. Tyler earned associate degrees in science and engineering, as well as a bachelor’s degree in physics from Albion College. He also served as the first STEAMz presenter while a student at Schoolcraft.

In addition to Tyler, a STEAMz Fellows panel will also highlight several students’ experiences as Schoolcraft Scholars and their plans post-graduation. Fellows participating include students Chase-Lyn Watson-Labell, Jonah Efrusy, and Noah Spicer. This panel will be moderated by Dr. Glenn Cerny, president of Schoolcraft College.

“STEAMz is a great experience for both our exhibitors and our guests each year,” said Christina Stansell-Weaver, Communication Arts Faculty and STEAMz Faculty Chair. “We’re excited to see what our students have to present and to welcome Corin back to campus to serve as our keynote speaker.”

Along with Stansell-Weaver, Elizabeth Kenney, Learning Center Coordinator, and Sharon Christian, Associate Dean of Student Success and Retention co-lead this effort, in addition to a large group of campus stakeholders serving as committee members. This annual event successfully brings together a cross-functional collective of faculty, staff, and leadership to facilitate this student-centered conference.

Scholarships and awards for the conference are made possible by the University of Michigan Transfer Bridges, The Garritano Family Fund, The Schoolcraft College Foundation, Schoolcraft College President’s Award, Chief Academic Officer, and the Liberal Arts and Sciences Department.

The conference takes place 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday, March 29 in the Vistatech Center. Register to attend for the conference here. Registration is free and open to all students, staff, faculty and community members. Seating is limited and registration is required.

More information can be found at schoolcraft.edu/STEAMz.

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Throughout March, we’ll be highlighting women across campus who have made their mark on Schoolcraft College. This week, it’s Joi Durant, Student Account Associate in Financial Services.

We’re highlighting women whose work is inspired by this year’s theme for Women’s History Month: “Women Who Advocate for Equity, Diversity and Inclusion.” 

For Joi Durant, Women’s History Month is synonymous with American history.

The Student Account Associate in Financial Services said the sacrifice of those championing causes important to the nation don’t go unnoticed.

“We are reaping daily the benefits of the work in this area,” she said. “Despite all that has been accomplished there’s still much work to be done.”

In addition to her role in Financial Services, Durant holds a piece of history at Schoolcraft College: she is the founder of the Black Student Union, an organization that continues to this day. She remains involved with the group as its advisor.

She said such a group was important to help Black students feel comfortable and supported on campus.

“As the first person in my family to attend college, I recognized the need for representation in this space,” Durant said. “It’s really exciting to see that the College has adapted the same notion and is working toward, creating and carrying out initiatives that support and promote diversity, equity, and inclusion. It feels like we’re finally moving in the right direction.”  

 In addition to advising students, Durant also serves as the president of the Schoolcraft College Association of Office Professionals, a position she’s held since 2021. She said she is the first woman of color to hold this position.

Durant said the value of we each have to bring to the table is magnified when diversity is present.

“For this reason, I remained relentless in my pursuit of gaining access to spaces that would provide platform for me to express my viewpoint on the qualitative and quantitative aspects of diversity,” she said.  

Her motivations go beyond the campus: she said her children are what keeps her going and pushes her to be her best self.

“I want to make sure they have the best life possible, so I always try my hardest to help make the world a better place for them,” Durant said. “Even if things are slow in changing, even when I have no clue how, I want them to know that speaking up for what they believe in and finding ways to reinforce that belief with positive action can really make a difference.”

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A pair of study rooms in the Biomedical Technology Center have been converted into reflection rooms, providing students and employees a space for reflection, prayer or simply some quiet time away from everything.

Students needing some space for reflection, prayer or simply quiet time can find it in two new spaces inside the Biomedical Technology Center on Schoolcraft College’s campus.

Two new reflection rooms are now open on campus, perfect for students needing a space to meditate, pray or silently reflect during the hustle of the day. These rooms, located in BTC 336 and BTC 340, have a relaxing atmosphere and are open to students, faculty and staff.

Adding the reflection rooms to campus helps further the mission of Schoolcraft College to be a more inclusive environment. Such spaces celebrate the diversity on campus and provide just one more option for students to practice their beliefs.

“These rooms are a perfect addition to campus, especially as our Muslim students approach the season of Ramadan. They will give our students a chance to step out of the busyness of the day and just take a moment to reflect, pray or meditate to bring themselves inner peace,” said TaQuilla Kusero, the College’s Director of Equity and Engagement. “We’re excited to offer these rooms to the Schoolcraft College community to help promote better mental health across the campus.”

The rooms – which are formerly study rooms – are available on a first-come, first-serve basis. There is enough room for students to lay down a prayer rug if they choose, or they may utilize the provided furniture. The rooms are available to the campus community whenever the Biomedical Technology Center is open.

First utilized last year during Ramadan, Kusero said the decision was made to make the former study rooms permanent reflection rooms this spring.

The rooms are designed for individual reflection and are not study rooms, nor should they be used for sleeping. No food or beverages are allowed, and users are asked to limit their reflection time to 20 minutes to allow others to utilize the spaces as well.

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The College has signed a non-binding memorandum to possibly bring a new facility on the north end of the campus on land currently occupied by a parking lot.

Schoolcraft College and Nino Salvaggio International Marketplace are in talks to potentially add a new retail market with educational capacities located on the College’s main campus in Livonia.

A non-binding memorandum of understanding has been signed between the two organizations to possibly bring a new facility on the north end of the campus on land currently occupied by a parking lot.

“This agreement is the first step to an exciting development here on campus,” said Dr. Glenn Cerny, president of Schoolcraft College. “Bringing Nino Salvaggio International Marketplace to campus would not only benefit our students with brand-new educational opportunities but add another exciting business to the bustling Haggerty Road corridor.”

Founded by the late Nino Salvaggio in 1979, the company will expand its footprint to the tri-county area with the opening of the Livonia store.

“On behalf of the entire Nino Salvaggio family, we are excited to work with Schoolcraft College to debut a vibrant new grocery store on the Livonia campus with state-of-the-art educational facility for students,” said Leo Salvaggio.

Plans are in the works for student learning opportunities for supply chain management, as well as business and accounting.

More details on the project will be released at a later date.

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We’re highlighting women whose work is inspired by this year’s theme for Women’s History Month: “Women Who Advocate for Equity, Diversity and Inclusion.” 

It’s hard to find someone who represents the Schoolcraft College experience better than Maria Gosur.

A User Experience (UX) Engineer in the Marketing Department, Gosur is the brains behind one of the most important tools of the College’s communication: its website. Updates to dozens of department pages and the creation of new ones for new initiatives all go through her.

As a woman working in the technology arena, Gosur said she sees the challenge of being in a male-dominated field as a way to better herself and her skills.

“I have seen and experienced challenges being a female in the coding and tech field, in addition to within business and entrepreneurship spaces; however, it is improving and hasn’t deterred me from going after my goals,” she said. “Exposure to obstacles faced combined with kind education and thoughtful discussions help steer positive change to take place. Despite notable achievements, it’s important to keep striving for continual betterment.”

Gosur has spent plenty of her career at Schoolcraft College: after earning her Associate of Applied Science Degree in Web Design, she went on to earn her Bachelor’s Degree from Baker College and her Master’s Degree from the University of Michigan. She’s taught classes here at the College, as well as working as a web developer and UX engineer, since 2009.

When she’s not updating the College’s website, Gosur keeps busy running two businesses out of Ann Arbor: One providing design, development and marketing for clients, and the other being an entrepreneurial startup that helps aspiring creatives grow their knowledge, confidence and output in creative work.

Her creativity also reaches beyond screens and onto paper. She’s also a published author, writing and illustrating “What I’ve Learned in Therapy A to Z,” a book celebrating the personal journey many take with therapy in hopes of breaking the negative connotations of therapy.

“People go into therapy for different reasons, and there are many types. It’s easy to stereotype therapy, but I think it’s quite an admirable journey,” Gosur said. “A person is deciding to dive into hard, messy inner work to get through difficult challenges, make pivotal decisions and thrive to be a better person and live a more fulfilling life. That’s a pretty cool thing that deserves no judgement.”

When it comes to advocating for equity, diversity and inclusion, Gosur said she admires the women who came before her, helping to blaze a path for people like her. She hopes her work in tech serves as a reminder for those who come after.

“This year’s theme makes one word come to mind: resilience. What I admire most about women who have paved the path for a better future for other women is their continuous grit to keep pressing forward, to never give up,” Gosur said. “This month is a celebration of progress made from women of the past, present and continued efforts into the future.”

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Hundreds of Schoolcraft College students who have completed the necessary requirement for their degrees will be recognized during the 59th Annual Commencement May 4.

The pinnacle of the academic year is almost here.

Schoolcraft College will celebrate its 59th Annual Commencement at 1 p.m. May 4 at the TrinityElite Sports Center on the Livonia campus. This ceremony is a time to honor and recognize those candidates and graduates who will receive degrees from the College.

“Commencement is perhaps the most exciting day on our campus all year,” said Dr. Glenn Cerny, president of Schoolcraft College. “Celebrating those who have earned degrees and completed their programs, it’s a time to honor our students for their remarkable achievements. I’m looking forward to seeing our graduates cross the stage.”

Doors open at noon for Commencement, where hundreds of candidates and graduates will walk and receive recognition for their achievements during the annual ceremony. To best prepare, students who have met graduation requirements or are expected to meet their graduation requirements soon can apply for graduation through the College’s online portal, Ocelot Access. Those students who are unsure of whether they qualify to walk at Commencement can speak to an academic advisor.

The last day for students to apply for graduation and have their name in the commemorative Commencement booklet is April 12. Students can still apply for graduation after that date, but their names will not be included in the booklet.

Those eligible to walk at Commencement can attend the College’s Grad Fair at the Campus Bookstore later this spring to order and pick up caps and gowns. The Grad Fair will take place at the following times at the Bookstore:

  • 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. April 17
  • Noon to 6 p.m. April 18
The College President with student in regalia
Graduate Melia Connors, the 2023 student commencement speaker, with Dr. Glenn Cerny, president of Schoolcraft College.

Those walking will receive four tickets for family and friends to attend. The ceremony will also be livestreamed on the College’s YouTube channel. Prior to the ceremony, photo opportunities with Ozzy, the College’s ocelot mascot, will be available, as well as activities to celebrate the day.

The College is currently seeking a student to speak at the ceremony. Those interested in applying can do so by visiting the Commencement page of the College’s website. “Our students have worked incredibly hard to earn their degrees, and Commencement is a day to honor and recognize all their hard work,” said Stacy Whiddon, the College’s Chief Academic Officer. “We’re looking forward to celebrating their achievements with them that day.”

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From poems to paintings, several students were recognized during the second annual Black Excellence in the Arts Awards Ceremony Feb. 22.

When it comes to artistic expression, Brynne Barnes compared the work of writers to those who tend gardens.

“A writer creates gardens with words. Ideas are like fireflies: they’re bright, they’re beautiful and they’re fleeting. Dreams are the same way: they must be captured quickly, or they’re gone,” said Barnes, an English instructor at Schoolcraft College and an award-winning author. “It takes attention, dedication. And by doing what is necessary with passion and willingness, it transforms. That is how we write history. That is how we create ourselves and the world around us.”

Barnes’s remarks came as she addressed students being recognized for their art during the second Black Excellence in the Arts Award Ceremony.

The event – held Feb. 22 in the DiPonio Room of the Vistatech Center and put on by the College’s Office of Equity and Engagement – celebrated excellence in the arts, with students submitting pieces in various mediums.

group of people listening to presentation
The second annual Black Excellence in the Arts Awards Ceremony took place Feb. 22 in the Vistatech Center, celebrating works that honor the Black experience.
person speaking at podium next to book display
Brynne Barnes, an English instructor, was the keynote speaker at the event. One of her books, Black Girl Rising, rests on the table.

The following students received accolades for their work:

Artwork
1st place – Quinlan Brooks
Honorable mention – Sara Meeks

Essays
1st Place – Matthew Morrow
Honorable mention – Shelby Knott

Poems
1st Place – Gar Willoughby
Honorable mention – Zahraa Alrafish

The reception was lined with much of the artwork submitted for consideration. It showcased the theme for this year’s Black History Month, which is “African Americans and the Arts.”

Other speakers at this year’s event included State Rep. Stephanie A. Young, Livonia City Councilwoman Carrie Budzinski and Delia Upshaw, the chairwoman for the Livonia Equity & Anti-Racism Network.

Also speaking was Dr. Glenn Cerny, president of Schoolcraft College. Cerny said having students flourish in the arts helps make the College a better place not just for learning but for connecting with the community.

“The arts are a part of this culture,” he said. “That’s important to the Schoolcraft College community, and when I say community, that’s what I mean. We’re not just a college, we’re a community.”

Learn more and view event photos

Feature Image Caption: Student Quinlan Brooks speaks while his artwork, three portraits, are on display in the background.

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Five comfort dogs will arrive later this spring, with their goal to reduce stress and improve mental health across campus.

Schoolcraft College is grrrrr-owing.

The College will add five new, unique employees to its ranks later this year. These new members of the Schoolcraft College family are not your typical employees, however: these new helpers each have four legs and plenty of fur.

Dubbed the Campus Comfort Companions, these new helpers are comfort dogs, designed to serve several roles at the College. These dogs – currently being raised and trained at Lucky Labs in Chatham-Kent, Ontario – will arrive later this spring and begin additional training with their handlers.

Before the pooches arrive, the College is reaching out to the community for its help: naming each of the five dogs via an online poll taking place this week.

Polls will open on the College’s Instagram account this Tuesday, Feb. 27, with options for names for all five dogs. Four names per dog will be available to vote on during a 24-hour period. A list of the names, along with background information on them and the person who will be their handler, can be found below.

The puppies will receive several weeks of Lab Puppy Training when they are eight weeks old. They will be delivered to campus when they are 12 weeks old later this spring. As they become accustomed to their new homes, the puppies will receive advanced obedience training at a local training facility.

The puppies will begin as “in-training” comfort dogs by the start of the fall semester.

“These new comfort dogs will serve a vital role here at Schoolcraft College when they arrive. Their presence will bring smiles to faces and help our students and staff take a moment to simply recharge and rejuvenate with fun-loving energy that only a dog can bring,” said Dr. Glenn Cerny, President of Schoolcraft College. “We’re looking forward to having them on campus and enhancing the lives of our students, faculty and staff.”

Full integration into campus by next year

Once the dogs hit their first birthdays, they will receive therapy dog training and certification. After that, they will become full members of the campus community.

After their training, they will be available for visits and events across campus. That includes assisting students in reducing stress, especially around finals. Their goal is to help improve mental health and increase compassion on campus.

“Each dog will be assigned to a Schoolcraft College police officer who is responsible for their care on campus and in their home each night,” said Colleen Pilgrim, a psychology professor and faculty liaison to the Campus Comfort Companion program. “Each officer will be matched with a staff or faculty handler who will coordinate additional comfort dog interactions with our Schoolcraft community.”

The dogs are being paid for through the generosity of the Schoolcraft College Foundation.

The new pups will continue the College’s mission to create a welcoming campus for students, faculty and staff. Fulfilling part of the College’s Strategic Plan, these new comfort companions will connect not just with the campus but with the greater community as well.

HOW TO VOTE: Members of the public are invited to visit the College’s Instagram page, @schoolcraftnow, starting at 10 a.m. Tuesday, Feb. 27. The polls can be viewed through the “Stories” section and users can select their pick using the poll function. The College will then announce the winners at a later date. A full list of the finalist names can be found below.

row of puppy labs

Dog Names

Chief Mark Engstrom

Lottie – A play on “Ocelot,” the college’s nickname.

Scout – I’m the father of four daughters. Scout is the strong female lead in To Kill a Mockingbird and was one of their early heroines.

Roux – This is a culinary-related term. Roux is a mixture that thickens sauces, and we just liked the sound of it.

Sage – Another culinary related term. Sage is an herb that has a grayish/green color.  It’s also a term to describe a wise person with sound judgment.

Lt. Matthew Mayes

Liv – An acronym for “life is valuable” and short for Livonia.

Dolly – It means “beloved” and references Dolly Parton a great humanitarian and country singer.

Lu Lu – For Lieutenant and Hawaiian roots, it means, “peaceful,” “protected,” and “calm.”

Copper – Loyalty and protection, also for chemistry.

Sgt. Carla Murray

Starla – The comfort dog program was conceived while I was attending an astronomy class at the college, it also rhymes with my name and sounds fun and sparkly.

Justice – A shoutout to the Schoolcraft Collee criminal justice program, because myself and two of my children are proud graduates, and my husband and I both graduated from the college’s police academy.

Vista – Derives from the college’s beautiful Vistatech Center.  Vista means: A beautiful view and future possibilities.

Cocoa – Matches the puppy’s beautiful brown chocolate color.

Sgt. Randy Lorenzetti

Mocha – Based on getting a chocolate lab this goes with the color of the dog.

Maple – Based on the dog coming from Canada & the maple leaf on their flag.

Maisy – Based on the Schoolcraft colors of blue and yellow/gold/maize.

Belle – Based on the bell tower symbol of Schoolcraft College that sits near the library.

Sgt. Kenneth Losey

Teddy – Named after the famous “Teddy Bear” that was named in honor of President Theodore Roosevelt. My kids have always loved to snuggle with teddy bears at night due to the comfort they bring. One of the tasks of the brown chocolate therapy dog coming to Schoolcraft College is to bring comfort.

Dash – Named after the Disney character “Dash” that stared in the movie, “The Incredibles.”

Rowe – A name referencing Henry Rowe Schoolcraft, the namesake of the College

Hops –  In honor of the brewery program at Schoolcraft College. Hops is the flower of the plant used in making beer.

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An adjunct professor of Sociology, Griffin said Black History Month is a time to focus on major times and events in history.

To celebrate Black History Month, Schoolcraft College will highlight the stories of Black students, faculty, staff and administrators and what Black History Month means to them. Check back every week this month for stories on the Black experience here at Schoolcraft College.

Black History Month is important to Ryan Griffin for all the obvious reasons.

The month highlights the accomplishments and contributions of African Americans that all of America should be aware of and are pleased to discover and share. Most importantly, Griffin said, it gives us the motivation to research and gather information different than what we have been accustomed to from our childhood.

Black History Month is also a time to not only focus on major times and events such as the Civil Rights Movement and political figures, but a time to educate ourselves on the arts such as music, science, literature and other areas of great contribution and invention. Understanding history and culture can bring healing and strength to many.

Griffin is an adjunct professor of Sociology, working at the College the past seven months. He is about to earn his Master’s degree in Africology and African American Studies.

The biggest influencer for Griffin and the impact on our nation is Malcolm X. Malcolm X, through his dedication and love for African Americans, asked his people to understand their God-given right to live a peaceful and productive life. He demanded us to claim that right “Through Any Means Necessary.”

“As Malcom X made many Americans feel uncomfortable, his continual growth showed the world that his ultimate goal was for the basic human rights of all, regardless of color,” Griffin said.

Higher education is a vessel for allowing minds to expand and grow, which brings perspective, even if it is different than one’s own. It’s a vehicle to learn more about one another and use the tools to be free to think for ourselves and have our own conclusions. This can help with cultures unfamiliar with Black History Month to be more willing to learn about such a rich and strong history in America.

Griffin said a quote that speaks to him comes from James Baldwin, an American author and civil rights activist: “The paradox of education is precisely this – that as one begins to become conscious one begins to examine the society in which he is being educated.”