Dancers Ami Kounta, Simone Robinson, and Shani Hathorn perform a dance they created
on the theme “History Sees You.”
The Columbus State Gospel Vocal Ensemble warms up the gathering crowd with songs from
the Civil Rights Movement.
Director of the Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Primrose Igonor opens Columbus
State’s 34th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King Celebration.
Weiler Scholars Director Terrence Lawrence accepts the Barbara Smith-Allen Visionary
Dreamer Award from VP of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Almar Walter.
VP of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Almar Walter presents the Darius Torrence Visionary
Dreamer Award to Aaron Sweet Baby Angel Saunders who is a Social Work student and
specialist in the Office of Talent Strategy.
Professor Reuel Barksdale sets the tone for Dr. King Celebration with the recitation
of his original poem, History Sees You.
Professor Reuel Barksdale states, “Before there was a Patrick Henry boldly demanding
give me liberty or give me death, two million souls decided that death was preferable
to a life of being chained in a strange land and by a strange people wielding a cruel
hand.”
The crowd thanks Professor Barksdale for the moving delivery of his poem, History
Sees You, with a standing ovation.
Student Kanyinsola Adesoba accepts the Autumn 2023 George Floyd Memorial Scholarship.
Assistant Director of the Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Vincent Hill
presents the Spring 2024 George Floyd Memorial Scholarship to Maguette Niang.
Dr. Hasan Kwame Jeffries delivers his keynote address.
Columbus State students D’Tron Driessen and Chelsea Patterson present a gift to keynote
speaker Dr. Hasan Kwame Jeffries.
Senior Director of Student Life Dr. Terrence Brooks offers a Call to Action: Come
back next year and let’s check with one another on what we’ve gotten done.