Salute To Those Who Served, a Black History Month Celebration

The William Joiner Institute for the Study of War and Social Consequences and the UMB Student Chapter of the NAACP join together to present

"Salute to those who served …" a special Black History Month celebration at UMass Boston

February 11, 2 - 4 pm.
Refreshments at 1:30 p.m.
Program begins at 2 p.m., reception to follow
Location: UMass Boston, Campus Center, Alumni Lounge

Featuring a veteran student panel discussion, facilitated by Wale Aliyu, local TV personality

This year's honoree is Dr. Charles Desmond, a decorated veteran of the U.S. Army, who received both Silver and Bronze stars. This year Dr. Desmond will be given the first-ever MLK Living Legacy Award by the UMB Student Chapter of the NAACP, along with a commendation from The Honorable Francisco Urena, Massachusetts State Secretary of Veterans Affairs, a citation and congratulations from the Massachusetts Joint Committee on Veterans Affairs to be presented by Dean David Cash, McCormack Graduate School of Public Policy.

Throughout America's history, from the Battle of Lexington to the Battle for Fallujah, black Soldiers have honorably answered the call to duty, serving with great valor and distinction in America's armed forces. This February, we pay tribute to black soldiers, recognizing the significant contributions they have made in the past and are continuing to make today. A. Philip Randolph, a civil rights activist, said, "Freedom is never given; it is won." Indeed, the tireless efforts and sacrifices of black soldiers beginning with Crispus Attucks to Gen. Lloyd J. Austin III, have helped to secure our freedom and the things we enjoy as Americans. Today and every day, "We salute those who served …"

About Dr. Charles Desmond

We will recognize Dr. Desmond for not only his military service but a long and distinguished career in higher education. He presently serves as the CEO of Inversant, the largest parent-centered children's saving account initiative in the Commonwealth. Dr. Desmond is the past-chair of the Massachusetts Board of Higher Education and was a higher education policy advisor to former Governor Deval Patrick. In many and varied roles, he has been at the forefront of educational access, retention, and college completion issues for low and moderate-income citizens here in the Commonwealth and across the nation. A Fulbright Scholar and philanthropic leader, Dr. Desmond has been a tireless advocate for increased attention, support, and engagement with programs serving at-risk children, adults, and the communities in which they reside. He is Chair of the University of Massachusetts-Boston's Board of Visitors; he also served the University as Associate Chancellor and as Dean of the College of Public & Community Service. Dr. Desmond is on the Advisory Board of Murphy, Hess, Toomey & Lehane, LLP, a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., and. He visits Selma, Alabama, annually to honor the Civil Rights Movement past and present during the re-enactment of the Bloody Sunday march.

About the Joiner Institute

The William Joiner Institute for the Study of War and Social Consequences at UMass Boston is named after William (Bill) Gilbert Joiner Jr., an African American veteran who served as UMass Boston's first Director of Veterans Affairs. The William Joiner Institute promotes research, curriculum development, events, and educational, cultural, and humanitarian exchanges which address the consequences of war. By serving veterans, family members of veterans, war refugees and all victims of war, we aim to create a public space where the issues of war and their human, social, political, and environmental consequences can be openly discussed, debated, and analyzed.

• 
  Sponsored

  20+ Free Museums in Boston Including Free Museum Days

  Thursday, Apr 18, 2024 goes until 12/31

  Boston
• 
  Sponsored

  Lilac Sunday at the Arnold Arboretum

  Sunday, May 12, 2024 10:00a

  The Arnold Arboretum

Sesh by The Boston Calendar | Advertise Terms | Privacy Policy | About