MONDAY, JANUARY 15, 2018Grand River Center 500 Bell Street, Dubuque, Iowa

7:00 a.m. Breakfast 7:30 a.m. Celebration

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Welcome

PRELUDE Hempstead High School String Quintet under the direction of Kevin Price-Brenner, D.M.A.

WELCOME John Stewart, Ph.D., Master of Ceremonies

INTERPRETERJulie Spahn

INVOCATION John Stewart, Ph.D.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF ELECTED OFFICIALS

MUSICAL SELECTION Hempstead High School Choir under the direction of Teresa Slade, accompanied by Meegan Harkey

INTRODUCTION OF KEYNOTE SPEAKERJohn Stewart, Ph.D.

KEYNOTE SPEAKER Farris Muhammad, Ph.D.

CLOSING REMARKSJohn Stewart, Ph.D.

MUSICAL SELECTION Hempstead High School Choir under the direction of Teresa Slade, accompanied by Meegan Harkey

Last year’s Keynote Speaker was Vincent Bacote, Ph.D. FOR MORE INFORMATION: www.dbqschools.org/facesandvoices

MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR.

BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION

The Dream of Racial Resilience and Equity

Dr. Farris Muhammad is the director of the Multicultural Family Center, an adjunct sociology professor at the University of Dubuque, and a certified intercultural competency trainer for the City of Dubuque. He earned his Ph.D. in Education Administration and Policy, as well as an Interdisciplinary Qualitative Research Certificate from the University of Georgia.

His 237-page dissertation, which focuses on providing voice to marginalized groups through narrative inquiry, is titled The Educational Resilience of African-American Males in Detroit: A Reflective Analysis of Lived Experiences. Much of his research has focused on Black males overcoming trauma and beating the odds. He has published such papers as African American Resilience: The Need for Policy in Escaping the Trap of Special Education (2016), The Educational Resilience of Black Males: An Ecological Analysis of Inner-city Students (2014), and has presented at numerous national conferences concentrating on educational access and equity, educational leadership, and multicultural educational policy that impacts marginalized groups.

Dr. Muhammad has been recognized by the University Council of Education Administration as a Barbara Jackson Scholar for his work in the field of education. In addition, he was awarded the prestigious Asa G. Hilliard III and Barbara A. Sizemore fellowship through the Research Institute on African Americans and Education.

Dr. Muhammad is the director of the Multicultural Family Center, an adjunct sociology professor, and an intercultural competency trainer.

Farris Muhammad, Ph.D.KEYNOTE SPEAKER:

As I engage in the so-called “bull sessions” around and about the school, I too often find that most college men have a misconception of the purpose of education. Most of the “brethren” think that education should equip them with the proper instruments of exploitation so that they can forever trample over the masses. Still others think that education should furnish them with noble ends rather than means to an end.

It seems to me that education has a two-fold function to perform in the life of man and in society: the one is utility and the other is culture. Education must enable a man to become more efficient, to achieve with increasing facility the legitimate goals of his life.

Education must also train one for quick, resolute and effective thinking. To think incisively and to think for one’s self is very difficult. We are prone to let our mental life become invaded by legions of half truths, prejudices, and propaganda. At this point, I often wonder whether or not education is fulfilling its purpose. A great majority of the so-called educated people do not think logically and scientifically. Even the press, the classroom, the platform, and the pulpit in many instances do not give us objective and unbiased truths. To save man from the morass of propaganda, in my opinion, is one of the chief aims of education. Education must enable one to sift and weigh evidence, to discern the true from the false, the real from the unreal, and the facts from the fiction.

The function of education, therefore, is to teach one to think intensively and to think critically. But education which stops with efficiency may prove the greatest menace to society. The most dangerous criminal may be the man gifted with reason, but with no morals.

The late Eugene Talmadge, in my opinion, possessed one of the better minds of Georgia, or even America.

Moreover, he wore the Phi Beta Kappa key. By all measuring rods, Mr. Talmadge could think critically and intensively; yet he contends that I am an inferior being. Are those the types of men we call educated?

We must remember that intelligence is not enough. Intelligence plus character--that is the goal of true education. The complete education gives one not only power of concentration, but worthy objectives upon which to concentrate. The broad education will, therefore, transmit to one not only the accumulated knowledge of the race but also the accumulated experience of social living.

If we are not careful, our colleges will produce a group of close-minded, unscientific, illogical propagandists, consumed with immoral acts. Be careful, “brethren!” Be careful, teachers!

The Purpose of Educationby Martin Luther King, Jr.

Published in the Morehouse College campus newspaper, the Maroon Tiger, in February 1947.

Reprinted with permission of the Estate of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

“We must remember that intelligence is not enough. Intelligence plus character — that is the goal of true education.”

FEBRUARY“Letters Across the Divide: Two Friends Explore Racism, Friendship, and Faith” by David Anderson & Brent Zuercher

“This intimate view of an intensely personal journey will disturb your coziest assumptions, make you squirm, maybe even incite a riot in your mind and heart – causing you to think differently about racial reconciliation [From back cover of book].”

MARCH“We Were Eight Years in Power: An American Tragedy” by Ta-Nehisi Coates

“A crucial book during this moment of generational awakening.” —The New Yorker

APRIL“We Ain’t What We Ought to Be: The Black Freedom Struggle from Emancipation to Obama” by Stephen Tuck

“In this exciting revisionist history, Stephen Tuck traces the black freedom struggle in all its diversity, from the first years of freedom during the Civil War to President Obama’s inauguration. [Inside flap]”

MAY“Just Mercy: A Story of Justice and Redemption” by Bryan Stephenson

#1 New York Times bestseller

“Every bit as moving as To Kill a Mockingbird and in some ways more so… a stirring testament to the salvation that fighting for the vulnerable sometimes yields.” —The New York Times Review of Books

SEPTEMBER“America’s Original Sin: Racism, White Privilege, and the Bridge to a New America” by Jim Wallis

New York Times bestseller

OCTOBER“Writings on the Wall: Searching for a New Equality Beyond Black and White” by Kareem Abdul-Jabbar & Raymond Obstello

“[He] has written a book full of wisdom and conviction that people of all walks of life should read.” —Senator Bill Bradley

NOVEMBER“For White Folks Who Teach in the Hood… and the Rest of Y’all Too: Reality Pedagogy and Urban Education” by Christopher Emdin

New York Times bestseller

DECEMBER“The Half Has Never Been Told: Slavery and the Making of American Capitalism” by Edward E. Baptist

“A myth-busting work that pursues how the world profited from American slavery …” —Kirkus

Book discussions will take place the last Sunday of the month. For details, including location and time, visit www.dbqschools.org/facesandvoices.

2018 Black History and Black Author Reading Challenge

Special thanks to today’s performers... CHOIR MEMBERSLuke AlthausLauren BarnesJenna BellElsa BenzLauren BergquistElizabeth BloschNoah CapaulAdeline CoenenMaxfield CoenenMorgan DidelotGwenith DunlapKatherine EngelkenChantea England

Grace FehsalSamantha FiegenCarolyn FinkIsabella FoustVerrick FoustEmma GillesLauren HagarDominic HammelTakio JoashLiberty JonesCarlen KnappEvangeline McCawKoehler MillerTristan Miller

Keiyon NormanLeah PattersonRandi PintoNicholas PoggemillerSkylynn RedingEthan RenneShayla RufenachtTrenton SanchezAndrew SearEmily SearEthan SpiresFerdinand SpringDestinee SzoenyiRebecca Tigges

Kathryn TurnisKayla VargasZaebian WeisGabrielle WelshGrace WielandBrandon XiconEmily Zartman

STRING QUINTETKellie Connolly, violinXander Sherman, violinJack Kolker, violaCece Thill, celloIsaac Johnson, bass

2017/2018 Tribute HonoreesKINDERGARTENMason Jedlicka, CarverAubrey Scardino, Carver

GRADE 1Genesis Bennett, Fulton

GRADE 2Aubrey Gallaher, Fulton

GRADE 3Jayme Miller, BryantSitanshu Rock, Bryant

GRADE 4Breniya Allen-Jones, FultonMya Hohnecker, FultonJade Trautwein, Fulton

GRADE 5Taylor Borgerding, St. ColumbkilleOlivia Donovan, St. ColumbkilleRiley Heiar, St. ColumbkilleLucas Sauser, St. Columbkille

GRADES 6 and 7Cole Benn, JeffersonOlivia Edwards, RooseveltJulia Gehl, RooseveltShay Saddler, JeffersonSoya Wehrenberg, JeffersonZakyra Wilson, Roosevelt

GRADE 8Morgan Brimeyer, JeffersonTreyrena Clark, JeffersonKristin Davis, JeffersonTalia Lehr, Jefferson

GRADE 11Zakya Johnson, Senior

Featured student entries... and reflections

HARRIET TUBMAN by Mya Hohnecker and Jade Trautwein, Grade 4

POWERPOINT PRESENTATION by Lucas Sauser,

Grade 5

by Sitanshu Rock, Grade 3

by Kristin Davis, Grade 8

Featured student entries... and reflections

WEBPAGE by Cole Benn, Grade 6

by Mason Jedlicka, Kindergarten

DR. HELEN NASH: The Woman Who Refused to Succumb to Racism

There’s no doubt that Martin Luther King Jr. played a large role in civil rights and bringing racism to the attention of the general public. Many people recognize his iconic “I Have a Dream” speech, but not many individuals know of his last public speech “I’ve Been to the Mountaintop.”

In this unappreciated speech, Dr. King discusses his frustrations with society. He brings to light the point that African Americans are “determined to gain their rightful place in [God’s] world.” This idea of determination is one that African Americans have been practicing for ages, from the abolitionists like Harriet Tubman and Fredrick Douglass to the protestors today like Deray McKesson and Colin Kaepernick. Determination is the “a fixed purpose or intention,” according to Dictionary.com. Dr. King’s purpose was to educate non-black citizens on the oppression that minorities face every day. He wanted these citizens to understand that there was a problem with America and that it needed to be addressed and fixed. As Dr. King progressed throughout his career, his ideas became slightly more radical yet practical. His earlier speeches (“I Have a Dream”) were more optimistic and goal-oriented, while his later speeches (“I’ve Been to the Mountaintop”) were more matter-of-fact and aggressive. There are many historical figures that portray his later ideas such as Malcolm X and Huey Newton and Bobby Seale, founders of the political party, the Black Panthers. There are also lesser known activists like Dr. Helen Nash one of a few female African American doctors.

Dr. Helen Nash is one woman who embodies Dr. King’s later ideas of determination and earn her rightful place in the world, helping seriously ill children. Dr. Nash was born in 1921 in America; she was born into a medical family where her father was a practitioner in Georgia. Dr. Nash graduated from Spelman College to become the first black female pediatrician in the St. Louis Children’s Hospital in 1949 where she helped children of all races. She embodied Martin Luther King, Jr.’s ideas of determinism by becoming a pediatrician as not only an African American, but as a female African American. Being an African American was hard enough during this time with racism and segregation, and these issues were only heightened in the predominantly white male field of medicine. Dr. Nash experienced discrimination and racism while she practiced. She experienced white doctors meddling with her charts in attempts to get her fired. Dr. Nash not only improved children’s health but she is also “credited with raising the academic level of minority students” according to St Louis Post-Dispatch journalist Michael Sorkin. Dr. Nash was determined enough to persevere through the racism and become a respected physician and an amazing person.

Martin Luther King, Jr. and Dr. Helen Nash along with countless other African American activists inspire me daily. Growing up in a predominantly white town, as supportive as it is, my city has a documented history of violent racism. Having lived in this town for most of my life as an African American female, I have experienced discrimination before. I want to be a pediatrician and knowing of inspirational people, such as Dr. Helen Nash, inspires me to keep working every day, no matter how hard it gets. Determination is one thing that no one can take away from me and that continues to push me every day. I know that if Dr. Helen Nash and Martin Luther King, Jr. can persevere and succeed as African Americans in a much worse time for us, then I can not only survive – but I can thrive!

by Zakiya Johnson, Grade 11

I am like LeBron James because I work hard every day.

My goal is to speak kindly to people.

by Genesis Bennett, Grade 1

BUMPER STICKER by Aubrey Gallaher, Grade 2

Youth Mentoring GroupsMENTOR DUBUQUE | Hillcrest Family ServicesMentor Dubuque is a youth mentoring program that matches children between 5 and 15 with an adult, 18 or older. Mentors and youth meet every other week for a couple of hours to take walks, shoot hoops, bake, share pizza or other fun activities. FOR MORE INFORMATION: hillcrest-fs.org/services/youth-mentoring

STUDENT MENTORING | Dubuque Community SchoolsMentors in the Dubuque Community School District provide consistent support, guidance, and concrete help to a student who is in need of a positive role model. Visits are usually done during the lunch period at the school.

FOR MORE INFORMATION: www.dbqschools.org/district/programs/student-mentoring

DUBUQUE BLACK MEN COALITIONMembers of the Dubuque Black Men Coalition offer role models and advice to teen boys in the Tri-States. The program aims to teach teens how to create a sense of empowerment, self-esteem, and combat ignorance while providing motivation to change behavior in a healthy way.

FOR MORE INFORMATION: www.facebook.com/Dubuque-Black-Men-Coalition-193679937487504

DUBUQUE DREAM CENTERStudent mentoring is provided at the Dubuque Dream Center for students in grades 3-8. Mentoring is offered after school during the school year, and also during normal operating hours over the summer.

FOR MORE INFORMATION: www.dubuquedreamcenter.com or 563/845-7591

MULTICULTURAL FAMILY CENTERThe Multicultural Family Center (MFC) provides several youth empowerment programs including weekly Teen Nights, a bi-monthly Sisters United Empowerment Coalition (SUEC) Mentoring Program for Girls, a monthly LGBTQ+ Youth Group, weekly Little Luxuries Girls Club, and Math & Science Tutoring Program for students in grades 8-12.

FOR MORE INFORMATION: www.mfcdbq.org or 563/582-3681

and these community partners:Community Foundation of Greater DubuqueDubuque Branch NAACPFirst Baptist Church, DubuqueJohn Deere Dubuque Works

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YOU CAN SUPPORT OUR MISSION TOO!To support the vision of faces&voices, please consider making a tax- deductible donation online at www.dbqschools.org/facesandvoices.

VISIT www.dbqschools.org/facesandvoices TO LEARN MORE

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