The 30th annual Keeper of the Dream Scholarship Awards Celebration recognized seven students for their commitment to racial understanding and awareness, promoting unity among all people and fostering a campus environment rich in diversity and multiculturalism.
Established in 1993, Oakland University’s Keeper of the Dream Celebration pays tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. for his achievements on behalf of civil rights. Aside from publicly recognizing these students for exemplifying Dr. King’s vision of interracial tolerance, the award grants each recipient a $5,000 scholarship.
Since the award’s inception, more than 100 students have been named Keeper of the Dream scholars.
The 30th anniversary of Keeper of the Dream is an important milestone in the history of Oakland University. This signature event brings nearly 1,000 students and community members together each year to celebrate student achievement and hear an inspiring message from someone who has contributed to interracial understanding. Thanks to generous sponsorships from PNC Bank, Rocket Companies, Oakland University Credit Union, and Kathleen Ligocki and Pete Rosenau, Oakland University was proud to welcome Emmy and Golden Globe nominated actor, Anthony Anderson to keynote this year’s celebration.
Anderson, star and executive producer of ABC’s multi-award nominated sitcom, “black-ish,” is an active advocate, philanthropist, and champion for the American Diabetes Association, Boys & Girls Club of America, GOOD+ Foundation’s Fatherhood Leadership Council, and more.
Sponsorships have also made it possible to increase the initial level of awards from two $1,000 scholarships in 1993 to several $5,000 scholarships today. Rocket Companies, the 30th Anniversary Event Sponsor, is a longtime supporter of diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) initiatives at Oakland University. Trina Scott, Executive Vice President of Appraisal Services at Amrock and member of the OU Board of Trustees, was proud to be part of this year’s event.
“这是伟大的庆祝梦的门将scholars and the efforts that they are making on campus,” she says. “Anthony Anderson was brilliant in providing historical insights leveraging levity and humor."
MEET THE 2022 KEEP OF THE DREAM SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS
Azana Jones
Elementary Education
“I never had a teacher who looked like me, so I never had a teacher who could teach me things about my history or my life. From that moment I knew I wanted to be a teacher, one that could advocate for myself and students of color who would need it.”
Keyara Pepper-Cameron
Elementary Education
“When I sit through my classes, I’m highly aware of being the only Black student in the room. There’s a significance in seeing your skin tone, race and culture in the texts and surrounding community. It’s paramount that the difference in interracial students is not an outlier, but instead bring Oakland University closer to a common understanding.”
Isabella Mahuad
International Relations
Spanish “I have been given a platform through which I can share my culture with the students of Oakland. I have been able to challenge stereotypes and confront misconceptions people might have. Even when I’ve spoken candidly about my experiences, my peers have learned something new.”
Kelly Knight
Social Work
“Every day, I try to make an impactful influence on campus. Whether it’s mentoring, volunteering or just being a familiar face, I want to make someone’s college experiences easier. Once I graduate, I want to become a social worker that helps Black and Brown kids find the homes they deserve.”
Markeal Williams
Psychology
“Throughout my academic career, I have always prided myself on working against interracial issues and stereotypes. Whether it’d be in the efforts I made in the way I carried myself, or through groups and initiatives I was a part of, I’ve shared my experiences and beliefs and worked to defend the position of minorities.”
Destiny Williams
Public Relations
“As an African American, I like to help others understand the social injustices going on in the world. After losing my cousin at the hands of a deputy, everything I’ve been advocating for seems even more real. I am a leader in breaking down stereotypes and helping interracial understanding as these injustices are close to home.”
Ta’Niya Harris
Social Work
“I believe that it is important to understand and connect with people of a different race in order to stray away from intentionally or unintentionally denigrating them, their culture, beliefs or how they identify with their race. This could eliminate many external and internal conflicts. If we aren’t attempting to learn about others’ race, why would they attempt to learn about ours?”
Special thanks to 30th Anniversary Honorary Co-chairs Richard “Ric” DeVore, president of the Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan, and Trina Scott for their leadership and vision in planning this year’s event.
To learn more about Keeper of the Dream or explore sponsorship opportunities for next year’s event, contact Tanya Griffith,tgriffith@www.zhongqiwg.com.
November 4, 2022
By Noor Hindi
