The Wheel received this letter from Arthur Doctor, Assistant Director at the Office of Sorority and Fraternity Life, who said that it was written after a meeting held by Black Professionals within the Division of Campus Life. The list will continue to grow as it reaches more Black professionals.
We, the Black Professionals of Emory University,
In solidarity with Black students at Emory University, convened on November 19, 2015, to examine the consistent multidimensional inequalities Black students experience on campus and in society. As a collective, we value coalition building in movements and understand the exhaustive nature of forms of progress needed to dismantle the cycle of oppression for the Black community. We want you all to know that we see you; we hear you; we feel you. Beyond that, we seek to co-construct a plan of action to resolve structural and institutional flaws at Emory University.
We, too, wear the mask. We have silenced our voices in moments where we could have cried out. We have adjusted our language and tone in an effort to be heard. We have stood idle when you needed our support out of fear of potential repercussions. We admire and are inspired by your courage, strength and boldness to evoke a much needed change.
As employees of a university that strives for excellence, we must not be content with acceptance and tolerance. Understanding the importance of action-oriented care, we are committed to supporting you, organizing with you and fearlessly advocating for you.
Yours in community,
Courtney Jones-Stevens, Center for Community Engagement and Leadership
Courtnay Oddman, Residence Life
Des’mon Taylor, Residence Life
Arthur E. Doctor Jr., Office of Sorority and Fraternity Life
Natasha Hopkins, Center for Community Engagement and Leadership
Troizel Carr, Residence Life, Office of Health Promotion, Center for Diversity and Inclusion
Adrienne Slaughter , Office of Student Success Programs and Services
Pamela Epps, Emory Counseling and Psychological Services
Paula Scotman, Finance Service Center
Andrea Grant, Office of Multicultural Programs and Services
Bevin S. Carpenter, Center for Community Engagement & Leadership
Janelle Lopp, Residence Life
James Roland, Barkley Forum Center for Debate Education
Edith Simms, The Career Center
Brenda Robinson, Housing Operations
Rhonda Thompson, Center for Community Engagement & Leadership
Mildred Davis-Echols, The Career Center
Tricia Worrell, Campus Life Finance Service Center
Lillian Coleman, Emory Dining
Latoya Anderson-Reeves, School of Law
Felecia Hines-Carpenter, ECAS- Business Operations
Kalesha Hicks, The Career Center
Malcolm Robinson, The Office of Multicultural Programs and Services; Center for Community Engagement and Leadership
Raphael Coleman, Office of Health Promotion
Wanda Swan, Office of Health Promotion, The Respect Program
Mahlet Endale, Emory Counseling and Psychological Services
Carlton Mackey , Center for Ethics
Kayla Hamilton , Residence Life
Ed Lee, Barkley Forum Center for Debate Education
Marlon Gibson, Office of Sorority and Fraternity Life
Carla Sanders, Center for Community Engagement and Leadership
Asti Magby, Campus Life Finance Service Center
Thandi Chase, Emory Counseling and Psychological Services
Nichelle Frye, Office of Student Conduct, Office of Sorority & Fraternity Life
Kayla Tyson-Young, Dobbs University Center
Brian Cornelius II, Dobbs University Center/ Meeting Services
Phillis Bryant, Campus Life Finance Center
Patricia Taylor, Office of Multicultural Programs and Services, Center for Community and Diversity
John Baker Brown Jr., Emory Campus Life Communications
Arie Smith, Conference Services
Chanel Tanner, Center for Women at Emory
Barbara S. Coble, PhD, Center for Community Engagement and Leadership
Leisa Stafford, Office of Student Support Services and Programs
La Shanda Perryman, ECAS-Department of African American Studies
Barbara Johnson, Counseling and Psychological Services
Erna Wilkerson, Campus Life Finance Center
listening, supporting, sharing….