"I do not know the power of my hand, I do not know the power of my black hand."

~ Lance Jeffers

Prior to starting at NC State University (NCSU), I was invited to attend the "African American Symposium," an extended orientation experience designed for African-American students. The three-day program was less about academics (we had all been accepted and were arguably capable), but more about making critical connections, understanding our history, affirming our assets, realizing our fullest potential, and understanding our power. But I didn't need that. I was a smart, talented, and ambitious adult. I passed on the invitation. Two years later I would realize the gravity of my mistake as my confidence in class faltered, and I struggled to feel like I belonged. Needless to say, I learned from my folly, and in my senior year, served as a Symposium Counselor for incoming students, and it was one of the most transformative experiences of my undergraduate career.

The poem "When I Know the Power of My Black Hand" by Lance Jeffers was passionately recited to each incoming cohort of symposium students by a legend at NC State, Dr. Lawrence Clark. Dr. Clark was a professor and a man of many firsts at NCSU. As we celebrate Black History Month, the magnitude of my appointment as the first Black President of Prairie State is not lost on me. We serve a predominately Black student population. Our district is so racially and ethnically diverse. This is significant for many of us, and a celebration for all of us. I am here because I was reminded of my own power at a very young age, and repeatedly by faculty, staff, and peers.

Each of you have an important role in making students who come to PSC feel powerful. Even the most prepared students, like I thought I was, do not know their own value, potential, or power. We have to remind them, hold them to high expectations, and then support each of them to meet those high expectations. That is the equity work ahead of us, and the way we are going to close the gaps in opportunity and achievement within our student population. This means that our resources, attention, words, and actions will have to align to that end. It is one of the most important things we can do, not only for the students and their families, but for our community, and for our very livelihood as a college. I am thankful to have colleagues who see our students, each and every student, as unique learners with unique needs; and who go on to meet those needs, be they academic, biological, emotional, psychological, or social.

Have a wonderful weekend, and a great Black History Month!