On February 27th, Wesleyan College hosted a panel of 12 courageous, determined, and empowered women who shared their stories, experiences, and history at the Black Women in Leadership: Standing on Their Shoulders discussion.
Panelists included: Dr. Catherine Meeks, creator of "Standing On Their Shoulders," Wesleyan's first African American full-time faculty member, founding executive director of the Lane Center for Community Engagement and Service, and current director of the Absalom Jones Center for Racial Healing; Chi Ezekwueche; Sylvia McGee; Clara Banks-Chandler; Commissioner Elaine Lucas; Lettie Johnson; Dr. Mary Stenson; Joan Walton; Mary Whitfield; Emma Patterson; Ella Carter; and Dr. Thelma Dillard.
"It was indeed a pleasure and an honor to have these women with us to share their stories, experiences, and lived wisdom. The power and beauty of connection is at work here: Dr. Meeks was the first full-time African American faculty member to serve at our institution, and as a student, I had the privilege of learning under her instruction. In 2001, the year I graduated from Wesleyan, she presented her project "Standing On Their Shoulders." In 2018, she invited me to be the emcee for "Standing On Their Shoulders: Celebrating the Wisdom of African American Women." That event connected me with the women who were on this year’s panel. It has come full-circle back to Wesleyan and I couldn't be more proud," said Tonya Parker, moderator and assistant dean for equity and inclusion at Wesleyan.
