Wheelock College Alumni of Color Day

On September 16, 2006, over 60 alumni and faculty participated in Wheelock’s Alumni of Color Day. The event was a day for celebration, connection and appreciation. As classmates registered, and looked through their yearbooks, laughter and conversation filled the room.

Our faculty roundtable discussions offered the opportunity for alumni and faculty to connect and have open dialogue about many topics relating to race and ethnicity. The conversations were dynamic. Detris Honora Adelabu, Ed.D., assistant professor of human development, led a conversation about "African-American Adolescents and School Achievement." Maya Honda Ed.D, , associate professor of human development, explored the "The Politics of Language," bilingual education in Massachusetts to English-only policies and practices in the workplace. Paula Elliot Ed.D, assistant professor of the elementary education department, led a rich dialogue concerning “resistance to teaching and learning about race, racism and identity.” Dr. Joeritta Jones de Almeida, assistant professor of education’s, topic was “Getting Down With Da Sistas: Views of Empowerment in a Grassroots Organization.” She spoke about the grassroots organization Sista II Sista, which works with young women of color for individual empowerment and social justice in Brooklyn, New York. Leland Clarke ’75, associate professor of education and music, spoke about the “Roxbury Historical Trail.” Thank you to all faculty members who led or participated in these lively discussions!

The highlight of the day was the luncheon in honor of Wheelock’s first faculty member of color, Frances Perkins. As President Jenkins-Scott passed the microphone around the room, each person introduced themselves and talked about their experience at Wheelock. Like many others, Roberta Green ’83 attributes Fran Perkins as the reason she stayed at Wheelock. When Roberta finished her second year at Wheelock, and decided she did not want to teach, it was Fran who introduced her to the new B.S.W. program and, the reason Roberta is a social worker today. Professor Emerita Dr. Eleanor Chasdi and Jeri Robinson ’71/’78MS gave remarks, as President Jenkins-Scott awarded Fran a crystal book inscribed: “In honor of Frances Perkins, the first faculty member of color at Wheelock College. For your unwavering strength, wisdom, leadership and service to the College. You have truly exemplified the tradition of Lucy Wheelock by furthering the mission of Wheelock College: to improve the lives of children and families. September 16, 2006.”

Fran then gave remarks of her own. She talked about her life’s path and the lesson she learned from her mother, at a young age, that drives her work and passion for education. Fran, accompanied by her son Joseph and granddaughter Catherine, was so proud to see the room filled with people of color, and said, “To think, I was the first one.”

In the afternoon, alumni heard from Wanda Montanez, assistant director of undergraduate admissions, who introduced the student panel made up of Shannon Pitman ’08, Cheryli Quionnes ’08 and Chevon Harrison ’09. President Jenkins-Scott gave an update about the College, followed by department updates from Dr. Suzanne Pasch, Lisa Walmsley and Marta Rosa.

President Jenkins-Scott hosted a lovely reception at her home followed by a dinner on the Brookline Campus in the marble foyer. Another highlight of the day was the performance by Karen Jones Meadows ’74, Harriet’s Return: Based Upon the Legendary Life of Harriet Tubman. The Wheelock Family Theatre was filled with members of the Wheelock and Boston communities. Ms. Jones Meadows gave an amazing and riveting performance, the culmination of a fabulous day for Wheelock’s alumni of color. Thank you to everyone who participated and made this event such a success.