Dean’s Corner: Dream Initiative

Dear Alumni and Friends,

On August 28, 1963, over 200,000 people marched on Washington for jobs, integration, and voting rights. At the time, it was the largest march in our nation’s history. Fast forward 60 years, the College of Liberal Arts is commemorating this seminal event with a year-long community effort aptly named the Dream Initiative.

Put simply, the Dream Initiative represents a leadership moment, both for our college and the broader Twin Cities community. What actions might we take that align with the vision set forth by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. over six decades ago? How do we continue striving for a ‘beloved community’ in our classrooms, workspaces, and beyond? (If you’re interested, The Dream Pledge offers one opportunity to turn these aspirations into reality.)

This work is joyful and urgent. It is also mission-driven—aligning with CLA’s goals of creating new knowledge, preparing our learners for meaningful lives, and engaging in service to our community. Ultimately, it is work that calls on us to reflect, “If not us, then who?”

The stories in this month’s Alma Matters alumni newsletter demonstrate how we are walking this talk. I invite you to read “The March on Washington for Jobs & Freedom: A History Revealed” with Professor William P. Jones, a historian who, quite literally, wrote the book on the March on Washington. And as he demonstrates, remembering history also means revealing it.

We remember our own history in "Making it in Minnesota,” a feature story celebrating “Doc” O’Neill Sanford, former marching band director at the University and the first African American marching band director in the Big 10 or at any predominantly white institution. Dr. Sanford returned as a special guest to direct a Motown-themed halftime performance in August, presented as part of the college’s Dream Initiative.

I hope you’ll also find inspiration in undergraduate student Yusra Hassan’s story, “Doing Our Part and Hoping for the Best.” Years ago, Yusra’s parents immigrated to the United States and relied on legal services from pro bono UMN law students. Today, she intends to honor their legacy by becoming an immigration attorney. Her work in CLA will leave a lasting impression, too, especially on the many students she encouraged to get out and vote.

And finally, I invite you to check out the recording of our Let Freedom Ring concert, featuring Jovonta Patton, Joe Davis & The Poetic Diaspora, Threads Dance Project, Thomasina Petrus, members of the Twin Cities Choral Consortium, and spoken word artist Eshay Brantley. This was one of the very first events I attended as interim dean and it was absolutely incredible.

Thank you, as always, for the many ways in which you live out our values. We are grateful to include you as part of CLA’s ‘beloved community.’

Sincerely,

Ann Waltner

Interim Dean

Professor, History