By Karson Institute for Race, Peace and Social Justice
The Karson Institute for Race, Peace and Social Justice marked its five-year anniversary with a VIP reception on Oct. 8 at Loyola Notre Dame Library, followed by a symposium on Oct. 9 at Loyola University Maryland. These events convened educators, officials and community leaders for reflection and dialogue on the Institute and democracy.
The Oct. 8 reception opened with live jazz by local musicians, followed by a welcome from founding executive director Dr. Karsonya Wise Whitehead, affectionately known as “Dr. Kaye,” and Dr. LaMarr Darnell Shields, a nationally recognized educator and thought leader, hosted the event.
Greetings were given by Loyola President Terrence M. Sawyer, J.D., Provost Cheryl Moore-Thomas, Ph.D.; Chief Equity Officer Rodney Parker, Ph.D.; and Notre Dame of Maryland University Provost Martha Walker, Ph.D.
VIP remarks came from Representative Kweisi Mfume (D-MD-07) and Baltimore City State’s Attorney Ivan Bates. Brooke Lierman, Maryland comptroller, presented Dr. Kaye with a Citation. Frances “Toni” Draper, CEO and publisher of The AFRO American Newspapers, also attended the event. The AFRO is the longest-running family-owned African-American newspaper in the United States.
During the fireside chat with Dr. Shields, Dr. Kaye highlighted past partners, programs and successes of the Karson Institute over its first five years, such as The Backpack Journalism Program, the Wilson Peace Symposium and the work of the Center for Research and Culture. This conversation set the stage for envisioning what comes next for the Institute.
Looking ahead, Dr. Kaye described the Institute as a lighthouse for Baltimore and noted new partners, including the Baltimore Collegiate School for Boys and the Richman Foundation.
Following a benediction by the Rev. Timothy Brown, S.J., guests were invited to tour the Karson Institute. Before departing, guests were given their own pint of Taharka Brothers’ ice cream. The new flavor, launched in honor of Dr. Kaye, is called “Dr. Kaye’s Taste of Freedom: Justice you can savor.” It is an intentionally curated, three-layered ice cream journey. The top layer is Black cocoa ice cream mixed with white chocolate chips. It represents disruption and intentionality. The second layer is French Vanilla, symbolizing kreyòl and cultures blending together. The bottom layer is Kenyan coffee beans mixed with brownie bits, representing kujichagulia or self-determination, the second principle of the Nguzo Saba. Dr. Kaye’s Taste of Freedom will be available at Taharka Brothers throughout the month of October.
The night of Oct. 9, The Karson Institute hosted its Anniversary Symposium, “Another Sankofa Moment: Looking Back to Move Forward,” with members of the community. The panelists Dr. Lester Spence, professor of political science at Johns Hopkins University; Jason Green, documentary filmmaker and an alum of the Obama 2008 campaign and Obama White House; Katara West, senior equity specialist from Anne Arundel County Public Schools; and, Dr. LaMar Darnell Shields were joined by Loyola students offering readings by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. And Nicole Hannah Jones. Dr. Kaye’s father, for whom the Karson is named, closed the evening in prayer.
In the spirit of Sankofa — reaching back to fetch what we’ve left behind — the Karson Institute took these two days not only to reflect on its progress, but also to chart a path forward, demonstrating how milestones inspire future action.