West Chester University
Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration
The Society, formerly known as The Frederick Douglass Society, is a diverse group of predominantly Black and Brown faculty, staff, students, and administrators of West Chester University, who seek to elevate the social consciousness of the campus, and community at large. The organization facilitates the work and service needed to promote a re-imagined society that encompasses social justice, genuine equity, real reform, the arts, and holistic education.
Rising from the bonds of slavery, Frederick Douglass became an abolitionist, social justice educator, and civil rights leader. In the spirit of his life’s work, The Society is committed to inclusive excellence by promoting empowerment through education, social justice through civic engagement, and the advancement of human rights through thoughtful public dialogue. Society members provide leadership, support, and guidance to the West Chester University community regarding multicultural education and equality.
The Society aims to stimulate other groups on campus to enrich the campus climate. The organization annually raises money for scholarship funds to increase the economic options available to the student body, specifically to persons of color, along with those from a variety of ethnic groups. The Society seeks to promote an intellectual standard that is not only grounded in excellence, but also profoundly rooted in the public mission of higher education.
Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration
The Society along with the WCU campus community celebrate the legacy of Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. annually via a brunch celebration. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the 2021 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. event will be offered virtually to the WCU campus community.
Frederick Douglass Legacy Scholarship
The Frederick Douglass Legacy Scholarship, sponsored by The Society, is awarded to qualifying undergraduate and graduate students at West Chester University in amounts up to $1000 per request. The organization established the student scholarship fund to support student success by enabling students to enhance their education through high impact educational activities.
The purpose of the fund is to provide support in the following areas:
• To purchase textbooks
• To attend a professional conference (particularly if the student will be a presenter)
• To complete an internship or other academic or professional training experience
• To conduct or advance a research project
• To engage in service learning
• To participate in study abroad or other educational travel
• To provide supplemental assistance with educational expenses
Drum Major for Justice
Each year a WCU alumnus is awarded the Drum Major for Justice Award. This prestigious award is given to an individual who follows in the footsteps of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. by dedicating their lives to the work of gaining justice for others. The award will be given at the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. 28th Annual Celebration on January 29, 2021.
Previous Drum Major for Justice Recipients
2021 Courtland Bragg
Deidre Gray
2020 Ms. Laurena Tolson
2019 Dr. Darren Lipscomb
2018 Ms. Debonair Oates-Primus
Dr. Dan K. Williams - PA State Representative 74th District
2017 Mr. Suni and Mr. Shariff Blackwell
Mr. James Lindsay
2016 Ms. Kia Butler
Col. James Williams
2015 Mr. Otis Bullock
Ms. Pamela Long
2014 Mr. Gregory Shannon
Mrs. Ellen D.W. Walton-Flamer
2013 Dr. Daryl Howard
Ms. Diane Horsey
2012 Dr. Broadus Davis
Ms. Gwen McKinney
2011 Dr. Ronn Jenkins
2010 Mr. David Lindenmuth
Dr. Kendrick Mickens
Mr. Leonard Miller
2009 Dr. George E. Allen
Dr. Eileen “Eli” DeHope
Mr. Bill Jolly
Mr. Stephen R. McKiernan
2008 Dr. Leon Bass
Dr. Timothy J. Brown
Mr. Scott W. Reid
2007 Mr. Robert Coleman
Mr. David Flamer
Mrs. Geneva Henderson Bost
Mrs. Joan Ricks Nelson
2007 Dr. H. Viscount “Berky” Nelson
Mr. Dwayne Wharton
2006 Mrs. Marcia Thomas Bayne
Ms. Beverly Lindsey
Ms. Aubria Nance
Ms. Cynthia Threatt
2005 Mr. Omar Barlow
Mr. John A. Dawkins, III
Dr. Michelle L. Dozier
Ms. Shanese Johnson