Rev. Brian J. Shanley, O.P., President St. John's University-New York | St. John's University-New York
Rev. Brian J. Shanley, O.P., President St. John's University-New York | St. John's University-New York
St. John's University recently honored six individuals who embody the spirit of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. during a celebration marking the start of Black History Month on its Queens, NY campus. The event, sponsored by the Office of Multicultural Affairs, took place on January 27 at the annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Legacy Dinner in the D’Angelo Center Ballroom.
The honorees included students Shanelle L. Chambliss and Adam Choudry; Samuel Baah, Director of Campus Activities and New Student Orientation; Natalie P. Byfield, Ph.D., Professor in the Department of Sociology and Anthropology; Andre McKenzie, Ed.D., retired former Vice Provost; and James J. Shannon ’87CBA, a member of the University's Board of Trustees.
The evening featured performances by St. John’s Sinai Radiant Liturgical Praise Dance Ministry, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority's university chapter, and Remy Martin ’16P, ’18GEd, a doctoral candidate in The School of Education.
Deuel Ross, Deputy Director of Litigation at the NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund, Inc., delivered a keynote address alongside Rachel Pereira, J.D., Ed.D., Vice President of Equity and Inclusion at St. John’s. Dr. Pereira highlighted that 2025 marks 60 years since "Bloody Sunday," when Dr. King led marchers across Selma's Edmund Pettis Bridge in Alabama amidst violence. “The marchers’ bravery and sacrifice shaped the conscience of the nation,” she stated.
Mr. Ross emphasized ongoing efforts to uphold Dr. King's legacy: “Continuing to have faith that the world can and will get better is so deeply ingrained in the work Dr King did." He also discussed his role as one of NAACP's lead attorneys ensuring equal access to education and political processes for people of color.
University President Rev. Brian J. Shanley underscored St. John's commitment to diversity consistent with its Vincentian heritage: “I want the work we do on behalf of DEI to be done in the spirit of our Catholic and Vincentian mission.”
The honorees were acknowledged for their contributions to advancing Dr. King's agenda within St. John's community.
James J. Shannon is CEO at Indus Capital Partners and has been on St John's Board since 2016 while Andre McKenzie retired after four decades serving both administratively & academically last year (2024).
Samuel Baah manages new student orientation each summer assisting students & families transition into life at university - introduced by Sharod Tomlinson as one among most welcoming administrators around campus!
Dr Natalie Byfield teaches popular courses focusing how language shapes society reflecting directly upon MLK’s vision empowerment among others celebrated too like Adam overcoming learning difficulties becoming successful physics major/figure skater teaching others excel ice rink plus Shanelle involved criminal justice studies leading retreats volunteering food pantry seeing direct connection between work MLK/Vincentian service commitment saying grateful those caring about equality every race/class/religion!
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