Warriors in the Community is a radio segment that features short, insightful interviews with key figures from Wayne State University about the many ways in which the university and its programs make a positive impact on the metro area and on the lives of Detroiters.
In episode 17, we talk with professor David Goldberg, Ph.D., who oversees the Crockett-Lumumba Scholars, a four-year student success program designed to help students better understand themselves, their cultural inheritance and social responsibilities by grounding them in the concept of “Harambee," a term and principle that emerged out of the Kenyan liberation struggle that means "all pull together.” The program rests on the idea that a collective focus, emphasis on community building and mentorship, culturally relevant education, commitment to academic excellence and social action will create a generation of graduates who will carry forward the struggle for Black self-determination and social and economic justice on and off campus for decades to come.
Transcript
Intro: This is “Warriors in the Community” brought to you by Wayne State University, and now to learn about how Wayne State is positively impacting our community, here is Darrell Dawsey.
Darrell Dawsey: Today I am with David Goldberg PhD. He's an associate professor of African American Studies and has founded a new learning community aimed directly at enhancing community service and activism. Tell us about the program, what it's called, and why it's necessary.
David Goldberg: Yes, so we've created the Crockett Lumumba Scholars Program at Wayne State University. It's a four year student success program for students who are interested in African American studies and social justice.
The program was named after the Crocketts, not just Judge George Crockett, who many people are familiar with, but also his wife, ethylene Crockett, who was the first black woman gynecologist in Detroit. The Lumumba piece, actually, it's named after Detroiter Chokwe Lumumba, the corner of Warren and Cass is now named after Chokwe Lumumba.
Darrell Dawsey: What should we expect from students who go through the program? In terms of impact on the community?
David Goldberg: Yes. Very intentionally. We're trying to have it intergenerational dialogue between people who have been active fighting structural racism in the past, as well as with the youth. So, Students in the program will give back to the community.
They'll serve as mentors and tutors for students in d p s. And on the flip side of that, they'll also receive a professional mentor in their respective field. A critical piece of this is that we want people engaged in community. So every student who's a part of the program will be a part of a service learning project with grassroots organizations in Detroit.
Darrell Dawsey: And how can people support you, can support us?
David Goldberg: We have a concert coming up on August 12th at the new Hilberry Gateway Theater. It's the Detroit Jazz City plus orchestra and some of the best musicians in the city of Detroit, and they're performing a benefit concert. You could also look up Crockett Lumumba Scholars, Wayne State on Google, and you can learn more about the program. We have a donation page as well.
Darrell Dawsey: David Goldberg, Ph.D., thank you so much for joining.
Extro: This has been “Warriors in the Community.” For more Wayne State News, please visit us online at today.wayne.edu/wwj and join us here next Monday at the same time for more warriors in the community.