Grambling State News

Grambling, LA – October 31, 2024 – Held at the Fredrick C. Hobdy Assembly Center, the Let Us Dream Conference attracted students, educators, and community leaders to Grambling State University, fostering discussions on social justice and community empowerment. 

The conference featured panel discussions with thought leaders and community advocates who are making a difference, along with networking opportunities and cultural performances. 

As the conference continued, attendees were invited to observe a moment of silence in honor of the late Tori Smith, chair of the LUD 2024 social committee and a beloved sponsor of the event. Following the moment of silence, Madison Mason paid tribute by reading her poem, “What a Beautiful Gift It Is to Let Us Dream.” 

Mason began her heartfelt recitation: 

 “What a beautiful gift it is to let us dream,   

To hope, to inspire and recognize that you are allowed to dream beyond your wildest imagination.   

To speak and to use words of truth and wisdom,   

To express yourself and create an environment where people rightly move forward and achieve greatness.   

A gift to achieve more than the people who doubt you,   

 will have no choice but to believe in their disbelief.   

I encourage you to rise strong and show the world that you are more than your differences, your flaws, and your struggles.   

What a beautiful gift it is to let us dream, a dream bigger than even our perception,   

Because of our dreams, the more that our voices are silenced,   

The more powerful our spirits scream.   

They scream for happiness and joy—   

They scream to be free.   

I am beyond proud to be who my ancestors couldn’t be.   

 My resilience and courage are unmatched when it comes to me, 

 To you,   

And everyone in this room and beyond,   

Who has yet to see what a beautiful gift it is to let us dream.” 

Following Mason’s poem, Father Thomas Lijo shared his thoughts with the audience. He is dedicated to academics with a passion for community-university interventions and is the founder and president of Let Us Dream Inc., an organization that empowers communities and youth established in India, Tanzania, Germany, and the United States. 

Father Lijo stressed the need for collaboration and unity.  

“Thank you for everything that you do and everything that you dream about for building our community,” Father Lijo said. “It is vital that you play a significant role in connecting and bringing together these wonderful stories from the heart. We must unite small community initiatives and transform these stories into service models that inspire younger generations.” 

Grambling State University President Martin Lemelle Jr. welcomed attendees, highlighting the university’s rich history and achievements. “We are dreamers here at Grambling State University, born of dreamers who came before us. Today, we celebrate 123 years of this great institution,” President Lemelle Jr. said. 

The presidential panel included leaders from the University of Louisiana Monroe, Grambling State University, Louisiana Tech University, and the University of New Orleans, along with representatives from institutions in Germany and India. They discussed the importance of promoting diversity and global awareness. 

 Panelists shared initiatives to encourage cross-cultural exchanges, structured dialogues, and collaborative projects, emphasizing the importance of preparing students for a global community. 

Ronald Berry, President of the University of Louisiana Monroe, discussed his insight on global awareness. “It’s vital that we encourage students, especially those from rural areas, to step outside of their comfort zones,” President Berry said. 

 Kathy Johnson, President of University of New Orleans, spoke about the value of international students in enriching campus diversity. “Diverse student bodies bring a wealth of experiences and viewpoints,” President Johnson said. “As leaders, it’s our priority to help all students understand and appreciate these differences while fostering an inclusive environment.” 

 The discussion shifted to the importance of facilitating dialogue among students. “Creating structured techniques for conversations can help students engage with each other on a deeper level,” President Johnson said. “We need to encourage them to get to know one another beyond surface appearances and understand the richness of each other’s backgrounds.”  

 Several presidents shared their initiatives aimed at promoting global awareness. Programs that encourage cross-cultural exchanges, workshops on effective communication, and collaborative projects between international and local students were among the solutions proposed.  

The conversation illustrated the collective commitment of the panelists to not only prepare students for the global community but to also cultivate an environment where diversity is celebrated and embraced.

A student-led discussion focused on cultural harmony and the significance of inclusion within education. Students highlighted the need for policies that create safe spaces, support diverse voices, and incorporate cultural awareness into the curriculum. Panelists proposed practical solutions for promoting cultural harmony within schools, such as establishing peer mentorship programs and collaborative projects that unite students from different backgrounds. These initiatives can help break down barriers and build understanding among students. 

Deputy Sheriff Gary Guice of the Morehouse Parish Sheriff’s Office delivered an inspiring address about the Dream Program, which aims to help overlooked students discover their worth and potential. He emphasized the importance of mentorship and giving back to the community. 

 He emphasized the program’s goal of helping students who might feel overlooked. “These are the kids who may slip through the cracks, making good grades but not standing out because they haven’t found their voice,” Guice said. “The Dream Program gives them the chance to discover their worth and learn that they have something important to contribute, not only to their families and schools but to the world at large.” 

 Guice described how the program encourages students to set small goals that lead to larger aspirations. “We help them identify their ambitions, whether it’s catching up in reading or being the first in their family to graduate high school,” Guice said. “These are the children who will one day attend Grambling State University or Louisiana Tech and make a difference in Louisiana.” 

 He concluded with a powerful message about the importance of giving back. “These skills and dreams are not meant to be kept to oneself; they are meant to be shared,” Guice said. “We teach students to help others identify and accomplish their goals. There’s no price that can be put on this program, and I am grateful for the opportunity to celebrate the young lives we have the privilege to guide.” 

 The educational panel convened to discuss the critical aspects of sacred education, focusing on the importance of being conscious of who participates in discussions, accountability, and awareness of global issues affecting education. The panel featured educators from various institutions, who shared insights on how these factors influence the overall learning environment. 

 The educators emphasized the need for conscious decision-making in educational settings, highlighting the importance of including diverse voices in discussions that shape policies and practices. They stressed that accountability at all levels is essential for fostering an environment where every student feels valued and supported. 

 Funding in the school system was a significant point of discussion, with panelists addressing the challenges schools face in securing adequate resources. They noted that proper funding is vital not only for educational materials but also for implementing safety measures and support services that protect students. 

 The issue of safety against gun violence was also a primary concern. Panelists outlined the need for comprehensive strategies to keep students safe in schools, which may include enhanced security measures, mental health resources, and community engagement initiatives aimed at preventing violence. 

 Concerns regarding equity, inclusion, and diversity were highlighted throughout the discussion. Educators recognized that addressing these issues is crucial for creating a truly equitable educational landscape. They called for innovative solutions to ensure that all students have access to the resources and support their need to thrive. 

The social panel at the Let Us Dream Conference examined the profound impact of cultural exchange on fostering a sense of unity and belonging among diverse communities. Panelists discussed the importance of breaking down the barriers of “us versus them” by encouraging contributions from all cultural groups to create a more inclusive environment. 

 Panelists emphasized that cultural exchange serves as a powerful tool in building understanding and empathy between different communities. By sharing experiences, traditions, and perspectives, individuals can cultivate a deeper appreciation for one another, which ultimately strengthens social ties and promotes cohesion. 

 The discussion highlighted the critical role of community outreach programs in these efforts. Panelists noted that such programs provide opportunities for engagement and collaboration among diverse cultural groups. These initiatives not only facilitate dialogue but also create a platform for individuals to work together on common goals, further enhancing community bonds. 

 The health panel addressed how healthcare providers can enhance cultural competence to better serve diverse communities. Experts discussed strategies for engaging underrepresented populations and the importance of understanding cultural perceptions of mental health and dietary practices. 

 The Let Us Dream Conference concluded with a renewed commitment to fostering collaboration, understanding, and inclusivity across various sectors. The Let Us Dream Conference not only served as a platform for dialogue but also as a catalyst for action, and an inspiration to continue their work in their respective communities and reinforcing the belief that together, they can create lasting change.