Dear AAAA Members, Colleagues and Friends:
On the fortieth anniversary of the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., we take time to reflect upon what has transpired since his passing. Much has been attained towards achieving Dr. King’s dream and vision – more women and persons of color are moving up the corporate ladder, in higher education and government. We are beginning to address the need for persons with disabilities to become full participants in the workplace and society. The wage gap is closing, albeit slowly, and we are experiencing a first in presidential politics: a woman and an African American are candidates for the presidency and a Hispanic was a recent contender as well.
There is much more ground to cover, however. The number of charges filed with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission remains unacceptably high. Racial harassment cases and incidents with nooses are far too common, even in the academy. Many professionals who happen to be of color continue to face daily insults based on their race. I can recall our Executive Director and I leaving Omaha, Nebraska a few weeks ago and we faced a most demeaning experience with TSA screeners at the airport – a reminder that while we have our accomplishments, some continue to see us as less than equal in America.
At our upcoming 34th annual conference in Falls Church, VA, themed a “New Era of Leadership and Action,” we will re-commit to the struggle to promote equal opportunity, access and diversity through affirmative action. I hope to see you there.There is still much to be done. We need all of you to ensure that Dr. King’s sacrifice will not have been in vain.
Sincerely,
ReNee S. Dunman
President, AAAA
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