Gateway continued its celebration of Black History Month with a “Panel for Peace & Solidarity II: Moving America Forward”. Hosted by GCC’s Office of Student Activities, this free virtual panel discussion took place on Monday, February 22 from 1:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.

The event’s discussion on diversity, equity, and inclusion informed and educated participants through insightful conversation. Panelists shared their perspectives and ideas on how we can all help to “Move America Forward”.

Participating panelist were: 

Dr. William T. Brown: Chief Executive Officer, Gateway Community College

Dr. Jane Gates - Interim President, Connecticut State Colleges and Universities

Dr. Dwayne Smith - Chief Executive Officer, Housatonic Community College

Dr. Ann-Marie Jones: Program Coordinator, Nuclear Medicine Technology, Gateway

Community College

Deja Scott: Social Justice and Safe Zone Educator, Facilitator, Consultant

Social Justice Teacher, Hyde Leadership Charter School, Bronx, NY

Dr. Colena Sesanker: Assistant Professor of Philosophy, Gateway Community College Chair, Faculty Advisory Committee to the Board of Regents for Higher Education

Alfred Guante, Director of the Office of Student Activities, said that participants bring a deeper understanding and will be given a chance to participate by asking questions of their own.

“They will gain insight on how these accomplished panelists think and will have the opportunity to ask questions as well. Part of moving forward begins with the ability to listen, to learn from each other and use the information acquired to spread awareness that can begin the process of truly understanding how actions affect an individual, a group, a country and even the world,” Guante explained.