In the fall of 2019, the Harvard Alumni Association published a “Red Book” collection of personal stories from its first-generation Harvard alumni community. HAA hosted an alumni book reading event for first-generation students, “A Tribute to Our Trailblazers,” in honor of National First-Generation College Celebration Day on November 8, in which students were given a copy of the "Red Book" as gifts. This highly collaborative storytelling pilot harnessed the power of personal narrative to create a new model of community building, centered on diverse points of view and life experiences that lifts up shared values to promote a sense of unity and belonging within the Harvard community. This compilation gives voice to the courage, resilience, and strength of first-gen students and alumni. It also serves as inspiration and validation for the first-gen experience and illuminates the unsung heroes of the Harvard community. The "Red Book" provides sobering accounts of the challenges Harvard must confront to evolve to a place of belonging for all. This pilot program has exceeded all expectations, resulting in both anticipated and unanticipated big-idea outcomes that assert the importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion and the value of a college education.
From the Judges
Great use of storytelling to engage first-generation alumni and strengthen ties to history. Well done.
