From the Nominator

"On November 13, 2021, St. Mary’s College of Maryland presented “The Sacred Journey: Re-Making Our World Anew” in observation of the first anniversary of the dedication of our commemorative to enslaved peoples of Southern Maryland, located on the college campus. The commemorative is an artistic and interactive enslaved peoples quarter replica conceived by St. Mary's College of Maryland (SMCM) President Tuajuanda C. Jordan to give voice to the enslaved. 

The two-mile series of activities to give it visibility was overseen by a faculty-led steering committee and produced by the office of institutional advancement. Key participants included President Jordan; faculty scholars in history, anthropology, museum studies, environmental studies, and music; community partners from living history museums, churches, and the NAACP; and K-12 educators. SMCM college students performed music and read the names of the enslaved at key moments of the ceremony to honor them. 

What transpired on this cool, crisp fall day was a powerful coming together of people from different backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives in a common commitment to work for a future where equality, justice, and peace prevail. Reflecting upon the day, environmental studies faculty and steering committee member Ellen Kohl said, “I was struck by the contrasts of the day, pain and beauty, past and present, remembering and moving forward.”"

From the Judges

Good demonstration of impact with supporting evidence; good cross-representation and delivery of event across multiple stakeholder groups. Great use of a variety of disciplines to convey the impact and message.