Dear Thorobred Family,
This week, as part of Black History Month, Kentucky State University proudly hosted
the 2026 Black History Celebration Speaker Series: Student Voices, presented in partnership with the Kentucky Black Legislative Caucus.
When Dr. Carter G. Woodson established this annual observance a century ago, his aspiration
was clear: to elevate disciplined historical inquiry and secure its rightful place
within American education. That vision continues to guide how institutions approach
Black History Month today. At Kentucky State University — the Commonwealth’s only
public HBCU and 1890 land-grant institution — the study of history is reflective,
contextual, and closely tied to leadership, citizenship, and responsibility.
The program brought together students from Kentucky State University, Northern Kentucky
University, the University of Kentucky, and the University of Louisville for panel
discussions centered on educational journeys, aspirations, and vision for the future.
Among the participants in the first panel were Kentucky State students T’Naya Gee
and Zakeyia Satterwhite, whose perspectives contributed meaningfully to the broader
conversation. Four additional Kentucky State students — Tahja Toney, Taliyah Walker,
Shioneka Farr, and Jailen Jones — contributed to the second panel discussion, representing
the strength of our campus community within a statewide exchange.
The discussions were facilitated by Senator Gerald A. Neal of the Kentucky General
Assembly and moderated by Dr. Aaron Thompson, president of the Kentucky Council on
Postsecondary Education, fostering substantive dialogue grounded in mutual respect
and shared purpose.
In the week leading up to the event, our students were also invited to submit essays
responding to a prompt inspired by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s observation that “today’s
despair is a poor chisel to carve out tomorrow’s justice.” The challenge asked participants
to reflect on how leadership, perseverance, and disciplined thought shape the work
of building a more just society.
During the celebration, the announcement of the essay award recipients underscored
the depth of reflection their work demonstrated. I am grateful to The Ink Spot, our
Writing Center, for hosting the contest and encouraging precisely the kind of thoughtful
inquiry Dr. Woodson envisioned.
Brianna Sparkman’s First Place essay examined the leadership of Ella Baker and Fannie
Lou Hamer — figures whose work reshaped grassroots organizing and civic participation
during the Civil Rights Movement. Brianna concluded her essay with a powerful affirmation:
“The chisel of justice is still in our hands.” Her words remind us that leadership
is steady work carried forward with conviction.
Second Place honors were awarded to Mona Joshi for an essay connecting agricultural
innovation, environmental stewardship, and contemporary soil science research — themes
that resonate deeply at a land-grant university. Third Place was awarded to Toccara
Bozeman, whose essay blended historical analysis with personal narrative to explore
resilience, generational strength, and civic responsibility. Together, these student
contributions demonstrate intellectual depth and serious engagement with history’s
enduring questions.
A century after Dr. Woodson articulated his vision for Black History Month, Kentucky
State University reflects the kind of inquiry he sought to inspire — scholarship that
is rigorous, conversation that is substantive, and reflection directed toward responsible
action. Our engagement remains rooted in history and oriented toward the future.
This observance may occupy a month on the calendar, but the principles it affirms
shape the life of this University every day. The serious study of history, the preparation
of thoughtful leaders, and the stewardship of civil discourse are enduring commitments.
I am proud of our students and grateful for a campus community that understands intellectual
rigor and respectful dialogue define the lasting work of higher education.
Onward and Upward,
Koffi C. Akakpo, Ph.D.
President
Kentucky State University