Message from the Director—February 2025
Celebrating Our Strength in Difference
From: Dr. Miguel Baique, Director of the David T. Kearns Center for Leadership and Diversity, University of Rochester
Together, we can make a difference. Together, we can build a brighter future for all.
As we celebrate Black History Month, a time dedicated to honoring the resilience, brilliance, and contributions of Black leaders, scholars, and communities, we also celebrate the ongoing fight for social and economic mobility, equity, and equality—values that have guided movements for justice for generations.
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. once said, “The arc of the moral universe is long, but it bends toward justice.” These words remind us that, though progress may be challenged, it cannot be undone. The shifting political and economic climate in the U.S. presents significant challenges to our collective efforts; yet, even in the face of these obstacles, we are not powerless. Across the nation, including here in Rochester, advocates, policymakers, and communities continue to push forward, demonstrating that the pursuit of justice and equity requires persistence, resilience, and unwavering commitment. The work we do at the Kearns Center—to uplift first-generation, low-income, and historically marginalized students, to advocate for inclusive excellence, and to empower the next generation of scholars and leaders—remains as urgent and vital as ever. We will not falter. We will not be deterred. We will continue to serve. We will continue to advocate.
For over two decades, the Kearns Center has been a beacon of opportunity and support. And we will remain committed. We will continue to fight for the students who walk through our doors. We will continue to push for systemic change, to amplify voices too often silenced, and to build bridges where others seek to erect walls. Our students continue to shine. They continue to succeed. And together, we will ensure that nothing dims their light.
A year ago, I shared a message that remains just as relevant today, and I feel compelled to revisit it. To the Kearns Center community—
You are at the core of everything I do. As your advocate and ally, I am committed to standing alongside you in the fight for justice and equity. Your voices, your dreams, and your aspirations are what drive me every single day. I see and hear about your potential, and I am dedicated to ensuring that you have the opportunities and support you need to thrive. Though I may not achieve every task or perfectly execute every endeavor, please understand that my commitment to advocating for you remains unwavering. I am dedicated to continuous learning and growth, even through moments of mistake.
Together, we can make a difference. Together, we can build a brighter future for all.
In solidarity,
Miguel Baique