Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. referenced “drum major for justice” in his 1968 sermon, “The Drum Major Instinct,” describing one who is a leader in the fight for social justice and peace. West Chester University’s Drum Majors for Justice are alumni who, through their personal and or professional efforts, have exemplified themselves as pillars of the community. They are role models, leaders in their field, and actively involved in improving the world around them. 

Dr. Lisa Montgomery
Director of Student Advocacy and Resources

The Larry Dowdy Community Service award is presented to a past or present WCU staff member who, through their personal and or professional efforts, consistently demonstrates an unyielding dedication to service and has been inspirational in the lives of WCU faculty, staff, administrators, and students.  

The nominee/s ongoing community service must incorporate the below characteristics:

1. Leadership: An individual who makes significant contributions to building a sense of unity and purpose in their community. The nominee should have a demonstrated ability to build stronger communities through promotion of personal growth and development.
2. Social Responsibility: An individual who assists others in improving their communities through volunteer programs, social groups, outreach centers, sports programs or after school groups. The nominee should have contributed to least one community program or initiative with measurable results of how they impacted participants of that community program or initiative.
3. Mentorship: An individual who demonstrates positive values and behaviors that influence others to emulate or aspire to emulate. The nominee should have examples of instances during which they have mentored community members in a positive way.
4. Change Agent: An individual who influences or stimulates others to effect positive changes through personal development or self-improvement. The nominee should have demonstrated their role as a change agent. 

Dr. Daniela Johannes
Associate Professor of Latin American Studies and Spanish in the Department of
Languages and Cultures

This award recognizes a student organization at WCU that embodies the teachings and vision of Dr. King through exceptional dedication to community service and social change. This award honors student groups whose work reflects Dr. King’s belief that “everyone can be great because everyone can serve.” We encourage nominations that highlight meaningful, ongoing efforts that positively impact our campus and/or broader communities.

We invite you to nominate a student organization that has demonstrated:

• A record of service initiatives that address community needs
• Programs or partnerships that foster unity and uplift others
• A commitment to advancing justice through intentional action

Black Men United

Amari Jackson: President
Jason Walters: Vice President
Michael Burrell: Secretary
Michael Brooks: Treasurer
Ronnell Williams: Programs Coordinator
Ryan Williams: Public Relations Chair
Eric Budu: Historian
Elijah Louis-Benjamin: SGA-MOAB Representative
Zyair Lofton-Jenkins: Brother Ambassador
Tymir Jones: Community Service Chair
Lakai Terry: Sister Ambassador
Jeramie Hampton: General Executive Board Member
Chad Browne: General Executive Board Member
Nina Simone-Vaughn: General Executive Board Membe
Skyy Bassett: General Executive Board Member
Johnathan Manyeka: Freshman Representative
Makayla Webb: Freshman Representative
Kamayah Gillis: Freshman Representative