Black History Lives Here
Request InformationA Landmark Story Series Presented by Walden University
Welcome to Black History Lives Here, a four-part series of moving conversations with Black members of the Walden community as they share their stories and discuss how we can all contribute to a better future.
Meet Your Speakers
Jack Monell, PhD in Human Services and Criminal Justice
As associate professor and program coordinator in North Carolina, Dr. Jack Monell is a social justice scholar and advocate who uses his personal and professional experiences to make a difference in the lives of others. His research focuses on Afro-Latino youth and their families, pop culture, and delinquency paradigm shifts. In addition to his academic responsibilities, he serves as a consultant for local, state, and federal agencies and is a member of the American Society of Criminology.
Dr. Crystal Francis ’17
A native of Houston, Texas, Crystal Francis earned her PhD in Public Policy and Administration from Walden University, focusing her dissertation on prisoner re-entry and employment. She then turned her passion for policy reform and social justice into a meaningful career serving her Baltimore community. Currently, Crystal is a program analyst for the Social Security Administration and the chair of the Baltimore County Democratic State Central Committee.
Meet Your Moderator
Isaac Cudjoe, Chief of Staff and Director of Center for Social Change
Isaac Cudjoe, chief of staff and director of Walden’s Center for Social Change, is the architect behind Black History Lives Here. He sees the series as an opportunity to “get people to understand that Black history ... is the past, present, and future.” He also hopes these conversations will help Walden become a leader in confronting racial injustice. Outside of work, Cudjoe collaborates with two unfunded community organizations to create opportunities and action for marginalized populations.
The Future
Carla Tyler Chase and Ulysesses Wilcox explore the future of Walden and its alumni and students through the lens of how they hope Black graduates will impact the world. They also provide messages for future generations to inspire those who follow them to continue to drive positive social change within their communities.
The Present
Tiffany Solarin and Kurtis Gorham discuss their life experiences as well as how their current roles at Walden allow them to have an impact on our students’ daily lives. In this video, the pair also talks about what social change looks like today in their own communities.
The Past
Dr. Rochelle Gilbert and Rolando Cousins discuss how their pasts help shape who they are today. In this video, the pair talk about how childhood experiences continue to play a part in their everyday lives and explore the idea that a person’s title never tells the full story of who they are.
When I first came to Walden, some of the students were like, ‘I’m so glad to see someone in administration that looks like me.’ Our Black history is a representation of ... our voice, our vision.
Dr. Rochelle Gilbert Dean of Student Affairs
Find a sounding board, find someone that you not only can trust, but they can be your confidant. … one of the things I think Walden has done for me, is ... provide me with a sense of community.
Ulysesses Wilcox Alumni Ambassador Manager
... the biggest impact I can make as a woman of color in my community is to stand in my own truth and confidence and also help another person with their crown if it’s falling or it needs to be adjusted.
Tiffany Solarin Alumni Chapters Manager
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