Modern-Day Heroes: Celebrating Changemakers in Our Communities-Recording

Video Transcription

Video Summary

This webinar, hosted during Black History Month, features Dr. Ruth Ray Jackson, the 17th President of Langston University, Oklahoma’s only historically Black university (HBCU) and a land-grant institution. Dr. Jackson shares her personal and professional journey rooted in education, highlighting Langston’s legacy of resilience, access, and community impact. She emphasizes the university's mission to serve primarily first-generation college students by fostering a culture of belonging, leadership, and service, aligned with the motto "enter to learn and exit to serve."<br /><br />Dr. Jackson discusses the importance of storytelling in advancing institutional legacy and inspiring investment, advocating for authentically centering the experiences of students, alumni, and community stakeholders. She highlights fundraising successes driven by a dedicated team, strategic alumni engagement, legislative advocacy, and data-driven transparency. The conversation also touches on educating students about philanthropy to build a culture of giving, dispelling misconceptions about African American generosity, and maintaining strong community and corporate partnerships amid political challenges in Oklahoma.<br /><br />Looking ahead, Dr. Jackson is optimistic about the future of Langston and HBCUs, noting their role in cultivating critical thinking, workforce readiness, and inclusive leadership. The session concludes with an interactive Q&A, underscoring the vital impact of HBCUs and the need for continued support and awareness.

Keywords

Black History Month

Dr. Ruth Ray Jackson

Langston University

Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs)

First-generation college students

Storytelling and institutional legacy

Fundraising and alumni engagement

Philanthropy education