From the Fall 2018 issue of EHS Magazine
The Future
A SPECIAL PROGRAM DURING SPIRIT WEEKEND
As Episcopal prioritizes diversity, equity, and inclusion, we remember the pioneering young Black and African- American men and women who paved the way for all who follow. On November 9 and 10, during Spirit Weekend, the School commemorated 50 years of integration through a special program of events designed, says Head of School Charley Stillwell, “to acknowledge the past while fostering the exchange of ideas across generations to illuminate ways the School will approach and embrace its next 50 years of inclusiveness, intellectual inquiry, and moral courage.”
The event program was created in collaboration with an advisory committee of 15 alumni from the classes of 1972- 2009, and several dozen alumni and special guests returned to the Hill to participate in the program alongside EHS students and faculty.
Highlights of the program included a conversation between Chase, Civil Rights icon and current grandparent the Rev. Jesse Jackson, and award-winning journalist James Blue ’87; a stirring chapel service, in which Chase, who delivered the invocation, charged students to “take this commitment to diversity (that you have experienced at Episcopal) with you, into your worlds, into your neighborhoods, into your lives”; intimate and candid small-group conversations between Black and African-American alumni and EHS students; presentations from and discussions with historians and authors; and alumni excursions to the U Street Corridor and the National Museum of African American History and Culture.
“I’m extremely grateful that I had the chance to work with Episcopal’s archives to analyze and understand the School’s history. The experience was one that I cherish, as learning about Episcopal’s past will help us to shape the future of our school,” said Hannah Davies ’20, who shared her research during the commemoration. “I found it extremely inspiring to be able to speak with some of the alumni pioneers who were an integral part of the School’s history of integration and inclusion.”
Another highlight of the event was a special Spirit of The High School dinner, attended by more than 300 alumni, parents, faculty, and guests, in which Robinson announced the significant expansion of the Reginald W. Burns ’72
Scholars Program. Initially seeded with funds raised by Burns’ classmates and friends following his death in 2016, the scholarship was elevated to a remarkable level thanks to a significant gift to the endowment from Elizabeth and Lee Ainslie ’82. The scholarship will cover the full cost of attendance for one student in each class, every year, in perpetuity.
Noted Robinson, “In a strategic plan that emphasizes strength of community and the development of young people equipped to lead through courageous action, I can think of no better example to hold up than that of Regi Burns.”
To read more about the commemoration and to watch video from the weekend, including a film created by Luke David ’93, visit www.episcopalhighschool.org/50yearsofintegration
WHERE DO WE GO FROM HERE?
“With an institutional commitment to strengthening community bonds across differences, the School is poised to be more forward-thinking in the way it examines equity and inclusion. Diversity is a beautiful thing because it makes the community stronger, but only if that diversity is valued and welcomed. Only when we commit to inclusion and equity can the community truly thrive,” says Sohn. “From students to staff, faculty to families, Episcopal is committed to listening to and learning from the voices of all constituents. The most important resource the School has is its people, and its future depends on every individual believing and valuing this journey ahead.”
50 YEARS OF INTEGRATION COMMEMORATION ADVISORY COMMITTEE
Episcopal would like to thank the Advisory Committee who helped us to design the important program of commemoration events that took place during Spirit Weekend.
Mr. Randolph C. Metcalfe ’72
Mr. Anthony Ray Chase ’73
Mr. William Smith Peebles IV ’73
The Rev. Rodney Vincent Rice ’79
Dr. Jerry Juergen Taylor ’81
Mr. M. Rodney Robinson ’86
Mr. Dylan Coburn Glenn ’87
Mr. Craig Alexander Anthony Dixon ’93
Mrs. Patrice Scott Williams ’95
Mr. Tevan Oderet Green ’96
Mr. Carl Everette Morris ’99
Ms. Azizi Marion Jones ’02
Mr. Rasheed D. Cole ’03
Ms. Victoria Faith Hightower ’06
Ms. Lauren Marie Marshall ’09