Rev. Brian J. Shanley, O.P. President | St. John's University website

St. John’s University recently held its first MLK Legacy Agents of Change Awards Dinner in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s legacy. The gala, sponsored by the Office of Multicultural Affairs (OMA), celebrated individuals who have made significant contributions to expanding opportunities for minority communities through social-justice initiatives.

The event, which took place at the D’Angelo Center Ballroom on the Queens campus, recognized four remarkable individuals. Among the honorees were David N. Gachigo, M.B.A., Associate Dean of Student Affairs and Interim Vice Provost at St. John’s Staten Island campus; Duane Shippey, M.B.A. ’97A, Vice President/Client Service Manager at BNY Mellon; graduate student Jazmyne Easley ’23CCPS; and health care entrepreneur Maurelhena Walles.

David N. Gachigo, a long-time St. John’s administrator, was honored for his work in embracing advocacy, equality, and positive transformation during challenging times at the Staten Island campus, which is set to close later this year. Dr. Tomlinson referred to Mr. Gachigo as "a true example of what genuine leadership looks like." Mr. Gachigo expressed his gratitude, saying, "Mine has been a long St. John’s journey. It is wonderful to get a chance to work with students every day and to see how we all pull together as a community."

Duane Shippey, Vice President/Client Service Manager at BNY Mellon, is responsible for diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) efforts within the global financial giant. He is also a member of the firm’s Black employee resource group, which creates networking opportunities for Black professionals and supports philanthropic initiatives in their communities. Mr. Shippey shared, "I learned from my parents the value of always paying it forward, and always thinking about other people."

Jazmyne Easley, a graduate student pursuing a Master of Professional Studies degree at St. John’s, is actively involved in various initiatives on campus. She volunteers in the E.P.I.C. Mentor Program, helping first-year students transition to college and promoting academic goals and service commitments. Jazmyne also advocates for student mental health initiatives and participates in campus fundraisers, such as Relay For Life®. Reflecting on her journey, she expressed her gratitude, saying, "I would just say thanks to God for continuing to make me better today than I was the day before."

Maurelhena Walles, the founder of health and wellness advocacy firm Equity Design, Inc., was recognized for her efforts in using DEI principles to address health care inequities. Walles, who won the 60-meter dash at the World Masters Athletics Track and Field Championship in 2017, is committed to promoting equity within the health care system.

The evening also featured performances by the St. John’s Voices of Victory gospel choir, as well as the University chapters of the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. and Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. Remy Martin, a doctoral candidate in The School of Education, served as the master of ceremonies, while Tinesha Cherry, an author and motivational speaker, delivered a stirring keynote address.

Tinesha Cherry, drawing upon her life experiences, urged the audience to find the strength and courage to speak up for what is right. She emphasized the importance of speaking out against abuse and neglect and advocating for those who have been silenced. According to Cherry, "We must all find the strength and the courage to speak up for what is right. To speak out against abuse and neglect and to speak for those who have been silenced."

The MLK Legacy Agents of Change Awards Dinner was a testament to the impact individuals can have when they strive to create positive change in their communities. By honoring these remarkable individuals, St. John’s University demonstrated its commitment to Dr. King's vision of equality and social justice.