Minister of Kenyan Parliament to Speak at AOCC

Joseph Lemasolai Lekuton, Ed.M.'03, minister of Parliament in Kenya will give the keynote address at the 7th Annual Alumni of Color Conference (AOCC), Crossing Borders: Exploring Local and Global Perspectives on Race, Inequality, and Education, on Friday, March 6, at 5:00 p.m. at the Harvard Graduate School of Education.

When asked about the choice of Lekuton as keynote speaker, doctoral candidate and AOCC Tri-Chair Candice Bocala said, "His resume seemed fitting to engage us all in a discussion about race, social justice, and education across geographic and political boundaries."

Lekuton, a Masaai warrior and former history teacher at Langley School in Virginia, is the youngest recipient of Kenya's Order of the Grand Warrior, a presidential award given to those who dedicate their lives to the service of the nation. He has used his exposure to multiple perspectives at home and abroad to inform many initiatives aimed at improving the lives of Kenyan children. Among his many accomplishments are the establishment of the Karare Primary Boarding School; providing solar panels and computers to the Laisamis Secondary School; and inspiring the programs of organizations including the Nomadic Kenyan Children's Education Fund and Cows for Kids.

"By receiving the rare gift of an education in his village and using that education to embark on new adventures, Mr. Lekuton has spent his life crossing borders: geographic, racial, class-based, national, [and] cultural," remarked docatoral candidate and AOCC Tri-Chair Lauren Elmore. "He has done this for the sole purpose of giving education to as many people as possible. He is a source of pride not only for HGSE alumni of color but for all of the Ed School, and he should be acknowledged as such."

AOCC Tri-Chair Santiago Rincon Gallardo adds,"[Lekuton] will touch and inspire those interested in education and social justice from both domestic and international perspectives"

The Alumni of Color Conference celebrates the work of HGSE alumni of color and all alumni, students, and community members who share a common commitment to understanding and addressing the issues of race in education. By linking alumni, students, and community members, the AOCC seeks to foster firm commitments to impact and improve the education of people of color.

This event is open to the public, but registration is required. For more information or to register for the event, please visit http://isites.harvard.edu/hgse-aocc.