SUNY Chancellor King Visits SUNY Old Westbury

SUNY Chancellor John B. King, Jr. with SUNY Old Westbury President Timothy Sams and Dr. Danielle Lee of the English Department.

State University of New York Chancellor John B. King, Jr. recently visited SUNY Old Westbury as part of his ongoing tour of SUNY’s 64 campuses that began at the start of his tenure at SUNY in January. During his visit, Chancellor King had the opportunity to tour campus, and meet with students, faculty and staff to learn more about the College. 

State University of New York Chancellor John B. King, Jr. with SUNY Old Westbury President Timothy Sams and college staff.
State University of New York Chancellor John B. King, Jr. during his visit at SUNY Old Westbury

Unique to his visit to Old Westbury, Chancellor King participated in a panel discussion on "The Importance of Teaching Black History" along with President Tim Sams and Dr. Danielle Lee of the English Department. The three shared their thoughts and experiences with Black History Month, why it's important to be taught in schools, and how students can learn more about antiracism and allyship.

In addition to sharing personal stories about his enslaved great grandparents, and an uncle that was a Tuskegee Airman but couldn't find an accounting job post-World War II, Chancellor King explained why teaching both the progress and the struggles of black history prevents history repeating itself. "The fear for me in the movement against teaching African American history and teaching the truth about the hard parts of our history is that it can undermine the progress of the Civil Rights era and set us back decades. Control of the narrative of our history shapes our politics profoundly," said Chancellor King.

Chancellor King plans to return to Old Westbury to help celebrate the inauguration of President Timothy Sams in April 2023.

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SUNY Chancellor King Visits SUNY Old Westbury

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