Powerful, All-Day St. Luke’s Social Justice Leadership Summit

For the sixth year in a row, students and faculty gathered in the Forese Family Fireplace Commons for a full day of activities and conversation designed to inspire social justice leadership in our community. This year was different. A team of faculty who have attended the Social Justice Leadership Summit (SJLS) in the past turned to our Student Diversity Leadership Council (SDLC) to create a planning team with a broader base. (In past years, the event was run by former faculty member Dr. Stephanie Bramlett who participated in a similar program at University of New Hampshire.)

Earlier this school year, students in the Student Diversity Leadership Council (SDLC) attended a conference in Nashville and returned all fired up with ideas for our full day Summit here at St. Luke’s School. They were enthusiastic about giving members of the St. Luke’s community an opportunity to experience just a small piece of what they had encountered at their conference. After weeks of planning, the leadership team of students and faculty was ready for the big day. The group of about 50 students and faculty became immersed in a variety of social justice topics that were experienced through activities, structured discussions, and casual conversation.

When asked about the day, Tasia Courts ‘20 said, “This year's SJLS was a very powerful experience and I think a lot of that positive energy came from the fact that students played a big role in the planning and facilitation. I made meaningful connections with new people and I believe that more people should participate in SJLS in the years to come.” Faculty member Dale Griffa added, “I was in awe of the students during the entire process of putting the Summit together. Their commitment to this work and their passion to share it with those in attendance was truly remarkable.”