University of Memphis administrator Barbara Bekis was laudedMonday for her efforts to exemplify and practice the ideals of Dr.Martin Luther King Jr.
The U of M presented Dr. Bekis with the Dr. Martin Luther KingJr. Human Rights award in recognition of her activities inpromoting non-violent leadership, pursuing social justice, andadvocating human rights.
"The seeds she plants contribute to a better community, a betterway of life, and a better understanding of the world," wrote onenominator of Bekis. "She recognizes all people dream and thatdreams do come true with hard work and dedication."
Bekis said she felt very humbled when she received the award.She also stressed the importance of diversity and expression.
"Receiving this award is such a big responsibility," she said."When dealing with students, I model non-violent solutions toproblem solving and intervene to encourage students to talk to eachother and their professors."
The award was one of the many events hosted by The U of M andthe Civil Rights Museum to honor the late Reverend King. Otherevents included an awards ceremony including a Dr. Martin LutherKing Jr. Scholarship, a play based on his life and a ceremony theNational Civil Rights Museum, where students from the U of Mgathered Sunday to pay tribute to Dr. King, who was shot exactly 36years ago Sunday.
Nakisha Artis, senior communications major, said the event wasimportant for today's youth because they may not understand orappreciate history.
"Young people need to attend these kinds of activities. Schoolsdon't teach you everything and you have to know about your past,"she said. "Knowledge of history is important to every group ofpeople and helps all races."
The ceremony drew a diverse group of people from all areas ofMemphis, according to Marcus Seaberry, communications major.
"There were all different types of people praying together," hesaid. "It goes to show that Americans, not just African Americans,should never lose sight of the rights we enjoy together and thesacrifices our ancestors made for us to have those rights."
The event helped students appreciate the historical events ofthe Civil Rights Movement on a personal and emotional level,Seaberry said.
"My friends and I felt personally linked to the movement when werealized that there were students at LeMoyne and The U of M whofought to integrate businesses," he said. "It makes you feel thesense of urgency at the time and feel grateful toward the peoplewho made sacrifices for equality."
Bekis said many people at The U of M make great sacrifices todayto achieve equality and aspire for excellence.
"I am not unique in that I come to The University each day to beof help to students," she said. "Knowing that others at TheUniversity have similar goals makes us a team"
Bekis said, like Dr. King, she feels equality in education isintegral to a successful and diverse society, according to onenominator.
"She represents the ideals and morals to which Dr. Kingdedicated his life," said the nominator. "Her actions speak ofequality and that education can transform one's character andlife."
Bekis said she strives to provide all students with the toolsneeded to be successful.
"Everything that I do at The University is about students. It isabout caring that all students have the opportunities for academicsuccess.
Susan TePaske, Director of Student Disabilities, said that Bekistruly exemplified morals taught by King.
"She lives Dr. King's belief that we can transform othersthrough our own character and life, as she has done by helpinghundreds of University of Memphis students to develop theirlearning power," she said in her nomination letter.
"With deepest respect for the memory of Dr. Martin Luther KingJr. I support the nomination of Dr. Barbara Bekis for the Dr.Martin Luther King Jr. Human Rights Award.
