Celebrating Dr. Zekeh Gbotokuma: A Beacon of Diversity at Morgan State University
On February 12, 2025, the excitement in Baltimore surged as Dr. Zekeh Gbotokuma, a distinguished philosophy professor at Morgan State University (MSU) and the founder of Polyglots in Action for Diversity, received significant recognition. An email from Trudie Cloyd, the Director of Operations for Who's Who in Black (WWIB), confirmed that his accomplishments had earned him a place among the honorees in the 2025 Who's Who in Black Baltimore. This prestigious acknowledgment, which highlights the contributions of African Americans across various sectors, signifies not just personal recognition but a broader celebration of diversity and excellence.
Dr. Gbotokuma's journey is a testament to perseverance and dedication. Initially from Congo, he has lived in multiple countries in Europe and now proudly represents African American intellectualism. His commitment to education and diversity has made him a key player in shaping the conversation around these vital issues in the U.S., especially amid current sociopolitical challenges. This acknowledgement comes during a time when movements surrounding Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) are facing unprecedented opposition, making the celebration of achievements like Gbotokuma's all the more significant.
At the WWIB event scheduled for early April, despite the whirlwind of prior engagements and tickets selling out rapidly, Dr. Gbotokuma managed to secure a table for his guests at the reception, showing his readiness to share this honor with family and friends. The event is poised to celebrate not only him but over 300 honorees, which includes distinguished figures such as Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott. This gathering symbolizes a powerful reaffirmation of the community's resilience and unity against the backdrop of rising inequality and injustice highlighted by recent executive orders targeting DEI initiatives.
Dr. Gbotokuma's academic background is equally impressive. He has authored acclaimed works, including the thought-provoking titles "Obamanomics and Francisconomics," which garnered international recognition and accolades. These contributions articulate his insights on socio-economic systems and advocate for change, showcasing the role of scholarship in advancing public discourse. In addition to his literary achievements, Dr. Gbotokuma's recent promotion to Full Professor at MSU signals institutional recognition of his commitment to teaching and research.
His recent letter from Morgan's President, Dr. David Wilson, praised Dr. Gbotokuma's contributions to the Department of Philosophy and Religious Studies at the historically Black college, underlining his core role in enhancing education for underrepresented students. The dual honor of being recognized by both WWIB and his university in the same year is a remarkable feat that merits celebration not just within academic circles but throughout the community.
A known advocate for polyglotism and cultural understanding, Gbotokuma founded Polyglots in Action for Diversity, which aims to empower language learners and promote multilingualism as a tool for inclusivity. His emphasis on global learning and multicultural understanding received acknowledgment through the prestigious Dr. Sandye Jean McIntyre International Award in 2008, further reiterating his impact and reach in academia and beyond.
As we look forward to the WWIB honors soirée, the celebration of Dr. Zekeh Gbotokuma stands as a beacon of hope and inspiration. It is a reminder of the vital voices that contribute to a more equitable and inclusive society, reinforcing the importance of community celebrations in navigating challenging times. Through events like these, we not only honor individual achievements but also foster collective resilience and pride within the African American community and beyond. With his indefatigable spirit and remarkable accomplishments, Dr. Gbotokuma exemplifies the strength and brilliance of Black excellence, inspiring future generations to reach for the stars.
Dr. Gbotokuma's journey is a testament to perseverance and dedication. Initially from Congo, he has lived in multiple countries in Europe and now proudly represents African American intellectualism. His commitment to education and diversity has made him a key player in shaping the conversation around these vital issues in the U.S., especially amid current sociopolitical challenges. This acknowledgement comes during a time when movements surrounding Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) are facing unprecedented opposition, making the celebration of achievements like Gbotokuma's all the more significant.
At the WWIB event scheduled for early April, despite the whirlwind of prior engagements and tickets selling out rapidly, Dr. Gbotokuma managed to secure a table for his guests at the reception, showing his readiness to share this honor with family and friends. The event is poised to celebrate not only him but over 300 honorees, which includes distinguished figures such as Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott. This gathering symbolizes a powerful reaffirmation of the community's resilience and unity against the backdrop of rising inequality and injustice highlighted by recent executive orders targeting DEI initiatives.
Dr. Gbotokuma's academic background is equally impressive. He has authored acclaimed works, including the thought-provoking titles "Obamanomics and Francisconomics," which garnered international recognition and accolades. These contributions articulate his insights on socio-economic systems and advocate for change, showcasing the role of scholarship in advancing public discourse. In addition to his literary achievements, Dr. Gbotokuma's recent promotion to Full Professor at MSU signals institutional recognition of his commitment to teaching and research.
His recent letter from Morgan's President, Dr. David Wilson, praised Dr. Gbotokuma's contributions to the Department of Philosophy and Religious Studies at the historically Black college, underlining his core role in enhancing education for underrepresented students. The dual honor of being recognized by both WWIB and his university in the same year is a remarkable feat that merits celebration not just within academic circles but throughout the community.
A known advocate for polyglotism and cultural understanding, Gbotokuma founded Polyglots in Action for Diversity, which aims to empower language learners and promote multilingualism as a tool for inclusivity. His emphasis on global learning and multicultural understanding received acknowledgment through the prestigious Dr. Sandye Jean McIntyre International Award in 2008, further reiterating his impact and reach in academia and beyond.
As we look forward to the WWIB honors soirée, the celebration of Dr. Zekeh Gbotokuma stands as a beacon of hope and inspiration. It is a reminder of the vital voices that contribute to a more equitable and inclusive society, reinforcing the importance of community celebrations in navigating challenging times. Through events like these, we not only honor individual achievements but also foster collective resilience and pride within the African American community and beyond. With his indefatigable spirit and remarkable accomplishments, Dr. Gbotokuma exemplifies the strength and brilliance of Black excellence, inspiring future generations to reach for the stars.
Topics People & Culture）
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