Faust Visits Black Community Gathering

University President Drew G. Faust addressed a gathering of black community members yesterday, just weeks after an incident involving the Harvard University Police Department sparked a debate about the University’s racial climate.

For the second straight year, the Association of Black Faculty, Administrators, and Fellows convened black faculty, staff, freshmen, and leaders of black student organizations at the Cambridge Queen’s Head pub for a “Start-the-Year-Right” party.

Faust, who was introduced as “sister president” by J. Lorand Matory ’82, a professor of African and African American studies, recalled last year’s party, when she had said she hoped the event would outgrow the venue.

“I’ll look forward to another party, bigger party, next year, and an even bigger one the year after,” Faust said.

Faculty of Arts and Sciences spokesman Robert P. Mitchell said that the occasion brings the black community into one place “so that our African-American students can identify and see and meet and greet and chat with black faculty and administrators.”

While guests came from every corner of the University, Divinity School student Julia S. Wilkinson said, “Not only do they share an ethnic identity, but a shared Harvard identity.”

Attendees included Peter A. Taylor, a project manager at FAS IT, and Rudy G. Hypolite, a multimedia producer with the provost’s office, who perched at a high table with beer and hors-d’oeurves.

“I’m excited about the prospect of networking with people of color because we’re so spread out all across campus,” said Norma Stewart, a School of Engineering and Applied Sciences administrative manager.

Faust’s wishes notwithstanding, the party was plenty big.

“Now, it’s time to par-tay!” Associate Dean of the College John F. Gates said as the president left the stage.

“Hey y’all,” Gates drawled into the microphone, wildly gesticulating to elicit an echo from the audience. He tried again.

Gates said he noticed a disturbing trend where faculty and administration hung apart from students.

“Nuh uh,” he said. “That cannot be.”

He urged every student to meet at least two faculty members. His new acquaintances, Gates said, would be invited to lunch.

“There’s no reason for anyone to feel alone at Harvard,” Gates said. “We belong here.”

As the electric slide commenced, Matory’s arm could be seen rising buoyantly from a sea of coordinated bodies.

Divinity student Moses Landrum IV said it was refreshing to encounter an atmosphere where the electric slide is “not only acceptable but understood.”

“This is home,” Gates said. “This is Harvard.”

—Staff Writer Esther I. Yi can be reached at estheryi@fas.harvard.edu.


CORRECTION APPENDED

A previous version of this story misattributed various quotes to African and African-American studies professor J. Lorand Matory '82. In fact, these quotes were from Associate Dean of the College John F. Gates. The article above has been updated to reflect the proper attributions.