STUDENT LIFE
5thAnnualSHADES Retreat “Our Catholic, social teaching of solidarity guides us to build a community that empowers all people to attain their full potential.”
The 2021 SHADES Retreat was organized by club members and themed “Sankofa: Connecting our past with our present as we plan for our future.” The day was filled with inspiring words and messages from esteemed speakers, as well as song and dance celebrations. Speakers included Pastor David A. Cox, Pastor of Calvary Fellowship Ministries, Mrs. Kesha Cox, author, motivational speaker and founder of Never Settle for Less (parents of Izzy Cox ’21) and Deacon Curtis Turner, President and Principal of St. Frances Academy in Baltimore, the oldest operating Catholic school founded for the education of African Americans in the US. The retreat began with a prayer service that included gospel readings and songs of praise, featuring Minister
24
ND Journal
Tanza Baker of Calvary Fellowship Ministries and students Ewelina Krokos ’21 and Christian Hobdy ’21. Alexandra Williams ’24 also performed Amazing Grace on the violin and Dwayne Curry, a program officer at the RWJ Foundation presented a spoken word poetry piece. Alumna Jacqui Coppola ’09, a wellness and self-discovery coach, presented a beautiful meditation, Living in the Present Moment. The morning session concluded with a panel discussion. Panel members included Dr. Charisse West ‘85 Smith, who is the first African American woman to serve on the ND Board of Governors and is co-chair of the Diversity Committee. Other panelists were Deacon Turner, Mr. Dwayne Curry, Pastor Cox and Mrs. Cox. The afternoon featured a presentation and art project facilitated by Brother Mickey McGrath, an artist, author and presenter who explored the relationship between art and faith.
