UC faculty honored at MLK 'Keep the Dream Alive' awards  

Steinert, Summerlin recognized for leadership in social justice

Two University of Cincinnati faculty members have been included in this year’s MLK “Keep the Dream Alive” awards, hosted by Crescent Parishes.

UC professors Anne Delano Steinert and LaVerne Summerlin at the awards gala. Photo/Provided

Honorees include those who lead and contribute to their community by promoting social justice and are advocates that seek to bring change. 

The College of Arts & Sciences’ Anne Delano Steinert and LaVerne Summerlin were among the 10 chosen community members celebrated by Crescent Parishes this past Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Jan. 20.  

 Crescent Parishes is a consortium of five churches in the Greater Cincinnati area who come together to create a larger community between its members. Each year, it has become a tradition for Crescent Parishes to honor individuals who embody the work of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. 

'An award for all'

Steinert, an assistant professor in UC’s Department of History, has been a champion for preserving the history of Cincinnati neighborhoods. As the founding board chair of the Over-the-Rhine Museum, Steinert has been able to showcase the lives of ordinary people. She focuses her work on preserving the lives of those often overlooked.  

 “Our city needs people to get involved in designating historic landmarks, donating historic documents to archives, participating in oral history projects, and promoting history in our schools,” Steinert said. “Do not assume someone else will preserve your story and do not assume that the buildings you consider historic have any kind of historic protection.”  

This award is really for all of the amazing community members who care about Cincinnati's African American history.

Anne Delano Steinert Assistant professor of history, UC College of Arts and Sciences

In 2023, Steinert was also awarded a $74K grant from the National Endowment for Humanities. With this, she has led an initiative to preserve Avondale, the largest Black community within Cincinnati.  

 When reflecting on receiving the MLK 'Keep the Dream Alive' award, Steinert mentioned the community members who have helped during the preservation process: 

“This award is really an award for all of the amazing community members who care about Cincinnati's African American history.”  

An influence on and off campus

As Summerlin, a professor of English, began her teaching career in the 1960s, she felt encouraged by the principles Martin Luther King Jr. advocated for.  

 “In 1963, as a young teacher, I listened to Dr. King’s inspirational and powerful 'I Have Dream' speech with admiration and a deep sense of hope,” Summerlin said.  

 Since then, she has created history at UC. 

A&S professor LaVerne Summerlin. Photo/Provided

With over 50 years on faculty, starting in 1970, Summerlin became a part of campus during a period of change in the United States, joining not long after campus had become integrated. Since then, she has been awarded several accolades for her work and influence, including being named an honoree at the Ruby and Onyx Gala in 2022. This honor is given to Black students, faculty and alumni in the UC community for their successes both on and off campus.  

 While on faculty, Summerlin has influenced class curriculum, including when she created an English course for engineering students that added an African American literature aspect.   

 Summerlin has also been a part of helping the larger Cincinnati community as she has been involved with several programs, including the Great Rivers Girl Scout Council, the Adult Basic Education Advisory Committee for Cincinnati Public Schools, the Links, Inc. and the Reading and Writing Program for Inner City Youth.  

 When asked what it means to be honored by Crescent Parishes, Summerlin described it in one word, grateful.  

 “I am grateful for all of those who have believed in and supported me,” Summerlin said. “My life has been filled with the belief in and support of family members, teachers, ministers, friends, colleagues, former students, and at times, strangers who worked tirelessly, often behind the scenes, to advance the cause of brotherhood.”  

By Gracie Reed

Student Journalist, A&S Department of Marketing and Communication

artscinews@ucmail.uc.edu

Anima Adjepong won an award for the best short film at the Black Star International Film Festival in Ghana, in September. Adjepong’s film will be screened on Thursday, Nov. 12 at the Esquire Theater. The film titled "Home, Or Our Journey is Still Long," was made in collaboration with Ghana film maker Joewackle J. Kusi. It was funded by the University Research Council Pivot Grant award. Adjepong said the film is about exploring the feeling of home and belonging, as well as reflecting on the ocean and the industrialization of the natural world.

UC faculty honored at MLK 'Keep the Dream Alive' awards