Activist, scholar, and professor, our beloved Elder Mahmoud El-Kati, was a cornerstone figure for multiculturalism within Macalester and the wider Twin Cities community. This lectureship was launched by Dr. Stanley M. Berry ’75, Mr. Bertram M. Days ’74, and Ms. Ava B. Days to honor Professor El-Kati’s career as a lecturer, writer, and commentator on the African American experience.
Funds from the Mahmoud El-Kati Distinguished Lectureship in American Studies endowment are used to bring a distinguished scholar to Macalester for an extended engagement that includes a public presentation, classroom appearances, and conversations with students, faculty, and the local community. Candid conversations led by esteemed lecturers and speakers addressing our history, race, and equity issues, as well as solutions are needed now more than ever in the Twin Cities and our country.
Through July 30, gifts to the lectureship will be matched dollar-for-dollar by Trustees Robin Jackson Colman '78 and Broderick Grubb '73.
Hello Mac Fam!
I know it's been a minute. We've been busy in the background counting, checking, and celebrating because.... WE DID IT!! If you're asking what we did, here it is by the numbers for the metrically minded of us:
- There were over 320 of us who came together
- More than $90,000 given over the 2 week period
- Collaborated with 3 community partners
- Current endowment is up to $250,000 for the Lectureship!!
Thank you, again, for growing our Mac family's effort to elevate scholar-activism through continuing the legacy of Professor Mahmoud El-Kati by supporting the lectureship created in his honor. Special shout-outs are in order again to our community partners. Content for this campaign was produced by Saint Paul Neighborhood Network (SPNN), filmed by iLLism, and edited by Destiny Roberts.
In awe,
Myhana Kerr '18
P.S. You should mark Friday, November 5th, 2021 in your calendars. Keep that day open. ;)
Thank you for growing our Mac family's effort to elevate scholar-activism through continuing the legacy of Professor Mahmoud El-Kati by supporting the lectureship created in his honor.
Because we all came together, we were able to exceed our goal to support The Mahmoud El-Kati Distinguished Lectureship in American Studies. All told, +300 of us came together, we raised +$90,000, and worked with our Twin Cities neighbors to do so. Content for this campaign was produced by Saint Paul Neighborhood Network (SPNN), filmed by iLLism, and edited by Destiny Roberts. Just as you have supported our Elder, we ask that you support our community partners and each other.
Through this Lectureship, we will continue to bring notable Black scholars to St. Paul. As accomplished scholars and practitioners, these lecturers will share their knowledge with our campus and local community this year and for generations to come.
Professor Mahmoud El-Kati stated “You’ve got a chance to make this country whole.” To make it whole, we must come together. Thank you for coming together to elevate Black voices and to promote scholar-activism at Macalester and within our wider communities.
We look forward to sharing more with you about the next lectureship, coming this fall.
Yours in solidarity and community,
El-Kati Lectureship Leadership Team:
Duchess Harris, Professor of American Studies and Political Science
William Hart, Professor and Department Chair of Religious Studies
Hana Dinku, Director of Diversity Education, Leadership, and Inclusion
Sedric McClure, Assistant Dean for College Access, Retention, and Success
Myhana Kerr '18, Associate Director of Major Gifts
1225 days ago by Myhana KerrHi there!
Thank YOU for coming together as a community to honor our very own, Elder Mahmoud El-Kati. I figured a video was overdue... so here's a face behind all of the messages. In these final hours, please continue to share this campaign!
Sending lots of love and light,
Myhana Kerr '18
1227 days ago by Myhana KerrHappy Friday Eve, Mac Fam.
We have ~18 hours to get this done.
I spoke to Elder El-Kati today. To be honest, he caught me rather off-guard. We had a brief, yet powerful conversation. Elder Mahmoud El-Kati told me that this Lectureship is pioneering in its nature-- there isn't anything exactly like it in Minnesota. This is important.
So thank you to the 204+ YOU: alumni, friends, faculty, staff, and students, as you show your support not only today, but in the days to come. We have some work to do.
If you can, please make a gift and continue to share with your networks.
Sending light to each of you,
Myhana Kerr '18
Big cheers for the 165 members of our Mac Family who have helped get us even closer to our goal of a fully funded lectureship to honor Professor El-Kati! Don't worry, there's still 4 days for you to share and show your support for our Elder. Don't wait!
After only 1 week, Mac Family, we are well on our way to reaching our goal to honor our Elder and to fully fund the Lectureship series created in his name.
With only 8 days remaining, there's still time to share with your networks and to contribute if you have not already! For those who have, please consider sharing the history and legacy of our very own Elder Mahmoud El-Kati.
Happy Friday Eve!
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