By Curtis Creekmore
Brodbeck Hall was wide awake the morning of Nov. 19 as the Muhammad Ali Institute for Peace and Justice ended a week of promotional events with its first Just Act Day. The day provided students a chance to go out and make a difference by volunteering in the community.
“It was a really good experience,” said sophomore Monica Bryant, who helped children improve their basketball skills at Park Hills Community Center. “They were so enthusiastic about learning. They don’t normally get that kind of attention.”
The day opened with the Louisville Leopard percussion ensemble pounding out a plethora of tunes, ranging from “Louie Louie” to “Low rider.” The children’s group started the morning with its catchy beats to get the crowd moving and set the stage for a day of action.
“This day is designed to get people active, to get people moving for peace and justice,” said Stacy Bailey-Ndiaye, associate director for Programs and New Initiatives for the Ali Institute.
Bailey-Ndiaye explained that the Institute’s mission is to address issues plaguing not only Louisville, but other parts of the world as well.
“Just Act Day was created to be a marriage of the theory or thinking about those issues with action,” she said.
Alvin Herring, previously the assistant vice president for Campus Life at U of L, now serves as executive director for the Ali Institute, which is located in the School of Law building. Although the new position demands much of his time, he still strives to be as much a part of U of L as he can.
“What we’re trying to do is change the context of our campus here at U of L,” Herring said. He said that Just Act Day was prompted by students who said they were tired of hearing just talk and were ready to act.
“We’re going to keep challenging our students here at U of L to keep doing that,” Herring said.
The morning rally featured guest speaker Dawne Gee, an anchor for WAVE 3. She delivered a motivational speech to inspire those who were going out to serve in the community that day.
“My favorite quote must be one from Margaret Meade: ‘A small group of citizens can change the world. In fact, it is the only thing that ever has,'” she said.
Gee has helped with programs such as Dare to Care and a camp for cancer patients.
Herring described Gee as a true community treasure. He said she is one of the few people who gives of herself without expecting something in return.
After the opening speech, volunteers were sent out into the community. Volunteers chose where they would work for the day. Their options ranged from Project Warm, which helps winterize homes in low-income neighborhoods, to working with the West Broadway Community Center, where volunteers helped clean up a house that had been damaged by the recent storms.
“So many people don’t understand how important it is that we’re here,” said Keith Bertrand, executive director of the community center. “So many kids need help.”
Herring said about 50 U of L students and 30 elementary school students volunteered their time for Just Act Day.
“Even though it’s hard to get out of bed in the morning, once you [volunteer], you’re glad you did,” said Ali Justice, senior Communication major.
The Ali Institute plans to hold another Just Act Day next semester, but details haven’t been finalized.
