Gateway student Abdur Wali, III, attended a White House Summit on Educational Excellence For African Americans on December 5, where he served as a Panelist for a discussion on, “Campus Climate: Feeling Safe, Engaged and Supported” moderated by David J. Johns, Executive Director, White House Initiative on Educational Excellence for African Americans. 

"It was a great honor to have been chosen to represent Gateway Community College and African Americans across the Nation and sit among some of Connecticut's very own youngest, brightest, gifted and talented group of Brothers and Sisters of the same struggles," said Wali. "We each, uniquely represented the different experiences, challenges and life struggles that all African Americans across the globe all ages, gender, sizes, shapes and shades of color." 

Wali appreciated the opportunity for open dialogue and honest conversations about tough topics that explored the hardships and challenges faced by all people, but with particular emphasis on African Americans. The Summit focused on solutions to the problem of improving and ensuring outcomes for African American Students.

"I want to say thank you to my Advisors and Mentors from GCC who continue to guide, counsel and help me develop into who I aspire to be, and who continue to connect me with great opportunities like this," said Wali, who is also the president of Gateway's Black Student Association. "Thank you to the Black Student Association members, who I humbly serve, and to all the faculty and staff members at GCC and in the Connecticut State College system who support the growth and development our student body and college community."

The Summit was coordinated by G. Duncan Harris and T.J. Barber and took place at GCC's sister institution, Manchester Community College.