Livingstone College Homecoming Convocation

Class of 1973 and 1998 alumni of Livingstone College processed into Varick Auditorium to the tune of Rondeau de Premiere Suite as they and others gathered for the annual Homecoming Convocation on Friday, October 20, 2023, at 10:00 a.m. Linda Morrison Mingo from the Class of 1983 presided over the program as the audience collectively opened with the Negro National Anthem, “Lift Ev’ry Voice and Sing.” Filled with golden graduates, programming aligned with the theme, “With GRACE (Gratitude, Resilience, Altruism, Character, Excellence) From Thee, We are the Class of ’73,” guided the event as the class agent Larry Somerville greeted the body. Somerville noted the class has contributed of over $300,000 for the next five years to student scholarships, and because of the leadership of President Anthony Davis, they will continue to support the institution. He stated, “We recognize the challenge really becomes one of finances [referencing student retention and graduation rates] . . . We will give each and every year as long as there is breath in our lungs.”

Also of the class of 1973, Rev. Gloria Hicks McLaughlin followed with scripture from John 14:7-12, and Rev. Dr. Sidney Davis of the class rendered prayer stating with the help of God, the mighty Blue Bear fears no one and makes pathways for everyone. Under the direction of Christopher Gray and with soloist Virginia Rush, Livingstone College’s Gospel Choir inspired attendees with a rendition of JJ Hairston’s "It’s Gonna Be Bigger" and "It’s Changing."

Greetings from governing areas of Livingstone College and platform guests included: Vice Chairman of the Board of Trustees and Presiding Prelate of the Piedmont Episcopal District of the A.M.E. Zion Church, Bishop Darryl B. Starnes, the 13th President of Livingstone College, Dr. Anthony J. Davis, Livingstone College National Alumni Association President Bruce Stanback, Student Government Association President Matthew Clinton, Miss Livingstone College Akera Barnes, Mister Livingstone College Jalen Robinson, and Orlando Ray Mitchell, Class of 1998’s agent.

The Class of 1973 continued as John H. Johnson offered reflections, Antoinette Dawson Cody introduced the speaker, and Charletta Mack Hines sang, To God be the Glory. Chairman of the Board of Trustees/Senior Bishop of the A.M.E. Zion Church and Presiding Prelate for the Eastern North Carolina and South Atlantic Episcopal Districts, Bishop Kenneth Monroe, was the keynote speaker representing his graduating class. Entitled Adventures of Uncertainty: Making the Impossible Possible with God, Monroe challenged the audience to remember the faith that sustained them in their experiences growing up while facing blatant systemic oppression. He stated, “At the time, racism was not systematic to me. We had Jim Crow laws and segregation. Even the salary and wages were all a part of a system to keep blacks under control.” Monroe continued highlighting faith in God leads to unimaginable transformation, whereas believers must focus on faith and teach future generations of young Black Lives Matter. “A focused eye sees love in the midst of hatred,” he added. Monroe’s overall message to stay focused, serve faithfully, and stand firm as a people of God concluded with an allegorical tale encouraging all to - pray first, aim high, and stay focused.

Vice President of Livingstone College National Alumni Association Candice Johnson recognized members of the reunion classes from 1953 – 2018. The event concluded with the singing of the alma mater for all gathered and the Benediction by Bishop Monroe. Attendees recessed to the tune of The Prince Denmark’s March to the annual tree planting and litany ceremony. Silver graduate and Miss Livingstone College 1998, Ronneshia Abrams Carter of Michigan, stated, “It simply feels good to be home. I’m elated to not only hear about the progress of the institution, but being here, I can also feel it. All praises be to God for Livingstone College.”