My Speech quoted in American Libraries

I was notified by the American Libraries writer of the part of the 10 page article "Washington Milestones-- and There Were Many"...that he put a quote from my speech in his article that appears in American Libraries; Aug2007, Vol. 38 Issue 7, p58-75, 18p, 1 chart, 10bw - I think it was very kind of him to do that, thank you Miguel A. Figueroa.

This is the bit on the Spectrum 1oth year Anniversary at the ALA conference in DC and
my little quote -- but it is exciting to be quoted!

SPECTRUM AFTER 10 YEARS: SHINING IN THE FIELD

The conceivers of a 1997 plan to boost minority representation in the profession were honored during the Spectrum 10th Anniversary Luncheon. It was also a reunion for some of the more than 400 graduates who completed their MLS degrees or library media certifications with $5,000 Spectrum scholarships (www.ala.org/spectrum/).

Chief among the honorees was former ALA Executive Director Elizabeth Martinez, who received three standing ovations. Although Spectrum was the brainchild of 1995-96 ALA President Betty J. Turock, she said it was a joint effort that involved many people and called Martinez "a partner in the process" building on the shoulders of "quiet giants" like E. J. Josey. Turock also presented a $10,000 check for Spectrum's new doctoral program.

Poet Nikki Giovanni provided the keynote address. "Librarians are the building-blocks to the art of books," she told the audience. "If it weren't for writing, I think I'd be lost and if it weren't for libraries, I wouldn't have a place to do my work."

U.S. Rep. Raúl M. Grijalva (D-Ariz.) said diversity in public institutions, such as libraries, is "a question of survival and a question of practical smartness."

"Diversity is, was, and will continue to be a critical part of how we shape public policy and how our society evolves over the next decade," Grijalva added. "Libraries are the great equalizers; they don't care how much money you have or where you come from."

"Spectrum is about more than the money. It's about being part of a lineage and reclaiming some of those spaces that had previously been disenfranchised from us," said Tracie Hall, assistant dean at Dominican University's GSLIS, at the Office for Diversity's program, "10 Years Later--Where Are They Now? Spectrum Scholars Shining in the Field."

The panel of speakers, including representatives from school, public, and academic librarianship, talked with an audience of mostly Spectrum alumni, including session moderator Alanna Aiko Moore from the University of California at San Diego.

Ida Z., catalog librarian for San Mateo County (Calif.) Library System, reflected on the transformational power of her experience. "Before Spectrum, I saw heritage as a liability instead of an asset," she said. "My Spectrum Institute was where I first realized that my bilingual abilities had a special value."

As Spectrum begins its 11th year, it expands its influence in the profession with a recently funded doctoral fellowship program.

My 15 minutes of fame!

ida