Reflecting on the question “How far have we come?” Oakland University hosted its 34th annual Keeper of the Dream scholarship celebration on Jan. 19. The event honored the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. while recognizing students who embody his vision. Surrounded by family and community members, seven Golden Grizzlies were recognized for advancing equity and unity on campus.
The celebration, organized by the Center for Multicultural Initiatives (CMI), recognized students who have contributed to interracial understanding and goodwill. The ceremony also inaugurated African American Celebration Month at OU.
Student body president Marcus Johnson was among the Keeper of the Dream (KOD) recipients recognized beyond OU’s campus. Johnson has established initiatives such as establishing VOICE committees for underrepresented minority students and increasing support for commuter students. His leadership reflects a commitment to inclusive student representation.
“Words can’t express how I feel, I’m just illuminated with joy, proud, grateful,” Darryl Jason Emerson, Johnson’s father, said. “He retained a lot of his education, his brilliance, his wisdom, his knowledge from his mother.”
KOD recipient Jaliyah Eaton also drew inspiration from her family. Eaton said her grandmother, Inez Williams, shaped her commitment to breaking down cultural barriers. Williams’ example motivated Eaton to advocate for unity and compassion on campus.
As an admissions programming assistant, orientation group leader and CMI peer mentor, Eaton supports underrepresented students throughout their academic journeys. She works with students from recruitment through campus involvement. Her efforts focus on creating access and belonging.
Also a CMI peer mentor, Mercy Jeffries was awarded at the ceremony for her academic excellence and leadership in the Department of Dance. Jeffries was recognized by Dance Chair Gregory Patterson. She was also honored by Mae Dennis, assistant director of Orientation and New Student Programs, for setting an example of excellence at OU.
Nursing major Treasure Golden was also named a Keeper of the Dream recipient. Golden said her experiences in predominantly white spaces motivated her to create inclusive environments. Her leadership centers on ensuring students feel seen and supported.
Golden holds several leadership roles, including chair of the Empower Our Families Initiative and member of OU’s NAACP Reorganization Committee. She also serves as chair of the Charter Committee for the National Council of Negro Women. Through these roles, Golden has worked to promote equity and fair treatment across campus.
Mechanical engineering student Jayson Miller was also honored as a Keeper of the Dream recipient. According to his mother, Kisha Martin, Miller’s journey reflects perseverance and growth. Miller is a leader in the CMI and the Honors College.
“He did not want to go to school, he was mad at me for dropping him off at preschool, and then look what he did,” Martin said. “I was so excited, I was surprised, I was honored, shocked. I’m proud of him.” She expressed pride in Miller’s academic success and leadership.
Honors College student Qamar Naji also received the Keeper of the Dream scholarship. Naji is a member of the Alpha Lambda Delta Honors Society and is active on campus. Her involvement spans academic and service-based initiatives.
As an ECLIPSE scholar in the School of Health Sciences and a volunteer at OUCARES, Naji supports international students. She helps bridge cultural and language barriers. Her work focuses on fostering inclusion and access.
International scholar Mariem Samb was honored at the ceremony for her advocacy for women’s and children’s health. Through her involvement with the African Student Union, Samb has expanded multicultural engagement on campus. As an undergraduate researcher, she has also supported mothers in Ghana, fostering a sense of community at OU and beyond.
“We have really big role models, whether it is our parents, our grandparents…all those people really inspire us,” Fatoumata Samb, Mariem Samb’s sister and past Keeper of the Dream recipient, said. “They keep giving us strength and send us love, and today, we aspire to be role models for the leaders of tomorrow. I think that’s why we keep doing what we do.”
