It's not every night that a distinguished federal judge and an innovative healthcare executive cross paths. But then, not every night features the Office of Diversity and Inclusion Hall of Fame Awards.
ODI's fourth annual awards ceremony on April 25 recognized Dr. Rudine Sims Bishop, Dr. J. Nwando Olayiwola, the Honorable Algenon L. Marbley, and Dr. Carol E. Anderson, trailblazers in social justice and inclusive excellence with ties to The Ohio State University.
“We are honoring four greats in the diversity, equity, and inclusion space who have been a part of this movement for greater justice and helped pave the way for the work we do every day,” said Yolanda Zepeda, the interim vice provost for diversity and inclusion. “All of our honorees have worked within major institutions to create lasting change.”
Alongside their friends and family at the Longaberger Alumni House, each honoree was commended with a video highlighting their story and a poem performed by spoken word artist Javier Sanchez. Senior Vice Provost for Inclusive Excellence Wendy Smooth gave remarks and 10TV news anchor Traci Townsend acted as emcee.
2024 Hall of Fame photo gallery
Dr. Rudine S. Bishop was celebrated first. A former Ohio State professor who conducted groundbreaking work in the field of multicultural children's literature, Bishop is best known for the publication of her article entitled “Mirrors, Windows, and Sliding Glass Doors,” which advocates for diverse representation in children's books.
Dr. Christina Dorr spoke on Bishop's behalf in a touching tribute to the woman who she studied under and who she calls “one of her greatest heroes.” “Dr. Rudine Sims Bishop is a woman of intellect and compassion, who changed the conversation about representation in children's and teen books through her voice and her writing, at a time when it was decidedly not popular to do so,” Dorr noted.
Honored next was Dr. J. Nwando Olayiwola, a physician, medical executive and Morrill Scholarship alum who has made huge strides for health equity. Currently, Olayiwola serves as the inaugural Chief Health Equity Officer and Senior Vice President of Humana, and she has experience leading clinical research and administrative teams.
Olayiwola expressed gratitude for her time at Ohio State, an unexpected but pivotal component of her career. “Coming to Ohio State under this program, without worrying about resources to finance my education, gave me liberty to learn, and the boldness to lead,” Olayiwola stated. “As you go on your own journeys, whatever those may be, remember the words of Gladys Knight: ‘Sometimes the best things are right in front of you. It just takes time to see them.'"
The Honorable Algenon L. Marbley—a federal judge on the United States District Court for the Southern District of Ohio—was commended next. A force in both the national judiciary and the Columbus community who often used the phrase “democracy dies in darkness,” Marbley reaffirmed his commitment to serving others.
“I have been fortunate to be in the position of a federal judge to follow the Prophet Micah's edict ‘to do justice and love mercy,'” Marbley commented. “I will continue to discharge my constitutional obligations and ensure that all of our citizens, irrespective of race, gender, religion, or sexual orientation, will enjoy the privileges to which all who live in a multi‐racial constitutional democracy are entitled.”
Dr. Carol E. Anderson was the night's final honoree. Anderson earned her PhD in History at Ohio State and is now the Robert W. Woodruff Professor of African American Studies at Emory University. She has written five books, including the New York Times bestseller, White Rage: The Unspoken Truth of our Racial Divide.
In her remarks, Anderson paid homage to her parents, who guided her toward academics and advocacy: “They shared, through their words and the way they lived their lives, the determination and courage that it took to overcome barriers. They created a home that valued education, integrity, faith, and knowing that your work is for something greater than yourself,” Anderson said.
Bishop, Olayiwola, Marbley, and Anderson are the fourth class of honorees to be inducted into the ODI Hall of Fame. A video recording of the ceremony will be available soon.