Shakia Gordon-Hutt

My commitment to the preservation and revitalization of Old Main is rooted in a lifelong belief that history, education, equality, and service have the power to transform communities. For me, this mission extends far beyond preserving a historic building. It is about protecting an important chapter of American history, honoring the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., and ensuring that the lessons of his life continue to inspire future generations.

My understanding of Dr. King's significance began in childhood. Growing up in environments where I was often one of very few African American students, including my years attending Catholic school, I learned early the importance of identity, dignity, representation, and standing firmly in one's values. I was fortunate to have people in my life who taught me to recognize the beauty of my heritage and the responsibility that comes with knowing one's history.

Those early experiences helped shape my understanding of equality, justice, and the importance of creating opportunities for others.

As a young adult, my involvement in the NAACP deepened my commitment to civil rights advocacy, civic engagement, and community service. Dr. King's philosophy of nonviolence became particularly meaningful to me as I witnessed the continuing struggle for fairness, opportunity, and equal treatment. His example reinforced my belief that meaningful change requires courage, persistence, strategic action, and a willingness to engage even when circumstances are difficult.

Over the years, I have carried those principles into my work in community advocacy, education, entrepreneurship, communications, and organizational leadership. My experience has included developing initiatives, building relationships with community stakeholders, engaging public officials, coordinating outreach, and helping transform ideas into actionable programs.

As Program Manager for the MLK Center at Old Main, I bring these experiences together in support of a vision that combines historic preservation with education, innovation, cultural enrichment, and community development.

I envision Old Main as more than a place where history is remembered. I envision a living institution where young people can discover their potential, families can connect with educational resources, emerging entrepreneurs can develop their ideas, and communities can engage with the enduring principles of justice, service, and opportunity.

The preservation of this historic site is particularly meaningful because of its connection to Dr. King's formative years at Crozer Theological Seminary. Protecting this history also means recognizing the significance of Chester and the surrounding communities within the broader American civil rights story.

My involvement in this initiative reflects a willingness to contribute not only my professional knowledge and organizational experience, but also the time, research, outreach, and sustained effort necessary to move a complex preservation mission forward. I understand that meaningful progress requires collaboration, accountability, patience, and a commitment to working toward a shared purpose.

I believe historic preservation must serve both memory and possibility. We honor the past most meaningfully when we use its lessons to create a stronger future.

My mission is to help ensure that Old Main becomes a lasting place of learning, remembrance, opportunity, and community empowerment — one that honors Dr. King's legacy not simply through words, but through purposeful action.

Service is not merely something I do. It is a responsibility I embrace, a principle I live by, and a commitment I intend to carry forward.