Art Malloy Vice President for Student Affairs | University of North Dakota
Art Malloy Vice President for Student Affairs | University of North Dakota
The University of North Dakota (UND) recently hosted a significant event to honor the legacy of Martin Luther King Jr. The event, titled "Remaining Awake Through a Great Revolution," took place in the Memorial Union Ballroom and featured Paul Pitts, a 1977 graduate and UND's first Black student body president. It was organized by UND’s Office of Community & Belonging and the Hilyard Center.
In his introductory remarks, UND President Andy Armacost emphasized both the progress made through King's activism and the need to continue pursuing equal rights for all. "When we think about Dr. King, let’s celebrate the leadership of this amazing human being who brought so much to our society," Armacost stated.
Pitts shared insights from his journey to UND during an onstage discussion with Tamba-Kuii Bailey, associate vice president and advisor to the president for community and belonging. He reflected on King's influence, calling him "an inspiration," and recounted his experiences growing up in segregated Wheeling, West Virginia.
After serving eight years in the U.S. Air Force, including a tour during the Vietnam War, Pitts enrolled at UND in 1973. His life experiences guided him to advocate for change on campus, such as increasing polling locations during rising youth political participation. In 1975, he became UND's first Black student body president.
Pitts' advocacy extended beyond campus as he worked with local government to improve safety measures like installing bike lanes on University Avenue. His involvement led to his election to the Grand Forks City Council in 1976 as UND's first student representative.
Reflecting on King's vision today, Pitts acknowledged significant progress but also recognized ongoing challenges: "I cannot sit here and deny that progress has been made – tremendous progress... But there is still an attitude of injustice and inequality."
He concluded with encouragement for continued commitment: “Don’t give up... It requires perseverance, commitment and service to others."
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