The University of Nebraska–Lincoln recently honored six individuals and one student organization during its annual Nebraska Diversity, Equity and Inclusion awards.

Organized by the Office of Diversity and Inclusion, the honors recognize individuals and groups who actively advance diversity, equity and inclusion in transformative and sustainable ways on campus and in the community.

The University Communication and Marketing team reached out to the honorees to learn more about what drives them to help build a more inclusive community on campus and in the broader community. The series continues with Peter Ferguson, coordinator of culture, inclusion and scholar development for Lincoln Public Schools. Ferguson received the university’s inaugural Diversity Community Impact award.

For more than 20 years, Ferguson has helped coordinate and lead Lincoln’s annual Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Youth Rally and March. The event promotes King’s life and dreams through positive youth action.

Ferguson also participates in and supports university programming; counsels youth affected by the juvenile justice system; locates resources for homeless students; and develops structures that support the development and success of local youth.

What does receiving the Diversity Community Impact Award mean to you?

Being a recipient is humbling and an honor to be recognized by other individuals and groups who actively advance diversity, equity, and inclusion in transformative and sustainable ways. As a recipient, it is an affirmation but also an opportunity to show that same respect, value, and love for others who are co-conspirators ensuring the “equity” gap is eliminated for those of us too often underrepresented.

What do you hope to accomplish in your lifetime?

In my lifetime, I hope as many are doing the work; we honor the responsibility of leaving things better than we found them. This recognition does not honor perfection, but we can contribute and be the catalyst, advocate, and ally for someone to achieve more than (I) they can do in their lifetime. I’ve set out daily to align my life mission with the late Maya Angelou, “My mission in life is not merely to survive, but to thrive; and to do so with some passion, some compassion, some humor and some style.”

What or who inspires you?

I’m empowered by those that rest in power, like my parents, Mr. Howard and Mrs. Alida Ferguson. It’s the continued investment and support of my daughter and wife.

What inspires me is the respect, value, and love received from underrepresented colleagues, scholars, and community members, in space elevating our voice and presence in a space not traditionally reserved for us.

What is your advice to others looking to make an impact?

My advice to others is to identify, invest, honor, and value your purpose Equity, civility, justice, and kindness are not optional…you matter. When in doubt, reflect on the words of author Zora Neale Hurston.

“So at times, I feel discriminated against, but it does not make me angry It merely astonishes me. How can any deny themselves the pleasure of my company it’s beyond me.”

Learn more about the awards and honorees in Nebraska Today.