The 125-Year Retrospective Task Force, established by the board of directors in 2021, supports MLA’s goal of Building a Better Future by honoring our (almost) 125-year history with activities that highlight our past while emphasizing diversity. Its primary charge is to establish and lead initiatives that will
- Honor 125 years of MLA’s history with publications, events, and initiatives that highlight MLA’s milestones.
- Deepen our understanding of the experience of diverse communities over the course of MLA’s history.
- Ensure that all voices are represented within the historical narrative.
To this end, the task force is expected to
- Collaborate with MLA’s caucuses and chapters to identify members who will contribute to the initiative, including community initiatives, activities, perspectives, and content.
- Liaise with MLA editorial boards, program committees, and other MLA entities to ensure broad, inclusive, and diverse participation, cohesiveness, and alignment.
- Partner with MLA headquarters for project management, coordination, communications, and other MLA resources as required.
To celebrate MLA’s 125th anniversary (May 2, 2023) the task force has been strategizing ways to best celebrate MLA’s diverse heritage. Activities include updating the MLA Milestones since our 100th anniversary, updating MLA’s 100 Most Notables (listed on page 45 of the 1998 Official Program) to 125 Most Notables with an award, promoting the creation of chapter and caucus histories, and planning a JMLA commemorative issue. Other activities are being planned to coincide with our 2023–2024 anniversary year. Stay tuned for more announcements over the next few months. We look forward to celebrating with all of you!
Task Force Members
Left to right: Michele R. Lieggi, AHIP, chair, Kathleen Amos, AHIP, Shannon Compton, PhD, AHIP, Montie Dobbins, AHIP
Suzanne Fricke, AHIP, Mary A. Hyde, AHIP, Brenda Faye Green, FMLA, Michael Kronenfeld, AHIP, FMLA
Carl Leak, AHIP, Christine Willis, AHIP, Sally Gore, board liaison, Mary M. Langman, staff liaison
