The Maritime College Cultural Club said it was pleased to hold its 35TH Annual Black History Month Scholarship Dinner as an in-person event on February 24, 2022.
The event is a celebration that recognizes the importance and significance of Black History and the achievements of Maritime College students who are presented scholarships by the Organization of Black Maritime Graduates during the dinner event.
This year’s guest speaker featured Virgin Islander Captain Tevin A. Freeman ’13, the first Black Captain to serve as Deputy Harbor Pilot at the Tampa Bay Pilots Association. During his time at Maritime College, Captain Freeman was active in the Regiment of Cadets, as a member of the Cultural Club and the Propeller Club, and as Resident Advisor. After receiving his degree in Marine Transportation from Maritime College, he went on to become an experienced mariner working as Chief Mate for Crowley. He enjoys mentoring young cadets and unlicensed crew, and during his address at the event, encouraged students to “Stay motivated, stay humble, and most importantly, stay resilient because you will need it when you go out into the real world.”
Additionally, Keynote Speaker and Honoree was Captain Zeita Merchant, Commander, Sector New York, Captain of the Port, United States Coast Guard. Captain Merchant assumed command in 2021 and now directs all Coast Guard missions in the Port of New York and New Jersey. Her sector spans over 6,000 square miles from 200 miles offshore and inland to Albany, NY. She has enjoyed over 24 years of active-duty service. Her academic accomplishments and accolades abound and she is recognized as an authority in maritime safety and security, and crisis management. The ease with which she easily connected with students was evident throughout the night. “I am living proof that you can do whatever you dream of doing. That you belong, and have the right to be right where you are.”