José Cossa Remarks
2012 Joyce
Cain Award Recepient (in absentia)
April 23, 2012 CIES Conference, San Jose, Puerto Rico
It is with immense pleasure and gratitude that I accept the
Joyce Cain Award. I am honored to join my predecessors who were graced with the
same blessing of this special and very important award, which unifies us in
continuing the legacy of those whose contribution is embodied in the memory of
Dr. Joyce Lynn Cain. Unfortunately, it was not possible for me to be present in
person and share this special moment with you (which happens to coincide with my
birthday), but I am confident that Dr. Freeman and the Joyce Cain Award
committee will carry the aura of my gratitude and appreciation for the noble
significance of this award
My gratitude is first and foremost to four very special
African and Diaspora women who have served as pillars of my academic
accomplishments: my mother Angelica Maguiguane, my sister Laura Saveca-Parruque,
my wife Tebo, and my daughter Khanimambo.
I would like to extend my gratitude to my colleagues and
friends who have been very supportive of my academic Ithaka (Gk. journey) leading to this award:
·
Dr. N’Dri Assié-Lumumba, Dr. Erwin H. Epstein,
and Dr. Paula Caffer;
·
The Joyce Cain Award Committee members who have selected
me amongst other very competent scholars;
·
My fellow nominees and colleagues who share in
this commitment to serve the African people and its Diaspora; and,
·
All those who have read, or will read, my work
and find value in my research and contribution to CIES, the field, Africa and the
Diaspora, and the people of Mozambique.
May we never forget the complexities and nuances that we (Africans
and the Diaspora) have to navigate in order to make our voices heard and obtain
the respect we deserve in a world where we are often treated as “they”!
May our research reflect our commitment to love, hope, and
justice in a world that is often characterized by hatred, hopelessness, and
injustice!
May the revolutions we seek, lead us in paths that foster
equitable participation of all peoples in a world characterized by an
overwhelming culture of competitiveness!
May we see revolutionary educations that move beyond
peaceful existence toward a more vehement and critical advocacy for equal
rights and justice!
Have a blessed conference!
Your colleague and friend,
José Cossa, Ph.D.
Cultural and Educational Policy Studies,
Comparative and International Education
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