Jo’Nae Olds is a soft-spoken person, and that sometimes makes her feel a little overlooked. This January, however, she was recognized along with dozens of faculty, staff, and community members as one of the “everyday people” who inspire others.

After being nominated by the UR community, photos and comments about those selected were placed on a display board in the Heilman Dining Center. The activity was one of many during this year’s MLK “Everyday People, Everyday Choices, Everyday Action” celebration.

“This year’s theme is inspired by the idea that ordinary individuals, through their everyday choices and actions, contribute to bending the moral arc of the universe toward justice,” said MLK committee co-chair Anthony Crenshaw, director of operations and strategic initiatives for the Bonner Center for Civic Engagement.

UR faculty and staff, community activists, nonprofit leaders, civil rights figures, and family members were acknowledged for their role in motivating others.

Olds, an area coordinator with Residence Life & Housing, received this recognition: "Jo'Nae is my everyday person because she genuinely makes each day brighter just by being herself — my UR experience wouldn't be the same without her unconditional love and support!"

“Honestly, it was a bit of a shock at first. I never really expected to be someone’s everyday person, and seeing myself on a display really hit me in a way I didn’t anticipate,” said Olds. “Seeing myself like that felt validating.”

Biology professor Linda Boland was also on the list. “I felt truly honored that someone would think of me and take time to enter my name,” she said. “There are many deserving people on this campus, and it’s an honor to be part of this group.”

Boland said the display helped drive home the celebration’s theme, inspired by the messages of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. “It’s wonderful that the planning committee tapped into MLK Jr.’s idea that people everywhere can make a difference,” she said. “He made sure we know that we are all part of an ongoing need to make certain that people are treated fairly and honorably.”

While many of the nominees are highly visible in the UR community, some of the nominated individuals may not be as recognizable, but nonetheless they still make a significant impact on our community.

“I think it is important that we don't lose sight of the small gesture, and this display was a great reminder of just that,” Olds said. “Sometimes, it's as simple as taking a moment to smile at someone, recognizing them for their achievements, or even learning how to pronounce someone's name correctly. There are so many small ways to make a difference and bring about change.” 

Below are just a few of the people recognized in UR's MLK “Everyday People, Everyday Choices, Everyday Action” celebration.