Dr. Shurita Thomas-Tate’s commitment to support fair education has earned her the Kathryn J. Munzinger Advocate of the Year Award from Parent, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG) Springfield/SWMO.
This award recognizes her tireless efforts to promote access for members of the LGBTQ+ community in the Springfield Public Schools (SPS) District.
“As a SPS board member, I’ve been vocally advocating for access, equity and basic human rights for our LGBTQ+ students, teachers and families in the district,” said Thomas-Tate, a Missouri State University associate professor of communication sciences and disorders.
“I believe PFLAG gives this award annually, but this was the first time I was nominated and won.”
Advocacy amid challenges
Thomas-Tate’s work has been significant in light of local and statewide challenges to LGBTQ+ rights.
“We serve the public, all of the public, not some of the public,” she said. “My advocacy is for every student — not some students, not the students who meet this criteria or that criteria, but for every student.”
Continuing the fight
Thomas-Tate plans to continue her advocacy work through various initiatives. She encourages others to speak up for those who cannot.
“Advocacy means speaking up. It doesn’t have to be antagonistic; it’s speaking up and saying, ‘Hey, see this group, see these people, hear their voices,’” she said.
Thomas-Tate’s nonprofit, Ujima Language and Literacy, embodies this philosophy by supporting children’s literacy and fostering community connections. She founded the organization in 2015.
“Ujima is a Swahili word,” Thomas-Tate said. “It means collective work and responsibility. And it’s about ‘you help me, I help you and together we can help each other.’”
Staying engaged
Thomas-Tate remains active in the Springfield community. She participates in Ozarks Pridefest and facilitates Ujima’s summer camp.
“We have an event called Ujima Language and Literacy Summer Camp, which starts in July. We’ll have students from Missouri State helping with language literacy activities with our kids,” Thomas-Tate said.
Additionally, she is planning a book drive on campus this fall to collect diverse children’s literature.
Acknowledging the support
According to Thomas-Tate, receiving the Advocate of the Year award is a meaningful validation of her work.
“I feel very honored. Unfortunately, I sometimes get negative feedback and attacks because of my support for marginalized students and groups,” she said.
But the positive recognition from PFLAG and her community reinforces her commitment to advocacy.
“It’s always appreciated when I get positive feedback from people who see and value what I’m doing,” Thomas-Tate said.