The Suffolk County Martin Luther King, Jr. Commission has recognized Huntington UFSD school psychologist Dr. Cynthia Fletcher with the organization’s 2020 Public Service Award.
The commission is dedicated to achieving social justice through education, advocacy and training in Kingian non-violence to address the social ills of racism, poverty, militarism and all forms of violence to achieve Dr. King’s vision of the ‘beloved community.’
Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. was an inspiring American civil rights leader.
A Huntington UFSD school psychologist for the past 27 years, Dr. Fletcher obtained a BS degree at Northwestern University in 1986 in human development and social policy. She went on to study at Pace University where she earned a master’s degree in 1990 and a doctorate in 1992.
“I have been honored to serve the community within which I live and have worked for the past 30 years,” Dr. Fletcher said. “The Town of Huntington and the greater Suffolk area has been the location of my career’s work. It has always been a clear purpose in my heart to advance the education and knowledge and civic opportunities of all groups, with equity. That means, race, creed, culture, linguistic diversity, socio-economic status, genders/gender expression, abilities and age.”
Dr. Fletcher has been active in the Suffolk chapter of the National Coalition of 100 Black Women and Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority and is a life member of the Huntington chapter of the NAACP.
“Cynthia’s passion lies in advocating for all students regardless of ability, race and gender,” said Diana Rich, Huntington UFSD director of special education and student support services.
A crowd numbering in the hundreds turned out for the awards luncheon, which was held at the Radisson Hotel in Hauppauge.
“I must admit, I was surprised when I received the letter, to inform me that I was nominated for the award,” Dr. Fletcher said. “I was not sure of what outstanding actions I had engaged in over the past year that warranted such recognition. I do my job, humbly, day after day. Because I focus on the intersection of civil rights and inclusive goals of special education, I am known to be steadfast in my convictions, advocating for students. Last year, I took the initiative to bring to the local powerbrokers a community program called SUNNE’s GIFT, to promote anti-bullying through arts-in-ed. Bullying has always been a core tool used to block the civil rights of marginalized groups. Teaching children and their communities that they are valued is the first aspect of the Suffolk County Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Commission’s mission statement.”