I am thrilled to pen this blog post expressing my wholehearted endorsement of Dr. Raymond Pun. My introduction to Ray occurred at the 2019 American Library Association (ALA) Mid-Winter Conference, a moment that left an indelible mark on me. Before the conference, I was active on #librarytwitter, where Ray stood out as one of the prominent voices I eagerly followed. Meeting him in person was nothing short of exhilarating. His genuine kindness and the fact that he recognized me from our online interactions impressed me. Little did I know then that our encounter would pave the way for a deeper connection and friendship.
Ray embodies the essence of “lifting as they climb,” a concept I’ve previously highlighted in my writings. As people in my generation would say, he is so dope! I am unequivocal in my support for his candidacy for the presidency of the ALA. As a librarian, Ray excels as a connector and is adept at fostering collaboration—a quality imperative for the ALA’s advancement beyond isolated endeavors. Collaboration must lie at the nucleus of progress.
Moreover, Ray epitomizes integrity and intentionality. His profound understanding of the significance of diversity, equity, and inclusion is commendable. If you haven’t had the chance to delve into his remarkable journey, I implore you to do so. Below, I’ve provided resources to learn more about Ray and his contributions.
Resources about Ray Pun
ALA Election Information
The election closes at 11:59 p.m. Pacific Time on Wednesday, April 3, 2024. Election results will be announced on Monday, April 8, 2024.
To become an informed voter, please visit the ALA Election Website for resources: https://www.ala.org/election
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