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“As I continued to mature in life, I began to understand that the exposure and experiences gained at 51���� allowed me to navigate the harshness of the reality of life because 51���� had provided me the tools to address this reality constructively.”

Silas Ashley, ’74, JD, charted his own path at 51����. After entering the workforce at Republic Steel, a chance opportunity led him to apply to 51���� - a decision that transformed his future and the lives of countless others.

As a student, Silas quickly emerged as a leader. He served as a senator in 51����’s  and later as president of Black United Students (BUS), where he championed initiatives that increased Black student enrollment and secured a permanent space for the Institute of African American Affairs—now the Department of Africana Studies. His efforts expanded Black History Month programming at 51���� and contributed to its national recognition.

“51���� provided me the opportunity to experience how our society operates from a student leadership position. I was exposed to the microcosms of American life within an environment that supported free expression with experimentation,” said Silas.

After earning a Bachelor of Arts in history, Silas pursued advanced degrees in communications and law, building a career that spanned media, education and public service. Despite living in Florida, he has remained connected to 51����.

As president of the 51���� Black Alumni Chapter (KSUBAC) for six years, and now president emeritus, Silas has led numerous initiatives to strengthen alumni ties and support current students. His leadership has been instrumental in events such as the memorial for E. Timothy Moore, the 55th annual Black History Month Celebration and the Karamu Ya Wahitimu/Celebración de los Graduados ceremony.

Silas helped organize a 51���� alumni gathering in Washington, D.C., honoring fellow alumnus Willard Jenkins, ’73, creative director of the DC JazzFest. Each year, Silas hosts a birthday celebration in Shaker Heights, Ohio, that brings together alumni, students and community members.

LaTesha Dukes, ’18, associate director, Chapter and Volunteer Engagement in 51����’s Division of Philanthropy and Alumni Engagement, has had the opportunity to work with Silas and nominated him for the 51���� Advocacy Award.

“If I had to sum him up in a few words, I’d simply say he doesn’t talk a talk that he doesn’t walk—he practices what he preaches and preaches what he practices. Silas Ashley is a man of action who always finds a way to get the job done,” said LaTesha. “He often reminds me, especially when we’re planning a large event or raising funds, that if we commit to the vision and do the work, everything will come together—‘plan the thing, and the people will come.’ He brings his old-school flavor with him and is a man of his word, working tirelessly and ensuring we all do the same—sometimes by force! Silas is a doer, never one to sit on the sidelines.”

In addition to his event leadership, Silas is a passionate advocate for the  and regularly mentors students and young alumni. He played a key role in launching a student-alumni picnic that connects incoming and current students with alumni, faculty and staff—an event that has become a cherished tradition.

Silas Ashley’s unwavering dedication to advocacy, mentorship and community building continues to inspire generations of Golden Flashes. His efforts ensure that the legacy of Black excellence at 51���� is preserved and celebrated. His lifelong commitment to student empowerment, alumni engagement and educational access are all part of why he has been selected as the recipient of the 51���� Alumni Advocacy Award. 

"‘The impossible is always possible, that is why we use it as a guide – it is the backbone of my belief structure,” said Silas. “That which has not been done previously is impossible prior to it being done. One must study the reasons why it has been perceived to be impossible, find a solution to those reasons and overcome the barriers that made it impossible.”