we are gathered and behind me is isaac hawkins hall. [applause] >> right there. which we are here to dedicate this afternoon, along with anne marie becraft hall, just a short from here. i wish to offer a special welcome to our community who are present this afternoon, some traveling a great distance to be here for this day which includes this dedication, our energy of remembrance, contrition and hope which concluded just a few months ago, and some special gatherings and presentations into the afternoon and this evening. i welcome all of you, especially the members of the hawkins family and all of the extended members of your family. we are grateful and honored by your presence and by the efforts of so many around the nation to share in the events with us, online and in new orleans and baton rouge. we want to thank you all. [applause] >> thank you all for being a part of this special day. i would also like to welcome our neighbors from around the city. i would like to welcome our speakers this afternoon. we would like to have members from our working group on slav