The Gazebo Gazette

OLD BRIDGE, NEW JERSEY (GG) — Pass Christian native Kevin LaVigne Antoine, JD, a trailblazer in civil rights and higher education leadership, announced his retirement after two decades of service in academia and public service. Antoine has served as the inaugural Chief Civil Rights Officer at three prestigious institutions, will retire after a remarkable career that spanned roles at Harvard University, the State University of New York Downstate Health Sciences University (SUNY Downstate),  the City University of New York College of Staten Island (CUNY CSI), and Bucks  County Community College on February 20.

Dr. Antoine’s career was marked by commitment to advancing civil rights, diversity, and inclusion. As the inaugural Chief Civil Rights Officer at SUNY Downstate, CUNY CSI, and Bucks County Community College, he played a role in shaping the landscape of higher education for underrepresented groups where his leadership in establishing key initiatives at each institution has left an impact on students, faculty, and communities alike. 

“Dr. Antoine has been an exceptional leader in higher education, whose contributions have had a profound and lasting effect on our institutions and the communities we serve,” said James Hoyte, the retired Associate Vice President of Harvard University.

“His work in creating the Dr. Martin Luther King Leadership Award, the government relations office at Bucks College, and a strategic diversity plan at SUNY Downstate exemplifies his deep commitment to justice, equality, and the advancement of academic excellence,”  said Ron Davis the Chief Diversity Officer of Parx Casino. 

Among his many accomplishments, Antoine’s notable achievements include: 

  • Establishing the Government Relations Office at Bucks County Community College,  which significantly strengthened the institution’s advocacy efforts and relationships with  local and state governments. 
  • Creating the Strategic Diversity Plan at SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University, a  landmark initiative that enhanced the university’s commitment to diversity, equity, and  inclusion. 
  • Founding the Dr. Martin Luther King Leadership Award at both SUNY Downstate and  Bucks College, an honor that celebrates students, faculty, and staff who have  demonstrated outstanding leadership in promoting social justice.

A former Fulbright Specialist Scholar, he conducted research that advanced global understanding of human rights issues. He earned his law degree from the College of William & Mary School of Law. Following the recipient of his Juris Doctorate, he completed a one-year Fellowship at the Harvard School of Public Health, where he researched discrimination in healthcare—a subject to which he devoted much of his career. Additionally, Antione received his undergraduate education at the University of Southern Mississippi on an Air Force ROTC Scholarship. He is an Air Force veteran. 

In the Newtown Township, Pennsylvania, the local government recently passed a “Resolution of Appreciation”  honoring Dr. Antoine’s two terms as chair of its Human Relations Commission. 

Finally, he published his first book, “New Black Power: A Memoir of Kevin LaVigne Antoine.” It delves into the fascinating 1996 Mississippi Fourth Congressional  District Democratic primary. Facing opposition from the Mississippi and National  Democratic Party, Antoine became the first Black candidate to win a political party’s nomination in the majority-white Fourth Congressional District. 

“I am incredibly proud of the work we’ve done and the lives we’ve impacted over the  years,” said Antoine. He plans to focus on personal pursuits in retirement, including  writing books, civil/human rights advocacy, traveling, and mentoring. 

(Photo submitted by Kevin Antoine, JD)