'Global diversity, inclusion and belonging.' Maritime Academy embraces mariner's legacy

The Massachusetts Maritime Academy opened its new Captain Paul Cuffe Center for Inclusion in September.

Formerly known as the Office of Intercultural Engagement, the office has been renamed to honor Capt. Paul Cuffe, a master mariner, philanthropist, abolitionist, and education advocate.

Descendants of Cuffe, including fourth-great-grandson Robert Kelley, were guests of honor at the opening ceremony.

“We are involved in global diversity, inclusion and belonging programs,” Patrick Nobrega, director of the center, said in an interview with the Times.

“Any student who identifies as a first generation student, student of color, or international student trying to culturally adjust, we offer advising services for them,” said Nobrega. “We encourage everyone to stop by and participate in the events that support inclusive excellence.”

The academy, a state university in Buzzards Bay, had a full-time enrollment of around 1,700 undergraduate and graduate students in fiscal 2022, according to state records.

Who was Capt. Paul Cuffe?

Paul Cuffe was born on Cuttyhunk Island in 1759. A member of the Wampanoag tribe, Cuffe was known for his work as a merchant and entrepreneur, according to the school.

In 1780, Cuffe, along with his brother, joined four free African American friends in petitioning the Massachusetts Legislature to grant African Americans the right to vote, according to the Paul Cuffe website.

After established a shipping business across the southern coast of Massachusetts, Rhode Island and Connecticut, Cuffe went on to become one of the wealthiest African Americans at the time. He was vocal about change for people of color as well as in the maritime industry.

Cuffe is also known to have established the first integrated school, in Westport. His goal was to provide a space of learning for all communities, regardless of race.

The center wants to expand exchange programs abroad

“We just finished up events on Hispanic Heritage Month and we are preparing to host events for the Native American heritage month in November,” said Nobrega.

Jonathan James Perry, a descendant of the Cuffe family and a member of the Wampanoag tribe, is the main speaker for an event on Native American heritage month at the center on Thursday.

The White Ribbon project, another recent program, is a collaboration with Independence House, a women's center in Hyannis, and the Cuffe Center. The center is partnering with Independence House to offer a panel on Nov. 8 about men standing in solidarity with women and girls against gender violence.

The Cuffe Center also hopes to increase study abroad and exchange programs at the school.

Rasheek Tabassum Mujib writes about health care and education. Reach her at rmujib@capecodonline.com.

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This article originally appeared on Cape Cod Times: Maritime university center in Buzzards Bay focuses on belonging