Note: Elder Ahmad S. Corbitt was recently called to the First Quorum of the Seventy after serving as first counselor in the Young Men General Presidency.
Brother Ahmad S. Corbitt currently serves as the first counselor in the Young Men General Presidency. Brother Corbitt received his undergrad in sociology from Richard Stockton of New Jersey and a law degree from Rutgers University School of Law. He recently gave a forum addressing students and faculty of the BYU McKay School of Education about belonging in education.
In his forum, Brother Corbitt discussed President Nelson's address with the NAACP. He included his story about how he told Reverend Amos Brown to stand by President Nelson, who immediately laced his arm through Reverend Brown's. Brother Corbitt went on to speak about President Nelson and his love and inclusivity towards everyone. It was not staged, just an act of love. Using this as one example, we should also be treating those around us with inclusivity and Christlike love.
We asked a few BYU McKay School Student Ambassadors what they learned from Brother Corbitt's address, and this is what they said:
Elliott Roubicek: "During Brother Corbitt''s address, I felt impressed that to create a greater sense of unity in the church, root out racism, and help people feel a sense of belonging we must first start with ourselves. We need to look at our sphere of influence and do what we can to make a difference. My favorite thing that he said was 'all are invited to be a part of the body of Christ.' I believe this to be true. Christ invites all to come unto Him, and we need to help all people feel loved and accepted."
Bethany Gold: "I really appreciated the quotes that he shared about rooting out racism and building a community of belonging within the church. I feel like sometimes we don't realize just how much the Church is doing to help all members feel wanted and needed in our community of saints, and it was just a wonderful personal reminder!"
Megan Brinton: "Leaders of the Church speak strongly against racism of any kind. Brother Corbitt shared various clips of past general conference talks where Church leaders spoke strongly about how racism does not belong within the church, or anywhere. We are all God's children and should be treated as such. When relating this to teaching, we as educators should create a sense of belonging in our classroom. As soon as our students walk through our doors, they should feel like they belong and that they are safe. We can always do better to be more inclusive and loving toward everyone around us."
If you would like to learn more about Brother Corbitt's address and creating a sense of belonging, schedule an appointment to meet with a student ambassador here!