Ricko Martin serves as the inaugural Graduate Assistant at the Ithaca College Unity Center and GIAC Maxwell Fellow, where he supports campus-wide initiatives that foster belonging, dialogue, and social understanding. A native of Washington State, Ricko came to Ithaca College to pursue his passion for education and social change. He earned his B.A. in History and Politics in 2025 and is now continuing his studies in the School of Humanities and Sciences, majoring in Adolescence Education with a concentration in Social Studies as part of the Master of Arts in Teaching program.
Driven by a commitment to empowering young people, Ricko plans to teach students in grades 7–12 in New York State after graduation. His mission is to help students recognize how deeply the past shapes our present lives, the lasting effects of historical injustices and policies, and why understanding and accounting for history is essential for making thoughtful, collective decisions.
Ricko’s academic and professional work centers on the enduring impact of historical injustices and the policies that continue to shape communities today. He brings this focus into his role at the Unity Center and into his practice as a student teacher in the Ithaca City School District, where he strives to create learning environments that are reflective, inclusive, and grounded in historical awareness. You can reach him at rmartin7@ithaca.edu
Other Facts:
- From Issaquah, WA,
- Undergraduate class of 2025, School of H&S
