Salem's Shawn Newton Awarded SSU's Charlotte Forten Legacy Award

SALEM, MA — Salem State alumnus Shawn Newton, a professional consultant and recent chair of Salem’s Race Equity Task Force, was named the recipient of the Salem State University Alumni Association's Charlotte Forten Legacy Award.

Established in 2019, the Charlotte Forten Legacy Award is presented to groups or individuals who best exemplify a legacy of commitment to the mission and purpose of Salem State University.

"Charlotte Forten was Salem State's first African-American graduate," Newton said. "To be remotely discussed or affiliated with her is truly humbling and such an honor."

The 1996 SSU graduate is the co-founder of the Newton Consultancy Group, which offers professional consulting services aimed at understanding and dismantling systemic racism.

Prior to founding NCG, Newton spent nearly three decades in higher education and student affairs, most recently as the associate dean of students at Suffolk University. He also held a faculty position at the Sawyer Business School

Newton also recently served as chair of Salem's Race Equity Task Force.

"Shawn has made it his life's work to better the lives of others," said Salem State Assistant Director of Alumni Relations Mike Mitchell. "In addition to his many gifts as a student affairs practitioner, Shawn is the kind of once-in-a-generation person who can work with, and relate to, anyone.

"His impact is immeasurable, and he is beyond deserving of this recognition."

For more information on this award, or to nominate a Salem State alum for a future honor, go here.

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(Scott Souza is a Patch field editor covering Beverly, Danvers, Marblehead, Peabody, Salem and Swampscott. He can be reached at Scott.Souza@Patch.com. Twitter: @Scott_Souza.)