Xavierite
On Friday, February 26 Saint Xavier University will host the second Annual African Achievement Awards. The event is sponsored by the Black History Month Committee that consists of several groups, including the Black Student Union, the African American Studies Diaspora club, the African American Studies Department, Campus Life, Campus Ministry, and the Office of Records and Advising.
The purpose of the African Achievement Awards is to celebrate the accomplishments of African American students, faculty, and Staff at SXU. Academic Resource Advisor, Lisa Lyons, who is a part of the committee sponsoring the event, elaborated on the purpose and significance of the awards.
“It’s to bring awareness to the achievements of the African American community, highlight some students who may not always get highlighted, or staff or faculty that might not always get highlighted through the broader award events and outlets. Also, it helps as part of our mission about promoting diversity, so it’s culture based, learning about the black culture, the roots, the heritage, the legacy. It all plays a role into diversity which is one of our core values,” said Lyons.
There are several categories of awards that celebrate academics, athletics, leadership, community service, and more. One category of awards is the MVP Award, which recognizes African American students who have demonstrated involvement and leadership in student organizations, campus activities, and community service efforts.
The MVP Award will be presented to two African American students, one male and one female, from each undergraduate grade level and from the graduate level. Another award is the Outstanding Student Leader Award, which is awarded to a male and a female African American student who have made contributions on campus through their involvement and leadership.
The Student Athlete Award recognizes a male and female African American student athlete who made contributions on and off the field. Also, African American students who have a cumulative GPA of at least 3.5 will receive Academic Excellence Awards.
Education major, Rachal Brooks won both the Freshmen MVP Award as well as the Student Athlete Award last year. In an interview with the Xavierite, Brooks recounted how she felt when she received the awards.
“I was actually very surprised when I got both awards. I barely expected one award so, being awarded both was really exciting for me. I didn’t think it was a big deal, but I felt very supported and loved when others congratulated me after. I was proud of myself for being one of few in my family to not only go to college, but also be honored as an African-American athlete,” said Brooks.
Besides awards for student achievement, there will also be awards presented to outstanding faculty and staff members.
These awards celebrate faculty and staff who have contributed to students and the SXU community as a whole. All members of the SXU community had the opportunity to nominate individuals for an award by filling out a form and writing a statement highlighting the person’s accomplishments. The award nominations were accepted until Friday, February 12.
The winners will be selected by a committee composed of faculty, staff, and students who will review the nominees’ achievements and recommendations. The Black History Month Committee has been working hard to prepare for the upcoming awards ceremony. Lyons says that the committee is now planning the details of the events, such as selecting the hosts of the ceremony and choosing the decorations.
They have already booked the entertainment for this year’s awards ceremony. The entertainment includes performers from the SXU community, as well as performers from outside of SXU.
Chicago R&B singer/songwriter, Keith James will perform at the ceremony along with the Chicago Contemporary Dance Theater. SXU’s Paw Prints Dance Team will also give a performance. There will also be a performance from Elected of Zion, a, SXU faith-based student organization.
According to Lyons, last year’s ceremony and subsequent celebration was a great success. The event drew a large attendance from members of the SXU community, family and friends of the award winners, and others from outside of SXU.
“The students enjoyed the ceremony as well as the after party, they got to take pictures with the Saint Xavier backdrop, we had rock the red carpet, so it was really something different,” said Lyons. There is also an element of pagentry that contributes to the fun of the evening.
“People got to dress up, take pictures, and it was a great memory, so this was something we definitely wanted to continue as a staple event during Black History Month,” said Lyons. Brooks agrees that the ceremony was a success, especially in light of the fact that it was the first time the event was hosted and even gave those attending a real sense of togetherness and fellowship.
“I thought the ceremony was well organized and coordinated for it’s first year. I think the hosts and everyone who contributed to it happening did so well that many may have thought the awards ceremony was going on for years.
It was also a nice reception, especially having families and friends there as well. It really showed the coming together of our community,” said Brooks. Lyons says that she hopes that students “pack the house” for this year’s award ceremony.
She stressed that everyone is welcome to attend the event, no matter who they are, and regardless of whether or not they are receiving an award. “I would encourage people to come out to this event because it’s something different. It’s inclusive of everybody; we welcome all walks of life. Just because it’s highlighting a specific culture, it doesn’t mean that you will be in an environment where you will feel uncomfortable. We are open to all. Our committee is actually very diverse, of different cultures, genders,” said Lyons.
Lyons said also that the ceremony serves to give others a welcoming glimpse of a particular experience in American culture. “So we want to give people a glimpse of the African American experience. You dress up, there’s food, it’s fun.
So, it’s a great time, it’s a great social event to tie the campus community together,” said Lyons. Just to recap, the award ceremony will happen next Friday, February 26.
Yasmeen Abdellatif
Senior News Editor