Sherman Hall was filled with GSU students, friends and family of award nominees to celebrate GSU’s inaugural Black Women Rock Award Ceremony February 28. To commemorate Black History Month, the ceremony recognized 55 GSU students excelling in five categories.
The five categories included Passionate Advocate, Miz Entrepreneur, Literary Expressionist, Creative Soul, and Sistah Philanthropist. The ceremony also consisted of various speeches and performances.
Guest speaker Connie L. Lindsey, Executive Vice-President of Northern Trust, spoke about her passion for advocacy. She also talked about how powerful women value what they can deliver to the community.
The ceremony featured a music video honoring prominent black women such as Rosa Parks, Harriet Tubman and Michelle Obama.
GSU President Elaine Maimon opened the ceremony speaking about the importance for students who are role models of themselves to see other role models. “We are very proud of all the success of our students. All of you are winners,” said Maimon.
The five award recipients were Sharon Starks (Passionate Advocate Award), Cynthia Gail Frye (Miz Entrepreneur Award), Nneka J. Howell (Literary Expressionist Award), Diana Muhammad (Creative Soul Award), and Shirley Faye Davis (Sistah Philanthropist Award).
Throughout the ceremony were performances by Karen Caesar-Smith of the GSU Acapella Choir, and LAVA The Poet, accompanied by Edward H. White Career Academy Poetry Guild.
The ceremony was brought to life by Vanessa Newby, along with the help from GSU’s Black History Month Committee comprised of Sheree Sanderson, Randi Schneider, Roshanda Ross, and Brittani Barnett.
“It’s an honor to be recognized for helping people. Seeing the smile on the faces of those I’ve helped is the greatest reward,” said Shirley Faye Davis, Sistah Philanthropist Award winner.