The Hughes-Trigg Student Center ballroom was filled wall to wall with gowns, tuxedos and celebration as the Association of Black Students, or ABS, hosted its 15th Annual Black Excellence Ball on Feb. 28, the final night of Black History Month.
This year’s theme marked a century of Black history while honoring the triumphs, leadership and community that continue shaping SMU’s campus today.
ABS President Grace Burno, opened the evening by reflecting on the growth of the event.
“This used to fill only half the room,” Burno said. “Now the entire ballroom is packed. It shows our excellence. It shows resilience. It shows how proud SMU students are to be here.”
This year’s keynote speaker, Devean Owens-Toler, Ph.D returned to the campus she once called home. Owens-Toller, who helped establish the Black Excellence Ball 15 years ago, delivered a deeply personal address centered on fear, grief and the sustaining power of community.
Owens-Toler shared her recent battle with breast cancer and how the experience forced her to confront uncertainty, vulnerability and identity.
“Fear may always be part of the story,” Owens-Toler said. “But community stands up and shows up.”
She reflected on navigating imposter syndrome as a Black student at a predominantly white institution, describing the fear of being unseen or misunderstood experiences she said many Black students still face today.
“Every Black student knows the grief of wondering if excellence will shield you,” Owens-Toler said. “But we do not walk through our hardest chapters alone.”
She reminded attendees that Black history is not only stories of triumph but also stories of people who turned grief into gathering.
Owens-Toler urged students to intentionally build and sustain community, even when it requires stepping outside their comfort zones.
“Community is not a luxury,” Owens-Toler said. “It is how we ground ourselves when systems fall short.”
Award Recipients
The Kelvin Beachum Outstanding Athlete Award was presented to Kevin Jennings, a graduate student at Southern Methodist University, pursuing a Master’s degree in Liberal Studies.
The Anga Sanders Community Impact Award was awarded to Taylor Good, a junior majoring in Journalism with a minor in English.
The David Huntley Leadership Award was presented to Jazmin Darjean, a junior at Southern Methodist University, majoring in Psychology and Business Management.
The Dr. Jennifer “JJ” Jones Unsung Hero Award went to Melanie Jackson, who serves as the Editor-in-Chief of The Daily Campus.
The Dr. Pamela D. Anthony Award was presented to Nicole Moore, Coordinator for Student Center and Activities, honoring faculty or staff who embody the spirit of diversity and student advocacy.
The Dr. Barbara Hill Moore Excellence Award was awarded to Dante Branch, Assistant Director of Community Outreach, and Klyne Smith, Ph.D who currently teaches graduate and undergraduate students in the Computer Science Department at SMU.
Black Alumni Scholarship Recipients
Aijah Bailey-Ray
Makayla Blackwell
Chandler Boyd
Caitlin Bullard
Christopher DeGrate Jr.
Jordan Diggs
Taylor Good
Maya Grant
Jordan Rivers
Kernell Slack
Zion Smith
Mame Sanou Sy
Gail Wilson
Melody Yoseph
Jae Lambert, vice president of ABS, a junior majoring in film, said planning the event required months of collaboration.
“Tonight went smoothly. It’s rewarding to see it all come together,” Lambert said
Taylor Good, a junior journalism major and scholarship recipient, described the evening as overwhelming in the best way.
“It’s about giving people their flowers while they’re still here,” Good said. “Seeing so many accomplished Black men and women in one space it’s beautiful.”
Junior scholarship recipient Kernell Slack said the keynote left him reflective.
“When I get home, I’m going to look at life in a different lens,” Slack said. “And receiving the scholarship helps me continue my academic journey.”
Dr. Jennifer “JJ” Jones, executive director of student development and ABS advisor, said the night represented love and faith.
“When we think about Black history, we can’t only think about struggle,” Jones said. “We must think about the community we built out of that struggle.”
Ashley Jones, senior and former ABS president, emphasized the historic nature of the evening.
“This was the largest ball we’ve ever had,” Jones said. “Nearly every member of student affairs leadership was here. Every Black member of the Board of Trustees. That matters.”
For Burno, the night affirmed something larger than an event.
“Black students at SMU, you deserve your place here,” Burno said. “You worked hard to get here. Don’t let anyone dim your shine.”
The 15th Annual Black Excellence Ball did more than honor individual achievements. It reinforced a legacy that began with peaceful protest in 1969 and continues through scholarship, leadership and community building today.
