The 2021 Black Excellence Awards Honors Outstanding Black Students and Faculty at SMU

The SMU Association of Black Students (ABS) held their tenth annual Black Excellence Awards Saturday, Feb. 27. In addition to awarding Black students and faculty for their leadership and merit, this year’s ceremony placed a special emphasis on celebrating outstanding Black women and featured a keynote presentation by former Olympic gymnast Dominique Dawes.

“What will truly make you happy is the legacy you leave in the world,” said Dawes, the first female, Black American gymnast to win an individual Olympic medal and an Olympic gold medal as a member of the dominating Atlanta Magnificent Seven in 1996

Gymnastics legend Dominique Dawes became the first black woman to win a gold medal in Olympic gymnastics in the 1996 Olympics. She is now a famed motivational speaker and powerful advocate for black women worldwide. Photo Credit: Getty Images

ABS event coordinator, sophomore Kennedy Coleman, noted that the event was especially important for its recognition of the often overlooked contributions that Black students make at SMU.

“At SMU, Black students are not as recognized for their leadership,” Coleman said. “This event gives us an opportunity to recognize Black students specifically for their leadership here at SMU.”

Coleman also said that Black SMU faculty are especially likely to go unrecognized for their work and support of Black students.

“It’s a way to show our appreciation for Black faculty who are advocating for us behind closed doors,” Coleman said. “Because oftentimes they are the only Black faculty in their department advocating for us.”

Black students and faculty continue working toward lasting change at SMU and building a support system for the Black students that will come after them. Event attendees and award recipients expressed that the recognition of each class’s contributions is critical towards these efforts.

“It’s very humbling, honestly, to have been selected by the event board,” David S. Huntley award recipient, junior Abena Marfo shared. “It’s kind of a torch to pass on, and I hope to continue to be a role model at SMU.”

The SMU Association of Black Students (ABS) currently has about 75 members and is always open to new members. Photo Credit: Kennedy Coleman — The SMU Association of Black Students (ABS) currently boasts about 75 members and is always open to new members. Photo Credit: Kennedy Coleman

The awards ceremony began with awarding seven exceptional Black SMU students with the Black Alumni Scholarship. The following students were awarded for their leadership and community involvement on SMU’s campus, as well as their merit.

Keidra Carmichael
Second Year, Perkins School of Theology

Lexxi Clinton
Class of 2021, Political Science and Philosophy

Kennedy Coleman
Class of 2023, Political Science

Allysan Jackson
Class of 2022, Marketing and Fashion Media

Courtney Jackson
Class of 2024, Mechanical Engineering

Titus McGowan
Class of 2024, Biological Sciences and Health & Society

Stacy Tubonemi
Class of 2021, MBA

The awards ceremony concluded with the recognition of five remarkable Black women, four SMU students and one SMU faculty. The following women were recognized for the incredible impact they have had both in and beyond the SMU community.

Jennifer “JJ” Jones Unsung Hero Award

This award recognizes a student that selflessly serves the SMU community and carries it forward with integrity.
Recipient: Nia Kamau
– Class of 2022; Human Rights and International Studies, Tower Scholar
– Co-Director of the Champions Mentorship Program

Anga Sanders Community Impact Award

This award recognizes a student who consistently demonstrates activism both on the SMU campus and in the local community.
Recipient: Tyne Dickson
– Class of 2022; Theatre and Public Policy, Tower Scholar
– Brought Black Lives Matter to SMU

David S. Huntley Award

This award honors a member of the SMU community who consistently demonstrates their ability to go above and beyond through his or her leadership on campus.
Recipient: Abena Marfo
– Class of 2022; Human Rights, Sociology, Health & Society

Jerry Levias Outstanding Athlete Award

This award honors an African-American student who exemplifies excellence both on and off the field.
Recipient: Bri Tollie
– Class of 2022; Political Science and Human Rights
– SMU Women’s Basketball
– Co-founder of the Black Student-Athlete Committee at SMU

Dr. Pamela D. Anthony Award

This award honors a faculty member who exemplifies the spirit of diversity here at SMU.
Recipient: Ms. Jennifer “JJ” Jones
– SMU Class of 1993; Sociology, B.A.
– SMU Class of 1999; Master of Liberal Arts, Liberal Arts and Sciences/Liberal Studies
– Executive Director of Student Life