BY: JENNA CALDWELL
On Friday night, the first annual Blackprint Banquet was held in Hughes Formal Lounge, celebrating American University's cultural organizations and dynamic community leaders.
In support of black businesses, giveaways included accessories from Innovative Supplies, Adorned by Chi and a much in-demand 'The Blackprint' sweater. As the room filled with tunes DJ'd by Calkie $wag Di$trict, students of color gathered together to indulge in conversation, a cute polaroids station and hors d'oeuvres.
After receiving numerous nominations for well-deserving organizations on campus, three pioneers were awarded with the 2017 Cultural Organization Award. The award recipients were The Black Student Alliance (BSA), AU chapter of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (AU NAACP) and the AU chapter of Latino and American Student Organization (LASO).
Three individual students were also recognized for the work they've done this 2016-2017 school year. Founder of The Muslim Projectand member of the Islam Awareness Coalition, sophomore Ammarah Rehman was the first recipient the 'Black Eagle Award.' "No one on this campus does anything for recognition or the rewards," Rehman reminded us. "Students of color receive even less recognition for everything they are accomplishing on campus. That's why it's amazing that The Blackprint is able to do this and bring up together."
President of Caribbean Circle, Monique Tinglin was recognized for the efficiency and effectiveness of Caribbean Circle's programming and its incredible reputation. Christiana Ampofo was recognized for her tireless work with the Black Student Alliance as the club's freshman liaison.
After awarding individual students and organizations of color on campus, The Blackprint's executive board took the time to honor their advisors Professor John Watson and Felicia Parks, crediting them with the success of their publication. Reflecting on his professional career at American University, Watson said "It would take six years to gather this many people of color in one room." He continued to thank The Blackprint on their ability to do what many considered impossible.
Finally, Co-Presidents Taryn Daniels and Elisha Brown were honored for incredible leadership, perseverance, creativity and ability to create the publication. Followed by tears (and then more tears), the night came to end as the two announced The Blackprint's new executive board committee.
The 2017-2018 Executive Board Members:
Editor-In-Chief:
Lauren Lumpkin
President/Social Media Director:
Jenna Caldwell
Campus/District Editor:
Mariah Espada
Culture Editor:
Thery Sanon
Event Coordinator:
Zariyah Morvan
Fashion Editor:
Janell Roberts
Multimedia/Video Editor:
Natalie Harris
News Editor:
Alexis Arnold
Opinion Editor:
Devontae Torriente
Web Manager:
Amanda Nyang'oro
Students took to twitters to express their delight:
.@theblackprintAU Now more than ever we need POC in journalism and communications. I am so grateful for the space Blackprint creates & coverage they provide
— Naomi Zeigler (@naomi_zeigler) April 15, 2017
Shoutout to @theblackprintAU y'all keep doing the damn thang
— Othniel X (@Othniel4Prez) April 15, 2017
SHOUTOUT TO @theblackprintAU 🔥🔥🔥🔥
— Ammarah Rehman (@Ammarah_Rehman) April 15, 2017
Thank you so much to the BlackPrint for awarding me with The Black Eagle award ✨ðŸ’💜 pic.twitter.com/yJ7czVDgXN
— Ghanaian Queen (@Christie_FLOTUS) April 15, 2017
If you missed this year's Blackprint Banquet, keep your eyes out for the 2018 event.
Cover: Jenna Caldwell via Instagram
