ALANA plans annual MLK Jr. Award Ceremony
by Stephanie Manu
The Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Coretta Scott King Service Award recipients will be announced this April by the diversity committee.
In the past, recipients were able to bring guests, view a presentation and have dinner together, but due to the pandemic things have shifted. Derek Scalia, Director of Retention and Diversity, and the rest of the selection group are seeking an alternative way to provide inclusivity so that everyone will be able to be present.
(Photo: Julieth Nwosu)
“Each year we solicit names of students and then review their responses,” Scalia said over a Zoom interview. He also spoke about the ways they will gift a book to acknowledge students to deepen their involvement in social justice and community.
Nominees who meet one or more of the three criteria regarding acts of service and involvement will be able to receive an award. Two to three distinguished honors awards will be given to extraordinary candidates who capture the essence of voicing justice and awareness.
The Martin Luther King Jr. and Coretta Scott King Service Award is part of a ceremony to commemorate students involved with spreading cultural awareness and social injustices while celebrating the deeds of Martin Luther King Jr. and the works of Coretta Scott King, who continues to lead and inspire justice and unity.
“I hope this ceremony inspires the nominees and viewers to step out into their communities and use their voices,” said Julieth Nwosu, Vice President of ALANA in an in person interview.
The ceremony will be on Thursday April 29th, at 6 p.m. Updates will be posted by the RavenFlash to student emails.
