February is the designated month set aside to celebrate black history. Grammar schools, high schools, churches and many organizations all over the world have their own celebrations to mark and remember the accomplishments of African-Americans past and present.
NEIU held its’ own celebrations all month long by hosting programs to honor Black History Month (BHM). On Friday, February 23, 2007, the school held its Black History Month Awards Ceremony and Dance in the Alumni Hall. Those receiving honors are nominated by the 23 member NEIU Black History Month Committee. The committee is made up of faculty and students.
Felecia Keelen is Director of the Student Union, and is the chair for the committee. When asked what they are looking for in awardees, Keelen said, “those nominated are individuals that exemplify excellence and have made significant contributions to Northeastern Illinois University and to the African American Community.” Student Rachon Thomas is a senior studying Spanish, and Human Resource Development and the art of dance. She became president of a struggling black heritage gospel choir in 2005 and has helped to rebuild it. For the most part she is pleased with her studies here and wishes she could have flourished more in her Spanish studies. “So much attention is given to the Hispanic students and I sometimes felt overlooked.”
Dr. Scott thanked those that have supported her over the years and said that she has seen several changes in her time at NEIU. “There aren’t many African- American faculty members here and African- American students have a lower completion rate than others.” says Scott.
‘Doc’ Speller has been at NEIU for 38 years and came to help those representative of his community. “I was lured here by the students and I just wanted to help them succeed” says Speller.
After the ceremony there was dancing and music by D.J. Virgil “Superjock” Pilate.
There were 13 honorees in all The winners were as follows:
Administrator Award of Excellence went to J. Marshall Jennings, Director of Financial Aid.
Alumni Award of Excellence went to Willie “Patt” Patterson (BA 1999 & MA 1998). Community Service Award of Excellence went to Lillie Crump-Hales (BA 1999).
Faculty Award of Excellence went to Associate Professor of Educational Leadership and Development, Nicole Holland.
Student Awards of Excellence went to Gerald Chaney and Rachon Thomas. Lifetime Achievement Award went to William “Doc” Speller, co-founder of Inner City Studies program.
Honorary Staff Award of Excellence, Patricia Johnson.
Sankofa Award Recipients: Murrell J.H. Duster, Dean of Academic Development, Cr.
Dr. Barbara M. Scott, professor of Sociology, African and African- American Studies, and Women’s Studies, William Speller, advisor, counselor and teacher, Dr. Melvin C. Terrell Vice President for Student Affairs and Professor of Counselor Education
Dr. Conrad Worrill, Director of the Jacob H. Carruthers Center for Inner City Studies.
The NEIU Black History Committee, the NEIU Foundation and the Office of Alumni Affairs sponsored the ceremony.