The Black Leaders Aspiring for Critical Knowledge celebrated its 30th annual Image Awards, honoring individuals who have made significant contributions to the community.
The 30th annual Image Awards, hosted by B.L.A.C.K., celebrated the accomplishments of minority community leaders, educators and advocates. Held at Williams Auditorium, the event featured comedian Mike Winfield, a performance by the Ferris’ Golden Majorettes and celebrated individuals and groups who have made lasting impacts in various fields, from social justice to education, emphasizing the importance of leadership, empowerment, and unity within the Black community.
Image Awards, accepts the DeJuan Hayes Award. Photo by: Jordan Wilson| Multimedia Editor
Ferris alumnus David Reed, one of the eight founders of B.L.A.C.K., shared insights about the Image Awards event. He reflected on the event’s evolution and discussed its impact on student self-esteem and the broader community’s view of the university.
“The Image Awards is about celebrating the other students on campus,” Reed said. “Recognizing their exercises and things they’re doing on campus and giving them an opportunity to be shined, heard, and seen. It does a great thing for self-esteem and their overall presentation and remembrance of the university.”
Each award was named after iconic Black figures such as Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Thurgood Marshall and Rosa Parks, reflecting the event’s deep connection to Black culture.
Reed highlighted the organization’s founding in 1995, aimed at improving the retention rate of Black male students. He expressed pride in the event’s continued success, particularly in winning his first Image Award this year.
“As a founder coming back. It was a highlight, just to see that they they kept the traditions and things that we set for 30 years ago and that takes a lot,” Reed said. “I think my personal highlight was winning my first Image Award. I was always the one who was back backstage working and was never the one out there receiving it. That was something special and I just wish more founders could have been here right along with me.”
Pre-med sophomore and President of the Black Student Union Tamyra Parnell-Davis shared her perspective on the significance of the Image Awards.
“It’s about celebrating Black culture and everything we’ve been through over the past 30 years, while also celebrating those in our community today,” Parnell-Davis said.
The Black Student Union, under Parnell-Davis’ leadership, took home the Rosa Parks Award, with their advisor, Dr. Kasey Thompson, receiving the Sojourner Truth Award for her outstanding support and guidance.
“Our advisor has done so much for us in just the short time she’s been with us, so it was great to see her honored tonight,” Parnell-Davis said.
President of B.L.A.C.K. Brian Gary took charge of organizing this year’s Image Awards, marking his first time running the event. This was his third year being involved, but his first as the event’s leader. He shared his excitement about the success of the night, noting that the performances and turnout exceeded his expectations.
“I see how it’s different running something like this and how stressful it can be but in the end, my boys and I came through, we did what we needed to do and everything went smoothly,” Gary said. “The event went phenomenal and I loved it.”
He and fellow members of B.L.A.C.K. took the stage to accept the Marcus Garvey Award, which recognizes the registered student organization for their exceptional efforts in community service, social responsibility and advocacy. Gary was surprised but glad to see B.L.A.C.K. bring home an award.
Gary also discussed the changes he’s seen in the Image Awards over the years and the direction he hopes to take it in the future.
“This year was special because we wanted to elevate the event to a more professional level, and I think we did that with the comedian, the performances and the flow of the evening,” Gary said. “Next year, we’re already planning to make it even bigger with more impressive decorations and the goal is to continue growing and making this a standout event in the community.”
As the night drew to a close, the excitement lingered, marking not just a celebration of achievements, but a commitment to a brighter future. With each award, B.L.A.C.K. reinforced the importance of unity, empowerment and the shared goal of uplifting the community.