What Tribute is All About
The annual Tribute to Black Men event, now an ABHW tradition, was started for a crucial reason. In a society where black males are too often negatively stereotyped, it becomes essential for them to hear that their struggle is not unnoticed and that their work towards a better community is not in vain. For this reason, Tribute aims to promote political awareness and cultural appreciation on Harvard's campus as well as to celebrate the contributions and leadership efforts of African-American men at Harvard and beyond. Although we are aware of the impossibility of ever being able to fully demonstrate just how significant the accomplishments of these men are to society, we wholeheartedly attempt to make each Tribute more expressive of our sentiments than the last.
Over the past seven years, Tribute has come to serve as more than just an awards ceremony. Tribute helps to bring the Harvard undergraduate community (both male and female) together in a space where they can appreciate the achievements of their peers in an intimate environment. Last year approximately 300 people attended Tribute, including current Harvard undergraduates, faculty, alumni, corporate sponsors, and Boston leaders.
Who We Are
The Association of Black Harvard Women (ABHW) is a 33-year-old organization that tailors itself toward promoting education, fostering awareness, and taking tangible steps to draw attention to and positively change the attitudes of African-American women toward the issues most pertinent to them in life. By holding weekly open forums for discussion and developing such areas as the ABHW Action Committee, and the Alberta V. Scott Mentoring Program, in addition to fundraising for community service events our association strives to create a finely tuned understanding of self and purpose so that each member may leave with a more proactive, and thus beneficial, view than before.
For seven years, ABHW's Tribute to Black Men has brought Harvard students together in a positive atmosphere to reflect on and thank those who have aided and led the community. All of Tribute's objectives are realized through the overwhelming contributions of the ABHW membership. Each year certain ABHW members have personally found that the Tribute to Black Men has not only offered them strong examples of black male leadership, but has also inspired them to give back to the community and take part in the planning of the event.
The 2008-2009 Tribute to Black Men Board
Co-Chairs:
Jasmine Hughley, ‘10
Brittany Walker-Meade, ‘10
Programming Chair:
Kara Hollis, ‘11
Chanequa Campbell, ‘09
Logistics:
Chika Okoro, ‘11
Kim Foster, ‘11
Finance:
LaMisha Tucker, ‘10
Shauna Bennett, ‘12
Ads and Publications:
Casandra Woodall, 10
Historian:
Keara Cormier-Hill, ‘12
Awards Coordinator:
Ngozi Nwaogu, ‘12
Association of Black Harvard Women President:
Alneada Biggers, ‘10