Galloway, N.J. – Students and faculty in the Africana Studies program recently attended the 48th annual National Council for Black Studies (NCBS) Conference in California, where they presented and were also honored. 

Two of the three top awards at the conference went to Stockton faculty.

Donnetrice Allison, professor of Communication Studies and Africana Studies at Stockton, received the Ida B. Wells & Cheikh Anta Diop Award. Surprised and honored to be recognized, Allison said, "It shows that my work to promote the field of Africana Studies is not just limited to Stockton, but it has a national reach."

Patricia Reid-Merritt, Distinguished Professor of Social Work and Africana Studies, received the Paul Robeson & Zora Neale Hurston Celebrated Elder Award.

When asked how she felt about being given this honor, Reid-Merritt candidly said, "It was an especially humbling experience for me. I've been honored by the National Council for Black Studies twice before for leadership and service. But the Robeson/Hurston Celebrated Elder Award suggests that I am approaching the end of a nearly 50-year career in higher education. I better get the rocking chair ready!" 

For students Krisandra Bagaloo, Rachel Dunlap, Lillian Nickens, and Keisha Richards, the NCBS Conference was more than just an academic event. It was a transformative experience that allowed them to broaden their perspectives both personally and academically. 

The students' presentation was titled "Africana Studies Student Retention." In it, they discussed the importance of the strong bonds Africana Studies majors have with one another and the faculty and how those bonds help them stay motivated to complete their degrees.

"I was able to connect with professors and students at different universities, as well as people who just work in the field," Bagaloo reflected. "I was also able to represent Stockton and our program here, which further boosted my public speaking and leadership skills."

Nickens shared similar sentiments about meeting other Africana Studies students from across the country. "This opportunity to reflect on our journey together was not only personally rewarding but also served as a testament to the importance of community within our discipline."

"The conference also served as a platform to hear about the latest discoveries and ongoing research, enriching my understanding of the field and inspiring further exploration," she said. 

The students were able to attend many different activities and listen in on discussions presented by other institutions. 

"My favorite panel was a documentary screening on Black millennials and religion. The topic is more niche in the grand scheme of things; however, it brought to light the troubles many in the community have with different religions," Bagaloo noted. "I learned a lot from hearing other's experiences."

Nickens shared how impactful it was to engage with current master's students presenting their research.

"As a graduating senior with aspirations for further academic pursuits, being able to sit back and absorb the depth of their work was incredibly insightful and inspiring. Having the chance to converse with seasoned scholars who are pillars in the discipline further enriched my experience, offering valuable insights and perspectives. This experience solidified my commitment to pursuing a master's degree and affirmed the importance of continuous engagement in scholarly conversations. I eagerly look forward to attending future NCBS conferences and continuing to contribute to the vibrant community of Africana Studies scholarship."

🔎 Learn more about Stockton's Africana Studies Program.

Reported by Mandee McCullough

Photos submitted