The MLK Student Leadership Award is an annual award presented to a student who exemplifies the values of diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging at Blackburn College.
The College established the MLK Student Leadership Award in 2014 to celebrate and highlight Blackburn students’ exceptional community-based work.
The MLK Student Leadership Award honors outstanding students who have demonstrated exceptional commitment and service to the ideals of diversity, equity, and inclusion beyond the scope of their job. Diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging are directly linked to Blackburn College’s mission, values, and goals.
2024 MLK Leadership Award Recipient
Aryanna Harris ’24
From the nominations:
“Aryanna is a leader and role model for the entire campus. With an incredible personal drive as well as a deep commitment to the well-being and success of our community, she is well deserving of this award and recognition.”
“Aryanna is a perfect example of the kind of student Blackburn attracts and the kind of leaders this institution builds, She has overcome a number of challenges in order to work her way to where she is today as an athlete, as a student, and as a leader. I am so honored to watch her rise.”
Congratulations, Aryanna!
Previous Winners
- 2024: Aryanna Harris ’24
- 2023: Miriam (Mim) Wali-Uddin ’23
- 2022: Mihkyelle Cooper ’22
- 2021: Jameela Brown
- 2020: Nick Johnson ’22
- 2019: Logan Elliot ’19
- 2018: Brandon Lewis ’18
Criteria for the MLK Leadership Award
To be eligible for the MLK Leadership Award, the nominee must meet one or more of the following criteria:
- Initiate or engage in activities that positively enhance the educational, social, and social justice impact of the community and/or their workplace;
- Approach academic, social, or social justice arenas with self-determination;
- Exhibit extraordinary commitment and dedication to community service, volunteerism, social justice, and/or civil rights;
- Exhibit leadership that has significantly impacted the Blackburn community; and/or
- Have persevered to overcome challenges, either at school, in the workplace, or personally
Award winners will be honored at the annual MLK Convocation ceremony. Each recipient of the MLK Leadership Award is given prize money, a certificate, and will have their photo displayed on the MLK Legacy Wall.
Nomination Form
If you know a student who exemplifies the values of diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging please nominate them.
A selection committee made up of faculty and staff will determine the recipient of the award. Please contact Alia Stewart, Jaime Pineda, or Marina Wirsing with any questions.