Excellence in Black Studies Student Awards

Millner-Rutherford-Harris Excellence in Black Studies Book Award

In honor of Darrell Millner, Ph.D., Charlotte Rutherford, J.D., and William Harris, Ph.D., this award is based on a graduating student's demonstration of excellence in the field of Black Studies, recognizing their deep commitment and dedication. As part of the award, students receive a Black Studies book of their choice.

Aisha Osman ‘23
Major: BA Political Science Minor: Black Studies, Spanish

I am deeply honored and grateful to be a recipient of this award. It is because of the Black Studies Department that I was able to find an academic space that was safe and welcoming for me and other Black students. I was able to learn more about the continent of Africa as well as the African diaspora as a whole. It has been a humbling experience so far as I have been pursuing my Black Studies Minor and I am so grateful that I did so.

This department is full of highly educated scholars that have an eagerness for our community and ways we can help each other move forward. Having such programs are necessary to help change the narrative. For far too long, our history has been written and shared by the white man. We are now actively seeking opportunities to debunk the myths that were created and form our own history through our own words. The Black Studies Department is doing exactly that and I am so thankful for each professor that I had the privilege of taking a course with as well as those that I didn’t have the chance to. Thank you once again!

Brianna Jackson ‘23
Major: BS Black Studies

I feel so incredibly honored to receive this award. I send my appreciation and gratitude to the professors and advisors who helped me reach my goals here at Portland State.

I decided to join this department because I was deprived of Black history in my early education. I thought I could piece together parts of myself through this program. Restricting and editing history deprives Black people of our shared identities. We cannot begin to understand our legacy and our future if we do not know our history.

This program was challenging because these studies do not allow you to forget the struggle we face as Black and brown folks. However, learning this history reminds us that our ancestors have been up against impossible odds. They had to dream of radical change to envision their kin walking in the world we live in today. I also dream of radical change for our future kin. Graduating from this program is a major step in making this dream a reality.

Thank you for recognizing the end of this chapter with this award. I am forever grateful for my time at Portland State.

Najma Noor '22

To say that I am grateful to receive such an honor of an award on behalf of the Black Studies Department is an understatement. Pursuing a Black Studies Minor has truly been the most fulfilling experience during my time at PSU. The knowledge, support, and inspiration that has come from these studies is of immeasurable value to me and I do not know how to adequately express my gratitude. I really do believe that these studies offer those who look like me perspectives and ideas that are deeply undermined if not completely unfound within other disciplines. These studies really serve as our academic voice within these institutions, and more broadly, within this society. And for that, I am so appreciative. Thank you.

Rasheed H. Shabazz '22

I feel blessed, honored, and full of gratitude to be a part of the Black Studies Department which has been informative to me and is greatly needed. Especially when you consider the fact that there’s such a major lack of diversity (both at this university as well as this community), and a huge racial disparity. While being a part of this department, I’ve received new found knowledge from professionals who have been pillars in this community (from a Black Historical perspective) for decades. This department shed light on what we’ve endured as a people (and continue to endure), on our contributions, our historical sacrifices, our growth, our importance (as a people), and our relevance to this country as well as the entire planet. Not only did the Black Studies Department provide me with more wisdom and understanding, but it also helped me sharpen my tools of thought as I continue to grow as a human being and gain more knowledge of self. And these tools provided me the insight that I could become an asset to my community, and an inspiration to all I come in contact with. And has motivated me to not only graduate with honors (Summa Cum Laude), but to also continue my education and be accepted and admitted into the Masters of Social Work Program to earn my Master’s Degree and beyond. I’m appreciative of every Doctor, Professor, and Instructor whom I’ve come in contact with in the Black Studies Department. I thank you for providing me with a newfound appreciation for education. And I thank you all for acknowledging my passion, consistency, and focus as a scholar.

Quinn Foster '21

I am grateful to be apart of an amazing, informative, and resilient department such as Black Studies. If it was not for the Black Studies Department, I might have not returned to school to receive my Bachelor's Degree. We as Melanated Humans hold an undeniable faith along with a strong work ethic, and we are able to manifest our most wildest dreams. Majoring in Black Studies at Portland State University has been a priceless memorable experience. Thank you all so much for acknowledging my journey as a Scholar. Much Love To All Melanin.