This has been an amazing year of achievement and progress on campus. There is a lot going on and many new challenges. Though it has been a challenging year, many of our students persevered to provide exemplary contributions and service to the community.
Congratulations to our scholarship recipients for your outstanding achievements and efforts. We are thrilled to recognize your efforts and we look forward to working with you to provide a stronger community where we all can thrive.
The Black Leadership Advancement Coalition (B.L.A.C.) at the University of California, Irvine is comprised of faculty, staff, alumni, and student leaders who are committed to enhancing the overall experience of African Americans at UCI.
The goals of the B.L.A.C. are to support academic achievement, promote cultural awareness, unite the various African American-centered organizations, serve as an informational sharing opportunity for members of the respective organizations, and link resources that are available to maximize our efforts on campus and in the surrounding community. We believe that we have etched a place on the UC Irvine campus — and we will continue supporting the success of African-American faculty, staff, students, and alumni at the University of California, Irvine.
Through your hard work and dedication toward the Black Community at UCI, we recognize your accomplishments and encourage you to continue your efforts. We are honored to recognize the following award winners.
B.L.A.C. Student Scholarship 2022-2023
B.L.A.C GALA Black Faculty and Staff Association Student of Service Award Recipients
Congratulations to these amazing students!!
Undergraduates:
* Kennedi Blackman
* Nyah Beck
* Naja Spotsworth Christmas
* Kofi Hasan Hernandez
* Eeron Wilson II
Graduates:
* Isaiah Crosby
* Jharrayne McKnight
* Arletha Saint-Jean
B.L.A.C GALA Book Scholarship Recipient by Stephanie Ly Reyes-Tuccio
Congratulations to this amazing student!!
Akua Agyeman
B.L.A.C. GALA Joseph L. White Student Scholarship Award Recipients
Congratulations to these amazing students!!
Undergraduates:
* Akua Agyeman
* Naja Christmas
Graduates:
* Shara Adan
* Jharrayne McKnight
B.L.A.C. Gala Faculty, Staff & Alumni Awards 2022-2023
B.L.A.C. GALA B.L.A.C. Award
The recipient of this award is a faculty, staff member, or alumnus who embodies the spirit of giving back. This all-around recipient not only has contributed in the areas of academic excellence, community service, and outreach but also has gone above and beyond in the advancement of the African American community at UCI. This year’s winner is:
Kevin Bradford | Associate Dean of Undergraduate Programs and Associate Professor, Business Administration
B.L.A.C. GALA Community Service Award
The recipient of this award demonstrates a leadership role by dedicating hours of commitment to the African American community at the University of California, Irvine (UCI). They are actively involved in community service, both on and off campus. This person represents unselfishness in helping others and making a difference in the African American community. This year’s winners is:
Dr. Tayloria N. G. Adams | Assistant Professor, Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering
B.L.A.C. GALA Alumni Award
The recipient of this award is a graduate of the University of California, Irvine who represents a willingness to give back to the community. This individual has maintained strong ties to the academic, social, or cultural interests of the African American students on the UC Irvine campus, past, present or future. The recipient of this award is a role model and exemplifies the achievements that we look for from future graduates of UC Irvine. This year’s winner is:
Vernon D. Crawford | Manager, Organizational Change Management, Office of the Chief Information Security Officer
B.L.A.C. GALA Lifetime Achievement Award
The recipient of this award is an individual who has made significant and sustained contributions to the development and/or dissemination of the ethical principles that govern research by way of their scholarship, administration, leadership, or mentoring towards the Black community at UC Irvine. This year’s winner is:
Gerald David Parham | Director, Program Development, Intercollegiate Athletics