BLK 82: Celebrating the NAACP Image Awards

On Feb 24, the VSU NAACP Image Awards took place. The awards were held in Anderson Auditorium for free from 7 p.m. - 9 p.m.

For the award show the theme was Harlem Nights and the set attire was no jeans, sneakers, or hoodies.

“We choose the theme Harlem Nights to highlight black luxury because that doesn’t get praised enough. When discussing black history we lack to acknowledge the Harlem Renaissance Era and how black luxury classes were at its prime in the 1920s. We wanted our show to showcase that on an extraordinary level,” said the 2022-2023 VSU NAACP President Christian Cozart.

The show’s hosts were Nikiya Walker, a senior, Criminal Justice major (also serving as the 2022-2023 Miss NAACP) and the class of 2025’s influencer, Mass Communication major and Community Service Chair in the NAACP, Reche Taylor.

The 2022-2023 NAACP VSU Chapter President, Christian Cozart describes the night as, “One for the books and an instrumental night for Black 82.”

VSU’s social organizations that performed in the award show were Afri Royale, Abstrakt Entertainment, Caribbean Dance Crew, Imprint Incorporated, Urban Couture, and Sankofa Dance Theatre.

The night was full of entertainment and fancy outfits. The night’s presenters were Nia Winston, Jada Wells, Serenati Flowers, Chyna Prince, M’Kayla Kirton, Devin Styles, and Aniya Omopariola.

This year the show was also sponsored by the Director of Student Activities. To open the show, VSU Abstrakt Entertainment performer and VSU GC soprano, Samone Schell, opened the show by performing the black national anthem, “Lift Every Voice and Sing”.

Taraji Brown, Char Small, and Semaj Archie served as the night’s photographers in different areas of Anderson. They took pictures at the top section, upon entrance, and downstairs.

In the middle of the show, the hosts held a giveaway giving away three gift cards to Target, Food Lion, and Walmart to the audience. The audience had to finish the lyric to a song on stage and if correct, they won the prize of their choice.

The first award of the night was Best Faculty/Staff Member Award and was given to Felicia Bishop. The second award was Student Activist of the Year and was awarded to Da’Sauni Singleton. Next up for the night, was NAACP member of the Year, presented to the amazing LyAsia Monroe, President of the VSU NABA chapter and Senior Business major. The Student Community Service of the Year Award was given to Priscilla Akpalu, a Senior Political Sci- ence major and Treasurer of the T.A.P.S at VSU.

Later on in the show, Ciara Walton won Best Student Artist. And lastly, Imprint Co Ed Step Team won the best New Organization of the Year.

At the end of the show, Christian Cozart, came out and thanked everyone for coming.

“I couldn’t have done this without the help of everyone and thank you for the bottom of my heart for everything. Happy Black 82 and enjoy the rest of your night.”

The production crew was composed of Kaya Brady, Zy’Kia Williams, Sanaa James, Lanaya Beckham, Kaaleah Jones, Shea Jackson, Laurie-Ann Simpson, Jade Kimora, Ahmad Rattley, Roosevelt Byrd, Catherine Joseph, Aeriyae Johnson, Serenity Barbee, Kathlyn Brown, Stephanie Rouse, Christin Murphy, and more. It was truly an unforgettable night for many.