Black Excellence Gala celebrates black life at Rice

It was an evening of elegance March 6 as the Black Student Association (BSA) feted fellow students along with faculty, staff and alumni at the inaugural Black Excellence Gala in Cohen House.

Guests at the seated dinner and ceremony enjoyed their meal against the joyful sounds of the Phillip Hall Singers. Rice President David Leebron addressed the attendees and Judge Ramona Franklin of the Texas 338th District Court delivered a speech on “Black Excellence in the 21st Century.”

Following the meal, the BSA recognized outstanding contributors to black life at Rice with the newly minted 2020 Black Student Association Excellence Awards. This year’s winners and their categories were:

• Senior: Baker College senior Richon Rogers
• Student Choice: Sid Richardson College junior Eden Desta
• Student Athlete: Wiess College junior KC Nwadei
• Faculty: Alexander Byrd ‘90, associate professor of history and associate dean of humanities
• Alumni: Muna Uzodike ‘19
• Unsung Hero: Wonda Williams, custodial services team member, Facilities, Engineering and Planning
• Staff: William Edmond, assistant director of multicultural affairs and Sid Richardson College resident associate

(Photos by Jeff Fitlow)