The Black Studies Award, sponsored by the Lyllye Reynolds-Parker Black Cultural Center, the Black Studies Academic Program and the Division of Equity and Inclusion, seeks to recognize students whose research or creative activity celebrates the nuanced complexity of Black history, culture, and experience.
Eligibility Criteria: All students are welcome to apply. Projects can range from academic research to performance art. The essence of Black culture, history and experience should be an integral part of the project presented.
NOTE--PLEASE REVIEW: Candidates who plan to present in-person must additionally register to present virtually, and submit a digital recording of their presentation to qualify for the award. This digital asset will then be posted on the Symposium YouTube Channel.
Award Amounts: One (1) $250 Award and One (1) $150 Award for Oral Presentation and/or Performance; One (1) $100 Award for Oral or Poster Presentation.
Current Recipients
Asiana Le '25 & Samara Walker '25
Major: Psychology
Project: "Are they just a racist?: Looking at the correlation of manifestations of prejudice"
2024 $250 Black Culture and Identity Award
Nikolay Morgan '25
Majors: Political Science
Project: "Sol Plaatje’s Mafeking Diary: A Black Man’s View of a Seemingly White Man’s War"
2025 $150 Oral Presentation Award
Kass Weeks '25
Major: Environmental Science
Project: "Structural Racism and Environmental Risk: A Multi-City Analysis of Redlining and Water Quality"
2025 $100 Poster Presentation Award
Prior Recipients
Bailey Adams '21
Major: Planning, Public Policy, and Management
Project: "Police Killings: An Exploration of Black American Perception of Police"
2021 $250 Award
Kobe Anthony '24
Major: Music Technology
Project: "Demystifying the Tracker Workflow: How Exactly WAS video game music made?"
2022 $150 Award
Amya Bradley Woods '24
Major: Psychology, Sociology
Project: "Coping with Racialized Realities: Mental Well-being of Black Portland Residents"
2024 $200 Poster Presentation Award
Junah Calceta '24 & Percy Conrad '26
Majors: Psychology & Women's, Gender, and Sexuality Studies
Project: "Neighborhood Characteristics as Influences on Perceived STEM Opportunities for Underserved Youth"
2024 $200 Oral Presentation Award
Emily Duru '21
Major: English
Project: "The Representation of Black Womanhood in Paul Marshall’s /Daughters/"
2021 $250 Award
Myrihe Rohbock '24
Major: Neuroscience
Project: "Pain, Discrimination, & Child Mental Health Among Black Families"
2024 $100 Honorable Mention Poster Presentation Award