On Thursday, November 2, 2023, the Council of Black Faculty and Staff hosted its annual award dinner and dance. The master of ceremonies for the event was Brian K. Jackson, who started the event by inviting the council’s President, Patricia “Trish” Winston Collins, for the greetings. Collins welcomed everyone to the dinner while stating that the council’s mission is to foster an atmosphere that is accommodating to all faculty and staff irrespective of racial identities and to also offer support to students.

Thereafter, President Joe Bertolino addressed the audience. He expressed his appreciation to the council for their support on campus, particularly regarding their contributions to Stockton scholarships. He stated that since 1986, the council has supported the foundation scholarships with over $270,000. President Bertolino also emphasized the importance of having an organization on campus that is dedicated to Black faculty and staff members of the institution.

Following President Bertolino’s speech, the Lifetime Achievement Award presentation began. Its recipients were Dr. Janice Joseph, Professor of Criminal Justice, and Dr. Beverly Vaughn, Professor of Music. When receiving her award, Dr. Joseph said that she was honored to receive the award and that during all of her career, she has been committed to getting justice for victims of gender-based violence. She also used the opportunity to show her appreciation for two of her colleagues, Ms. Dianne Stalling and Dr. Patricia Reid-Merritt, whom she described as close friends who have become like sisters to her. She dedicated the award to victims of gender-based violence and assured them that she sees them, hears them, and feels their pain. According to Joseph, she will continue to fight to get justice for them.

In her usual jovial manner, Dr. Vaughn invited some faculty and staff members to join her on stage to sing the song ‘This Little Light of Mine,’ while the rest of the audience pulled out their phones and turned on their flashlights. She described the song as what drives her to do all that she does. She states that she has promised herself to let her little light shine. She also expressed her appreciation to the council for honoring her and stated that she will continue to contribute to the Stockton community.

Dr. Donnetrice Allison, Professor of Communication and African Studies, and Dr. Shedia Laguer received the merit award. Dr. Allison accepted the award and thanked her husband, family, friends, colleagues, and students for their support over the years. Dr. Laguer could not make it to the dinner, so she sent a representative who spoke on her behalf. Her representative expressed Dr. Laguer’s regrets for being absent at the dinner, as well as her appreciation for ‘even being nominated, then awarded’ the merit award.

The Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Pi Chapter won the Organization of the Year Award and the African Studies Program was given special recognition, as well. It was an amazing night with faculty, staff, and students alike.