Second Annual Buffalo Soldier Make Your Mark Award

Nov. 14, 2024
To: Campus Community
From: Sankofa Black Faculty and Staff Association
Subject: Second Annual Buffalo Soldier Make Your Mark Award
Date: Nov 14, 2024

Members of the University of Arizona community came together to celebrate the Second Annual Buffalo Soldier Make Your Mark Awards Ceremony, presented by the Sankofa Black Faculty and Staff Association on Wednesday, Nov. 6. The award, created in 2023, honors the legacy of the Buffalo Soldiers of the all-Black 10th Cavalry regiment who were among the most loyal, decorated soldiers of their time. They were also among the first protectors of the land destined to become our National Parks. The Buffalo Soldiers were also unique for having a woman serve with them. Cathay Williams enlisted as a man under the name William Cathay and served for two years until she was outed by an Army surgeon and discharged. Sadly she was refused veteran's benefits.

The Buffalo Soldier Make Your Mark Award recognizes one staff member and one faculty member each year for their outstanding work making a difference for Black lives on campus. They may make a difference in their own department or lead efforts against anti-Black racism institution wide. Their work may directly impact students or improve the lives of faculty and staff. Whatever they do, they make an impact at the University of Arizona.

The awards ceremony was facilitated by Master of Ceremonies Kenya Johnson in the Main Library. The inaugural Buffalo Soldier Make Your Mark Staff awardee Ms. Tina Johnson was the keynote speaker, and she spoke passionately about the importance of recognizing and uplifting the work done to make the UA a better institution for all. She outlined five impactful ways that the award benefits the university. Sankofa was also excited to welcome special guests Dr. Jennifer "Jenna" Hatcher (Vice Provost, Diversity and Inclusion and Chief Inclusion Officer) and Dr. Lehman Benson, (Vice President, Black Advancement and Engagement).

Sankofa is proud to recognize the nominees of the 2024 Buffalo Soldier Make Your Mark Award:

  • Faculty Nominee, Duane Cyrus (Director, School of Dance)
  • Staff Nominee, Dr. Celeste Atkins (Director of Student Engagement and Recruitment, Graduate College and Co-Chair of Sankofa) 
  • Staff Nominee, Carlson Factory (Assistant Director, Information Technology)
  • Staff Nominee, Thomas Harris (Senior Associate Athletics Director, Belonging and Engagement and Co-Chair of Sankofa)
  • Staff Nominee Charles Walker (Coordinator, Diversity and Inclusion, CAST )
  • Faculty Awardee, Sylvia Lett (Associate Clinical Professor of Law) 
  • Staff Awardee, Keyshia Conner (Director, Financial Aid, Vet Med)

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