By: Natalie Cooper

Anticipation is building at Winsor as Black students eagerly await the opportunity to attend the prestigious Harvard Hutchins Center Honors Awards Ceremony. This annual event, hosted by Harvard University’s Hutchins Center for African and African American Research, recognizes outstanding contributions to African-American Studies. As the ceremony draws near, excitement and pride are running high among Winsor’s black students, who see this event as a powerful opportunity to connect with a rich legacy of excellence.

The Harvard Hutchins Center Honors Awards Ceremony celebrates the achievements of scholars, artists, and leaders who have significantly contributed to the study and advancement of African and African American culture and history. Winsor has been invited to send a delegation to this year’s ceremony, which will take place on Thursday, October 19, in the historic Sanders Theatre on the Harvard University campus. Seven individuals will receive the W. E. B. Du Bois Medal, Harvard University’s highest honor for contributions to African and African American life and culture. This year’s honorees include prominent figures whose work spans various disciplines, from literature and history to social justice advocacy and the arts. Two of the honorees will be Scholar Kimberelé Crenshaw and Singer John Legend!

For Winsor’s Black students, this event serves as an inspiring testament to the importance of African-American Studies and the enduring legacy of their heritage. It’s a chance to witness accomplished individuals who have dedicated their lives to exploring the complexities of the Black experience.

Gwen Castro ’24, a co-head of the Black Affinity group SISTERS, expressed her enthusiasm for the upcoming event: “Attending the Harvard Hutchins Center Honors Awards Ceremony is an incredible opportunity for Black students like me. It’s a reminder that we, too, can make a profound impact on our communities and the world. These honorees are living examples of the possibilities that await us when we pursue our passions and dedicate ourselves to our culture’s preservation and advancement.”

Castro’s sentiments echo the feelings of many Black students at Winsor. The ceremony highlights academic and artistic accomplishments and serves as a source of motivation and inspiration for young minds eager to explore the depths of African-American history and culture.

As the Harvard Hutchins Center Honors Awards Ceremony approaches, the excitement among Winsor’s Black students is palpable. This event, celebrating excellence in African American Studies, serves as a beacon of hope and inspiration, reminding students that their contributions and voices are essential in preserving and advancing their cultural heritage. The opportunity to attend the ceremony is not just an academic experience but a chance to witness greatness and envision a future filled with possibilities for all.