With Black history month coming to an end, Bennett College celebrated with their annual

Black History Media festival. A series of projects, challenges, and workshops were held on the
21st and 22nd of February. During the festival, the Triad Association of Black Journalists held
their third annual “Honoring Our Trailblazers” reception. The purpose of this event is to end the
festival with a reception honoring the media challenge winners, as well as highlight the talented
individuals who have sacrificed their time and skill to make a way for generations to come in the
field.
For the Media Challenge, students were given 24 hours to produce a short multimedia project
on black history or black culture. Bennett College student, Zoe James, won first place with her
film about a young college student who draws inspiration from writings of the past.
“We were there for like 14 hours working on it.... I’m just glad that you guys gave me the
opportunity to overcome one of my fears, which is public speaking.” said James.
Runner-ups for the challenge were Katiya Laster, Ikirah Britt-Pena & Destini Collins, Mikayla
Smith, and Zamora Bonner and Mi’Ayzah Fagan.
During the reception, The Triad Association of Black Journalists’ president, Ms. Chanel Davis,
also awarded individuals with their Emerging Leader award, and their Trailblazer award.
The Emerging Leader award was given to the member of the organization who has not only
been active in TABJ, but has also grown or risen in ranks in their respective industry. The
recipient of this award was Ms. Naomi Prioleau.
“I love being a journalist, and I love working with journalists who look like me; which is why I
joined TABJ and NABJ.” Prioleau said.
The second award, The Trailblazer award, awarded to an individual that has paved the way in
the journalism and public relations industry while overcoming hurdles, trials and obstacles to
continuously produce a stellar product while paving the way for future generations. The recipient
of this award was The Carolina Peacemaker.
It does my heart good to see this room full of generations of people and the passing along of
knowledge. I hope that all of us on this day have gotten something from the people around us.
This is what media is about.” said Ms. Tamara Jeffries, Journalism of Mass Communications
department chair at Bennett.
Many authors who were alumni of Bennett also were in attendance for the media festival and
reception. Be on the lookout for more information and updates on next year’s event.