The plaques that were given to the women at WSU’s third annual Black Girls Rock event
WESTFIELD—Students and faculty members from Westfield State University (WSU) were honored last night during the university’s third annual “Black Girls Rock” event.
The event, which was stylized as BLACK GIRLS ROCK, celebrated the actions of black female students and staff on the WSU campus, honoring them with plaques and a celebratory dinner. The event had nearly 100 people in attendance, and also included a speech from distinguished guest, writer and speaker Lytasha Marie Blackwell. The event was part of the university’s Black His/Herstory Month celebration.
“I’m so proud of the students and all their efforts, as well as of faculty and staff,” Ashiah Richeme, director of diversity and inclusion for WSU, said.
“Black Girls Rock isn’t just about what you’ve done at Westfield Sate, but what you’ve done elsewhere, too,” Richeme said to the recipients.
The event honored a total of 22 women, with 12 receiving certificates of honorable mention, as well as 10 receiving plaques—a record amount of plaque recipients for the event at the school. In addition, the diversity and inclusion department handed out ceremonial pins to the students in attendance.
Lytasha Marie Blackwell speaking at Black Girls Rock
Blackwell is a noted writer and speaker in activist circles. She has been featured in multiple online publications and has shared the stage with noted activists, including Ericka Huggins, Afeni Shakur and the late Dr. Maya Angelou. She was also a special guest to one of Angelou’s birthdays.
“Black Girls Rock was created with the sole purpose of telling the black woman’s narrative and to bring to the forefront accomplishments that may have gone unnoticed,” plaque recipient and dean of education at WSU, Dr. Cheryl Stanley, said. “I’m honored for my achievements to be recognized at Westfield State.”
Recipients for the plaques are as follows: Dr. Carol Bailey, assistant professor, English Department; Veleka Gallishaw, administrative assistant in the criminal justice department; Dr. Shoba Sharad Rajgopal, professor, ethnic and gender studies department; Jasmine Rosario, alumna, Class of 2011; Dr. Cheryl Stanley, dean of education; Alisha Delissaint ’17 of Springfield; Kiana Lowe ’17 of Springfield; Brittney Marte ’17 of Danvers; Elizabeth Oglesby ’17 of East Longmeadow; and Nnedimma Oranekwu ’17 of Lynn.
