Notre Dame's student government hosted the fourth annual Black Excellence Dinner on Thursday evening, honoring students, faculty and staff whose leadership, service and scholarship have shaped the Black community on campus.
The event opened with remarks from senior Andrés Fernández Diep, student government's department director of race, ethnic and international engagement, who thanked attendees for their support.
He emphasized that the evening was meant to celebrate those who “do the hard, quiet, meaningful work of building community.” Fernández said the dinner was created by student government leaders four years ago and has since grown significantly — nominations increasing from a little over 70 in its first year to more than 170 now.
Following opening remarks, Doug Thompson, the executive director for belonging and engagement in the Division of Student Affairs, led the room in prayer. Thompson asked for guidance in building a more equitable Notre Dame and called on attendees to move beyond silence and division toward active care for one another, particularly during what he described as a time of “anxiety and injustice.”
Each award presented during the evening was modeled after a historic Black changemaker, with recipients selected based on how closely they embodied the values associated with each namesake.
Undergraduate awards included the Martin Luther King Jr. Excellence award, presented to junior Aleah Applin and the Maya Angelou Creative Visionary award, given to senior Kehinde Oseni for contributions to Black art and cultural expression on campus.
Freshman Tim Bobb received the John Lewis Legacy of Service award, while senior Aryana Moreau was honored with the Ella Baker Unsung Hero award for behind-the-scenes leadership and community building. Graduate, faculty and staff awards were also presented.
Alum Portia Ozioma Chigbu received the Ida B. Wells award and graduate student Emmanuel Ojeifo was honored with the James Baldwin Legacy of Service award. Mendoza College of Business academic advisor Gina Shropshire was given the W.E.B. Du Bois Faculty Excellence award and Thompson was also recognized with the Fannie Lou Hamer Staff Excellence award for his work fostering belonging and supporting Black students on campus.
The evening featured a keynote conversation with retired U.S. circuit judge Anne Claire Williams, a Notre Dame Law School alum and former federal judge, who spoke about perseverance, service and humanity in leadership. Williams reflected on growing up in Detroit with parents who experienced segregation and said they taught her to “dream big.” She shared stories from her legal career and encouraged students to remain strategic and persistent, even when doors appear closed.
In closing remarks, student body vice president Sonia Lumley framed excellence as “holistic,” describing it as intellectual, spiritual and deeply human. Lumley spoke candidly about her own experience facing racial harassment on campus and said excellence requires honesty about institutional shortcomings as well as hope for growth. She urged attendees to remain rooted in purpose and community, even in moments of adversity.
Lumley concluded the program by leading the audience in a call-and-response affirmation - “I am empowered. I am strong. I am resilient. I am excellent,” before thanking organizers, sponsors and attendees for their role in sustaining Black excellence at Notre Dame.
