B.R.O.T.H.E.R.S. honored Thursday night as the NIU community’s extraordinary black women at the 13th Annual Tribute to Black Women.

As graduate communications major Jason Goode said: “The black woman is vital to black history. It is important to celebrate black women for their achievements so they know how important they are to the black man.”

Lametra Curry, a doctoral student and instructor at the Center for Black Studies, was named “Outstanding Student Mother,” an award for an extraordinary mother and student.

“I am honored,” she said. “My greatest accomplishment is being a mother.”

Curry said she feels the tribute ceremony is an important counterbalance to the media’s portrayal of black women.

“With the way black women are now being portrayed, it is a dream to see black men take the time out to lift them up for the good that they do,” she said.

Matthew Holder, a senior political science major, said he thinks events like these are very important to promote self-awareness in the black community and beyond.

“We often wait for others to recognize us when we need to recognize ourselves,” he said. “I think this brings attention to who we are as a people and allows us to be proud of who we are.”

B.R.O.T.H.E.R.S. hosted the evening, which featured dinner and performances, at the Newman Catholic Center. B.R.O.T.H.E.R.S. members and Gerald Crawford, a pre-communications studies major, serenaded and recited poetry for the capacity crowd.

Among the awards were the “Outstanding Greek Organization,” Sigma Gamma Rho; “Outstanding Organization,” S.I.S.T.E.R.S.; “Outstanding Faculty,” Glenda Jones; “Outstanding Alumni,” Danielle Jordan; “Outstanding Leader,” Tameka Romaine; “Outstanding Greek Member,” Jarquetta Egeston; “Campus Involvement,” Careese Kearney; five more students were named “B.R.O.T.H.E.R.S. Choice.”