AAAS Awards

Kennell Jackson Research Award

The Kennell Jackson Research Award is given to two undergraduate students for their outstanding research in areas related to the African Diaspora. Kennell A. Jackson was a Professor of History at Stanford and the Director of the African and African American Studies program from 1980 to 1989. His involvement in AAAS spanned thirty-five years, during which he implemented the Visiting Scholars Program as well as the Undergraduate Scholars Program. Known as a pioneer in the history of East Africa, his passion for undergraduate study and research interest in history and the African Diaspora is honored through this award.

Restrictions: Open to Juniors and Seniors with a 3.5 GPA in their major who have completed a research project.

Instructions: Applicants must submit a) a copy of a research abstract of their completed research (500 words or less, 12 point font), b) two faculty references, c) an unofficial transcript. The abstract should include a cover letter identifying the context for the research as well as a brief description and overview, goals, methodology, and conclusion. References must include an explanation of how the student specifically meets the award criteria and should be from faculty advisors relevant to the research.

Completed research abstracts, transcripts, and confidential references can be sent to Cheryl Brown, Associate Director of African & African American Studies no later than May 14, 2011. We ask that faculty send their recommendations directly to the Cheryl Brown, Associate Director. A review committee will select finalists and the Kennell Jackson Research Award will be presented at the AAAS Graduation Ceremony, June 2011.

Honorarium: $1000

James L. Gibbs Jr. Award for Superior Academic Performance

The James L. Gibbs Jr. Award for Superior Academic Performance is given to a graduating senior in African and African American Studies who, through their exceptional academic performance, best exemplifies the scholarship and achievement of Professor James L. Gibbs, Jr. Professor Gibbs chaired the African and African American Studies Founding Committee in 1968, was the Stanford’s first tenured African American professor, and served Stanford University’s community for thirty years, retiring in January of 1997.

Restrictions: Students must be Seniors, have earned a 3.5 Cumulative GPA, must be completing or have completed an Honors Thesis, been active in at least one student organization, and be a declared AAAS major intending to graduate in the Spring of 2011.

Instructions: Students may submit 750 word self-nominations or faculty or staff may submit nominations for candidates. Students will be asked to also submit an unofficial transcript.  Both can be sent to Cheryl Brown, Associate Director of African & African American Studies no later than May 14, 2011. A review committee will select finalists and the James L. Gibbs Jr. Award for Superior Academic Performance will be presented at the AAAS Graduation Ceremony, June 2011.

Honorarium: $500

Trustee Leadership Award

In honor of the leadership of our African American Trustees, and inspired by V. Joy Simmons, M.D., Trustee at Stanford University (2003-08), the Program in African & African American Studies has inaugurated the Trustee Leadership Award. Unrestricted to any field of study in arts, humanities, and sciences, the award will be given to a graduating senior who has demonstrated potential for great leadership. The award defines “leadership” broadly to include the ability to constructively challenge the status quo, to creatively invent new approaches to progressive social change, to collaborate with others to form innovative solutions to racial inequity and injustice. In short, the recipient will have demonstrated the capacity and courage to “step up and out” in whatever work they are pursuing and in whatever field of study or service. .

Restrictions: None.

Instructions: Students may submit 750 word self-nominations or faculty or staff may submit nominations for candidates. Both can be sent to Cheryl Brown, Associate Director of African & African American Studies no later than May 14, 2011. Letters must include a detailed explanation of, and support for, how the student specifically meets the award criteria. A review committee will select finalists and the Trustee Leadership Award will be presented at the AAAS Graduation Ceremony, June, 2011.

Honorarium: $1000

The Shanta Annan Memorial Award

The Shanta Annan Memorial Award is given for outstanding performance by a Freshman in an African and African America Studies Course at Stanford University. Shanta Annan was an outstanding freshman.  Prior to her passing in the Fall 2004 in her Freshman year, she made a significant impact on the lives of students, faculty, and staff with whom she had connected. This award honors her memory and talent. Affiliated AAAS faculty are asked to nominate students for this award, and Freshmen are welcome to inform professors of this award.

Restrictions: Recipients must be a Freshman and must have excelled in an course recognized by the Program in African & African American Studies as a primary or cognate class.

Instructions:  Students may submit a 750 world self-nomination or affiliated faculty are asked to send recommendations on behalf of an outstanding Frosh who has taken an AAAS course to Cheryl Brown, Associate Director of African & African American Studies no later than May 14, 2011. Nominated students will be asked to submit an unofficial transcript. A review committee will select finalists and the Shanta Annan Memorial Award will be presented at will be presented at the Annual Black Community Services Center’s Academic and Community Awards Celebration in the spring of 2010.

Honorarium: $500

The Academic Achievement & Service Award

The Academic Achievement and Service Award is given to students who combine academic achievement and service to the African and African American Studies Program at Stanford University. “Service” is defined broadly and can include community work, intellectual support, creative, material, or scholarly forms of service to the Program in African & African American Studies.

Restrictions: None

Instructions: Students may submit 750 word self-nominations or faculty or staff may submit nominations for candidates. Nominated students will be asked to also submit an unofficial transcript.  Both can be sent to Cheryl Brown, Associate Director of African & African American Studies no later than May 14, 2011. Letters must include a detailed explanation of, and support for, how the student specifically meets the award criteria. A review committee will select finalists and The Achievement & Service Award will be presented at the AAAS Graduation and Awards Ceremony in June, 2011.

Honorarium: $300