Today, Campus Pride is highlighting our 2011 Voice & Action National Leadership Award winners. Congrats to both JeShawna and Samuel! (Click here to meet Samuel.)

JeShawna Wholley

Spelman College
Class of 2011
Program of Study: Comparative Women’s Studies
Intended Profession: Non-Profit Management
Age: 22
Home: Marietta, GA

“When I awoke to an email with the subject line: “CONGRATULATIONS! You have been selected as a Voice & Action Award Recipient,” my immediate reaction was shock! I couldn’t believe it. My induction into the world of social activism came about because I could never stand by and watch a group of people be marginalized and isolated; I was never concerned with recognition. So, to receive a national award honoring the work that I do out of simple love and dedication to my community is AMAZING! I am so grateful and honored.” ~ JeShawna Wholley

JeShawna Wholley is currently a senior at Spelman College studying Comparative Women’s Studies expecting her Bachelor’s of Arts in May 2011.

At Spelman College, JeShawna is the former president of Afrekete, the LGBTQ group, and with her fellow members they engage their campus community in conversations “against injustices and inequalities, ensuring an inclusive climate.” However her involvement does not stop there, JeShawna served as the Project Coordinator for the Feminist Majority Leadership Alliance and volunteered her time with Choice USA, coordinating a call-in day for safe sex education; as well as the Feminist Majority Foundation, coordinating the national women of color conference at Spelman College. In addition, JeShawna is employeed as an Arcus funded student researcher in the Women’s Research and Resource Center at Spelman College. Her work has not just been noticed by peers and mentors on campus; she has garnered the attention of President Obama which led JeShawna to be invited to the White House to attend the reception in commemoration of the 42nd anniversary of the Stonewall Riot. Most in our communities have been impressed with President Obama’s recognition of our Movement’s efforts; JeShawna has had the great privilege of experiencing this first hand.

The Voice & Action Committee began to learn about JeShawna through her cover letter. She shared with us why she was called into the selfless work of achieving equality for all people. To begin to learn why she is a recipient, here is an excerpt from her cover letter:

“It wasn’t until my Introduction into Women’s Studies course when I finally experienced true intellectual stimulation at Spelman College. Here, I felt empowered and equipped against the forces of patriarchy and social injustices. As I learned about crusaders such as Toni Cade and Barbara Smith I knew that I wanted to politicize my lesbianism. I wanted this identity to be more than just my orientation or preference, but a statement against patriarchy and social norms. I wanted to be a lesbian activist.

"I had no idea that my quest to improve the social climate on my college campus would result in me finding my calling as an activist programmer and organizer. Conceptualizing, planning and executing programs that raised awareness, provided safe and embracing spaces and cultivated a since of community on campus has been an enriching experience that has shaped my path for my future endeavors.”

The committee is sure that her future endeavors will lead to nothing but brining about amazing positive change in any community JeShawna is a part of, we know this by reading her essay on what she views as the greatest challenges facing LGBT persons and our Allies. More importantly it is how these challenges will be met and the role everyone plays in meeting these challenges.

Learn more about JeShawna: www.campuspride.org/voiceandactionjeshawnawholley.asp

Campus Pride announces their 2011 National Voice & Action awardees: JeShawna Wholley (Spellman College), Samuel Brinton (Kansas State University)

(Charlotte, N.C.) – In a time when suicide by lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) youth has become so prominent and visible an issue in the media, it is critically important to highlight, recognize and encourage LGBT youth who are making a difference, creating positive change and making it better for others – that’s why Campus Pride, a national, nonprofit organization for student leaders and campus organizations working to create safer, more LGBT-friendly colleges and universities, is proud to announce this year’s Voice & Action National Leadership Awards.

In partnership with Ernst & Young & OUTmedia, the Campus Pride Voice and Action National Leadership Award is an honorary recognition highlighting the outstanding accomplishments of young adult leaders at colleges and universities across the United States. The award is the only honor of its kind, focused on the work of undergraduate college students who are creating positive change for LGBT and ally issues within their campus communities, local communities and region of the country. The award is bestowed upon individuals who use their “voice” to speak up and take “action” to make a difference. The award also acknowledges the vital role nationally that young adult leaders play in the present and for the future of our movement for LGBT fairness and equality.

Campus Pride congratulates this year’s winners:

JeShawna Wholley, senior at Spelman College, majoring in Comparative Women's Studies, current President of Afrekete and the Project Coordinator at Feminist Majority Leadership Alliance.

Samuel Brinton, senior at Kansas State University, doubling majoring with a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering with Nuclear Engineering Option & B.A. in Vocal Music Performance, Founding Leader of the Global Zero Chapter at KSU and current President of LGBT and Allies group.

Wholley and Brinton will receive their award at an upcoming regional LGBT and ally college conference of their choice in either the Midwest, Northeast, Northwest or West Coast region. Along with free conference registration, the recipient receives a free OUTmedia artist/entertainer to bring to campus in 2011.

“JeShawna and Samuel represent a growing community of LGBT young adult leaders stepping up to shape their schools, communities, nation and their futures in positive ways -- simply by being who they are, acting bravely,” said Shane Windmeyer, executive director of Campus Pride. “We are proud to name these Voice and Action Award recipients and feel confident in their future endeavors -- indeed they are already changing the world.”

Over 40 applicants were considered for this year’s honor. In addition to Wholley and Brinton, Campus Pride will also honor several award applicants as Top 12 Leaders in Action. This year’s awards committee was comprised of Shane Windmeyer, executive director of Campus Pride; Chris Bylone, Campus Pride volunteer and Voice & Action Award coordinator/chair; Members of the Campus Pride Youth Advisory Board; Shelly Weiss of OUTMedia; Staff Members of Ernst & Young; Dave Reynolds of The Trevor Project; and Vince Garcia of The Point Foundation.

To learn more about the national awards program and individual recipients, visit www.CampusPride.org/voiceandaction.asp or email info@campuspride.org.

In the spring of 2008 the staff of Campus Pride came together to develop the Voice & Action National Leadership Award. This award is for undergraduate student leaders who are creating positive change for LGBT students on college campuses across the country. The staff wanted to create this award because at the time there was no way on the national scale that students were being recognized for the amazing work they do on a daily basis. In just the past three award cycles (including this one) we have seen a huge increase in the awareness of the award as well as the amount of applicants applying each year. This year has raised the bar even higher – we have a total of 40 applicants, which is a 25% increase in the number of applicants from last year. We are also looking at the most diverse applicant pool of the three years this award has been in place.

We need like to publicly thank, Ernst & Young & OUTMedia. These two organizations have offered the financial support to make this award possible. Along with a free registration to attend a regional LGBT College Student Conference, the individual receives the official Voice & Action Award from Campus Pride as well as a free artist/speaker/entertainer to bring to his/her campus from our educational partner OUTmedia.

Before we move onto discussing the 2011 Voice & Action Leadership Award Applicant Pool, I wanted to briefly remind everyone of the past recipients of the award. In 2009 we awarded Justin Hager, UW-Madison; Shawna Scott, University of Georgia; and Celso Perez, Boston College. Than in 2010 we award Stephan Lucas, Pennsylvania State University and George Aumoithe, Jr., Bowdoin College. Please click here to learn about these outstanding leaders.

Now onto the 2011 Voice & Action Leadership Award Applicant Pool

Details are after the jump!

YOU BETTER "WERK"
A House Divided Cannot Stand

LGBTQ PRIDE WEEK -- November 2-6, 2009
"Intersectionality of oppression as it pertains to Black queer and transgender people"

Campus Pride applauds the LGBT and ally students and the campus leadership of Spelman College.

Spelman College, a historically Black college for women based in Atlanta, Georgia is often known as the sister campus of Morehouse College. In reaction to the Morehouse College New Appropriate Attire Policy and the inherent homophobia underlying the policy, Spelman College has dedicated their first annual LGBT Pride Week to the issue. The theme of the entire week is "A House Divided Cannot Stand".

During the week of Nov 2-6, the college through Afrekete - the LGBTQ and allies organization housed at Spelman College in the Women's Research and Resource Center hopes to "raise awareness on campus, debunk a lot of the stigmas and stereotypes surrounding LGBTQIQ individual, and challenge fellow Spelmanites and Morehouse brothers to stand with us in the fight for equality." One of the featured events that bring the week to a close is The Appropriate Dress Attire WERK Fashion Show sponsored by Afrekete and Safe Space.

Campus Pride supports Spelman College in its educational efforts to keep the dialogue alive.

SCHEDULE AT A GLANCE

11/2/09 - Monday
MOVIE NIGHT -
Featuring the documentary "U-PEOPLE". This documentary, taking place in New York, is a depiction of the diversity, community and struggle that you will find in the lesbian community. There will be popcorn served and discussion held after the movie.

11/4/09 - Wednesday