Recent Articles

  “Industry change makers” that’s the quoted description for two top performers in the Scripps Howard School of Journalism and Communication (SHSJC) and a high profile public relations professional who serves as an administrator at Hampton University. The three Pirates were among those honored earlier this month in the inaugural Diversity Awards presented by PRNews.

The honorees include Scripps Howard School of Journalism and Communications student Kennedy Peace, SHSJC Dr. James Ford and Associate Vice President for Development Felicia Blow.

Peace, a senior from Chalfont, Pa., was named as a finalist for “Outstanding HBCU Student in Media and Communications.” Peace was nominated by the school for her exemplary work as a student and representing the school.

“Kennedy is a hard-working student who is an exceptionally polished and skilled strategist ascending in the industry,” said SHSJC Dean B. Da’Vida Plummer. “She represents the best of our school in her work ethic and personal ethics. We are proud of everything she has achieved, and we know she has a successful future ahead.”

Peace is currently the digital marketing coordinator for the nonprofit Academy for Systems Change’s project “Magnolia Moonshot 2030.” This initiative helps use their collective power to affect ecological and socio-economic change based on the United Nations sustainable development goals.

Darcy Winslow, the organization’s founder, said Peace built its website, which was an essential step for the project’s launch. Roberta Baskins, a founding member, cited Peace’s “creativity, attention to detail, and problem solving” as one reason for the success of the project.

“I’m so excited,” said Peace, who immediately called her mother to tell her the news. “This is such an honor."

Ford was named finalist for “Outstanding HBCU Educator of the Year” for his work at the school and in the Hampton Roads community. Ford, a career Department of Army civilian, is an expert in public affairs and education. He is the advisor to the SHSJC chapter of the National Association of Black Journalists and is a board member of the Isle of Wight Economic Development Authority.

Finally, Blow and her team, Co-Lead, were named finalist for “D&I Team of the Year. Blow is currently the chair-elect of the national board of directors of PRSA.

According to the announcement, “The finalists represent the communicators who use their platforms for the betterment of their communities and the global community at large. They amplify the voices of marginalized groups and dedicate themselves to social causes. These campaigns, initiatives, professionals, teams, rising stars and lifetime pioneers are helping to usher in a diverse, equitable future and redefine organizations’ role in the fight for global change.”

The honorees will be celebrated at a virtual gala to be livestreamed on Tuesday, April 27th, at 4-5:30 p.m.