James E. McLeod Honors & Awards Program
Join us for the 50 Year Anniversary of recognizing Black student achievement at
Washington University in St. Louis
These awards were established by the Black Studies Program in 1971 to recognize students who have served the community and the campus, and/or who achieved outstanding academic accomplishments.
Watch the video below.
Speakers:
Alfreda Brown
Professor Gerald Early
Michele Hall
Cheryl Holland
Dr. Robert C. Johnson
Chancellor Andrew Martin
Clara McLeod
Ashley June Moore
Angela Roberts
Thomas Walker
Rob Wild
Significant Milestones
The Black Honors and Awards Program was initiated by Dr. Robert C. Johnson as a means to inform and inspire about past and future contributions of African American and Africans to the advancement and liberation of African Communities around the world.
The Ralph Bunche Scholars Academic Achievement Award replaced the Black Scholar List and the Patrice Lumumba academic achievement awards.
The name of the Black Honor and Awards Program was changed to the W.E.B. DuBois Honors and Awards Program. This change was made in recognition of the rich legacy of W. E. B. DuBois; an educator, sociologist, historian and civil rights activist.
Dean James McLeod convened a working group to review the W.E.B. DuBois Award Program and a planning committee to coordinate the Awards Program after the 2008 retirement of Dean Adrienne Glore, who ran the program for over twenty years.
The John B. Ervin Award was added for University College students. The award was named in honor of John B. Ervin, the first African American Dean at Washington University in St. Louis.
Frankie Muse Community Service Award expanded to include two categories: Freshman/Sophomore and Junior/Senior.
George Washington Carver Research Award expanded to include two research areas of research: Scientific and Humanitarian.
The James E. McLeod Honors and Awards Program changes its eligibility requirements and welcomes and encourages all people to participate who are committed to supporting and celebrating Black culture.
Along with many campus activities, the McLeod Awards Program was cancelled due to world-wide Coronavirus Pandemic when the University shut down in March 2020.
The McLeod Awards shifts temporarily to focus on the 50-Year Celebration of the Awards 1971 inception. A committee of faculty and staff commit to creating a way to celebrate its existing in line with the original founding intentions. No awards given due to continued shut down of the University for in-person events.
Highlights & Special Recognition
Black Studies Program
The Black Studies Program was formally established in 1969 and in 1971 it established the Black Honors and Awards Program to recognize Black student achievement.
Learn More
Ralph Bunche Scholars
This award was given for academic achievement and replaces the Black Scholar List and the Patrice Lumumba academic achievement awards.
Ralph Bunche Scholars Award
Meet Dean McLeod
One of the university’s most effective leaders, Dean McLeod spearheaded many successful undergraduate efforts...
Learn MoreInterview with Dr. Robert C. Johnson
In an interview with Dr. Robert C. Johnson, he shares his background and history which led to the creation of his vision and inspiration for the then Black Honors and Awards Program (now known as the James E. McLeod Honors & Awards Program) at Washington University in St. Louis.