Shiba Russell

Henry Santos

Ms. Crite delivers speech next to portrait of her late husband

The student achievers

HOBA Awards Ceremony Held (Multimedia)

Posted on March 2, 2010 - Permalink
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The 22nd Anniversary Heritage Celebration of the Massachusetts Hall of Black Achievement, held Saturday in the ECC, honored dozens of state college students of color, as well as a professor emeritus and revered African-American artist.

This year, 27 student achievers were from each of the nine state colleges in Massachusetts.

A highlight of this year's ceremony was the induction into the Hall of Black Achievement of Allan Rohan Crite, a celebrated artist who created narrative paintings of religious and social life in lower Roxbury and Boston's South End. He is widely known as the dean of African-American artists in New England. His widow, Jackie Crite, was on hand for the honor.

A video produced by the Moakley TV Studio (see below) detailing the life of the Mr. Crite was featured during the celebration, and a commemorative painting was unveiled.

Host of this year's event was Shiba Russell, co-anchor for WCVB-TV, who talked briefly about today's troubling economic climate and prompted the crowd keep the student achievers in mind for possible employment or job recommendations.

"Note their accomplishments or take their resumes," she said. "It's hard out there for these students, and they're here for a reason."

President Dana Mohler-Faria praised all the honorees and the positive impact they have had, and will have, on campus and beyond.

"I don't know what else to say, other than that we have a glorious past, wonderful present and an incredible future," he said.

Henry Santos, a professor emeritus of music, received the annual Mary Hudson Onley Achievement Award. A renowned musician, Mr. Santos taught music at Perkins School for the Blind for 17 years before coming to BSC. The Onley award goes to an individual who has made a significant contribution or whose personal or professional achievement merit special recognition.

Of the students honored, eight were from BSC. They were: Lizandra Gomes, Mabel Colon, Anthony Straughn Jr., Cynthia Fabien, Megan Hudson, Cesarina Dos Santos, Christopher Cepero and Anthony Goss.

HOBA was founded in 1987 to honor the achievements and contributions of people of color. (Story and photos by Rob Matheson, Institutional Communications)

Video by the Moakley TV Studio