UNC J-school alumna and senior PR major recognized with University’s highest diversity honors
UNC Hussman School of Journalism and Media alumna Barb Lee and senior Trey Mangum were selected as the alumna and undergraduate recipients, respectively, of the 2015 University Diversity Awards for their commitment to diversity and inclusion. The awards mark the fourth consecutive year that a UNC J-school community member has been recognized by the University Diversity Awards.
Lee — a 1988 graduate of the journalism school and president of Point Made Films in New York — is a founding member and past chair of the UNC Alumni Committee on Racial and Ethnic Diversity (ACRED) and is this year's recipient for the alumni award for her commitment for fostering a diverse and inclusive community on campus and beyond. She has demonstrated that commitment through her continued support of diversity programs on campus.
At Point Made Films, Lee has directed, produced and consulted on several documentaries that promote varying aspects of American identity. "Adopted," a feature-length documentary, explores the grit rather than glamour of international adoption, and "The Prep School Negro" explores the complicated issues that arise when black students are given scholarships to attend some of the country's most elite prep schools.
Lee, a member of the school's Board of Advisers, will deliver the J-school's spring commencement address May 10 at 3:30 p.m. in Carmichael Arena.
Mangum, a senior public relations major from Roxboro, North Carolina, was recognized for his initiatives to provide a voice for black students on campus. As president of the UNC Black Student Movement (BSM), he has worked to bridge the gap between black faculty and students.
Mangum has worked to bring an awareness of issues faced by underrepresented students to the attention of the broader campus community through programs, peaceful protests and one-on-one discussions with senior leadership.
As a Project Uplift activity adviser, Mangum has worked with the University to reach high school students from underrepresented communities.
Lee and Mangum will be recognized by UNC chief diversity officer Taffye Benson Clayton during the annual Diversity Awards reception Monday, March 23, at 3 p.m. in Wilson Library's Pleasants Family Assembly Room.
Considered the University's highest recognition for diversity efforts, the University Diversity Awards recognize individuals who and organizations that advocate for diversity, equity, inclusion of underrepresented groups and/or social justice; demonstrate a sustained commitment to the advancement of cultural diversity and inclusion at UNC or in the community; implement or sponsor an event that cultivates diversity and inclusion; demonstrates respect or inclusive treatment when interacting with others.
In 2014, Siren magazine — a student publication founded in 2006 to creatively and intelligently challenge the limited ways that institutions, including media, have viewed gender — received the student organization University Diversity Award. J-school multimedia major Morgan Johnson accepted the award on behalf of the magazine, which was advised by associate professor Barbara Friedman.
Associate professor Paul Cuadros won the faculty University Diversity Award in 2013 for his commitment to UNC's and North Carolina’s Latino community.
In 2012, doctoral student Joseph Erba received the graduate student University Diversity Award for his commitment to diversity in his research, teaching and public service, and then-J-school undergraduate Viviana Bonilla Lopez accepted a University Diversity Award on behalf of Rethink: Psychiatric Illness, a student organization dedicated to raising awareness and educating others about metal health issues.