Black Girls Rock Award Show Put On Hold

Story by Olivia Martin

Photo courtesy of Kira Borum

Many things on Central Michigan University’s campus have been put on hold due to the Coronavirus (Covid-19) on and one of those things being the annual Black Girls Rock award show.

Many people were excited about this year’s award show and one of those students is senior Kira Borum. Borum learned that there is a purpose to having this award show and she wanted to share it with other women of color on CMU’s campus.

“The purpose of The Black Girls Rock award show is to help celebrate the accomplishments of the wonderful women of color we have on CMU’s campus,” Borum said.

As Borum continued to go to the award show every year and see the accomplishments of other women, it inspired her to be part of something like this.

“I remember the first time I attended this award show my freshman year. I felt so inspired by the women in our community,” Borum said. “This award show symbolizes unity, harmony and sisterhood. I think there needs to be more of that celebration in our world.”

Borum felt upset and frustrated about the show being canceled because of Covid-19.

“The committee was really excited for Black Girls Rock, and I know the nominees were excited, too. Initially, I felt like the work we devoted to Black Girls Rock is pointless. I had to reframe my thinking though because there are other platforms we can use to help celebrate the accomplishments of the women in our community,” Borum said.

Not only did Covid-19 affect The Black Girls Rock award show, but Borum also expressed how the virus is affecting her as well.

“The Coronavirus has caused me to really reflect on my life. I’ve taken for granted my freedom and interacting with other people on a daily basis. In this situation, I like to think of myself and the award show as being very similar. Although I may not be able to present myself in the way I would like, I owe it to myself to not give up,” Borum said.

Unfortunately, Covid-19 has put a lot of student organizations and committees in a tough position when it comes to continuing their work.

“At the moment, we aren’t sure how Black Girls Rock will proceed. We are still working through a couple of different solutions,” Borum said.

If you all would like to keep up with The Black Girls Rock committee, follow them on their social media.

Instagram: @blackgirlsrockcmu