From the judges: Major kudos to Tyrell Laing for his strength and commitment to such an important movement. This was an incredibly brave decision to share his story and to be the focus of such a story/message. Good use of camera angles and pacing to get message clearly communicated. Good music selection. It was also a very unique, authentic and great way to show support, encouragement and inevitably show the stance UNBC takes on human rights and the willingness to have tough conversations. Excellent message and great presentation. These are the kinds of stories organizations need to lift up.
Black Lives Matter: A Student's Plea To Be Seen, Heard
Category
Opportunity & Inclusion Special Recognition
Description
Award: Grand Gold
Institution: University of Northern British Columbia
Title of Entry: Black Lives Matter: A Student's Plea To Be Seen, Heard
About this Entry: As the Black Lives Matter movement gained more and more steam, receiving rightful attention and due dialogue, many institutions scrambled to respond. Most made statements, condemning racism and utilizing generic language and status quo to address an incredibly important conversation. The University of Northern British Columbia recognized that, for many of those facing these issues every day of their lives, there was a desire to be heard, to be seen, and to be valued.
UNBC student-athlete Tyrell Laing reached out to UNBC on collaborating on a video. He had things he wanted to say, and experiences and perspective that would be beneficial to the entire UNBC community and region. The result was a captivating, stripped-down, honest account of life as a man of colour. The video was the only of its kind produced by any post-secondary institution in all of Canada, and garnered attention from media outlets throughout Western Canada.
In a time of great conflict and a mass call for more substantial understanding and action, the video stood out across the country for its willingness to step aside and let an individual be heard. Laing's account of past-experiences, along with his call for change and faith in the humanity of people, will create goosebumps and conversation.
The University of Northern British Columbia has never had video create such conversation, or reach as many people. The subject matter called for it, and will continue to.