N.C. A&T Student Earns 2026 Gracie Award for Radio Excellence
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Posted By: Roger Gates on March 24, 2026 EAST GREENSBORO, N.C. (March 24, 2026) - Chyna Black, a junior mass media production student in the Department of Journalism and Mass Communication (JOMC) at North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University, has been named a 2026 Gracie Award Radio student recipient for her WNAA-FM Black History Month segment highlighting the legacy of the A&T Four. "Being recognized as an award recipient for my talents gives me the extra push that I need," said Black. "It shows me that I'm worthy of the spaces I've worked so hard to be in." Black's segment explored the historical impact and continued relevance of the A&T Four, whose 1960 sit-in at the Woolworth's lunch counter in Greensboro helped ignite a national student-led movement for civil rights. Her reporting connected history to the present-day student experience at North Carolina A&T. She aimed to show listeners that this legacy continues through each generation of Aggie storytellers, passing knowledge and stories forward - just as she did in her segment. Black is a native of Charlotte, North Carolina, and has been part of the WNAA-FM radio talk shows since February 2025. WNAA-FM serves the Piedmont Triad area and is housed in JOMC's Crosby Hall. Black's work on the station has helped her develop her voice in media and refine her reporting skills. About the Gracie Awards Presented by the Alliance for Women in Media, the Gracie Awards recognize excellence in programming created by, for and about women in media. The organization connects, recognizes, and inspires women across the media industry while expanding professional networks and celebrating achievement. The Gracie Awards honor emerging and established voices across broadcast and digital media. Past recipients include influential journalists, hosts and producers such as Oprah Winfrey, Phylicia Rashad, Michelle Obama and Keke Palmer, whose work has expanded opportunities for women in the industry. Black joins that national network of student and professional honorees recognized for excellence in storytelling. Black credits the mentorship of Ezinma Leak-Murphy, WNAA-FM program director, for guidance and submitting her nomination for the award, and the support of JOMC faculty and staff who helped her gain confidence and strengthen her voice in radio. Black will be recognized this summer at the 51st Annual Gracie Awards Luncheon in New York, where student honorees from across the country will be celebrated. Listeners and supporters can tune into the Aggie Pride Show with Black every Tuesday from 5 to 7 p.m. on WNAA-FM. For more information about the Gracie Awards, visit allwomeninmedia.org/gracies. About North Carolina A&T State University North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University is the nation's largest historically Black university, as well one of the top 25 "Most Innovative" universities in America (U.S. News & World Report, Best Colleges 2024). North Carolina A&T is a land-grant, doctoral research university and a constituent member of the University of North Carolina System. An exponential university, A&T is recognized widely for its national leadership in graduating African American students in engineering, agriculture and other STEM fields. The university was established in 1891 as only the second land-grant college created under the second Morrill Act and is located in Greensboro, North Carolina. If you enjoyed this article, Join HBCU CONNECT today for similar content and opportunities via email! |
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Roger Gates
Founder & CEO, Motivo Spec Hampton University class of 1995 Member Since June 1999 |
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