Africana Studies Celebrates Students at the Annual Molette Dinner

The Africana Studies Institute proudly hosted its annual Drs. Barbara and Carlton Molette Scholarship and Awards Dinner on April 9, 2026, recognizing outstanding student achievement, leadership, and service. This year’s event featured inspiring remarks from Mia Miller (Class of 2025), a UConn alumna, and Wiley Dawson, Assistant Director of the Center for Career Readiness and Life Skills.

During the celebration, four exceptional students were honored for their accomplishments:

  • Anastasia Charles received the Community Engagement Award.
  • Karizma McCardell received the Excellence in the Africana Studies Minor Award.
  • John Asobayire received the inaugural Theresa Gyamfuah Award, a newly established recognition honoring excellence and achievement.
  • Myeisa Barnhill received the prestigious Drs. Barbara and Carlton Molette Award.

We extend our heartfelt congratulations to all of our 2026 award recipients!

To learn more about our annual student awards and scholarship opportunities, or to make a contribution in support of future students, please visit our Awards and Scholarships page.

Myeisa Barnhill holding Molette Award
Myeisa Barnhill, 2026 recipient of the Drs. Barbara and Carlton Molette Scholarship Award
Anna Charles holding a certificate
Anna Charles, recipient of the 2026 Africana Studies Community Engagement Award
Karizma McCardell holding certificate
Karizma McCardell, recipient of the Excellence in Africana Studies Award
John Asobayire holding certificate
John Asobayire, recipient of the 2026 Theresa Gyamfuah Owusu Award

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