2010 Gene Mitchell Gray Pioneer Award
Quineka Moten
Quineka Moten is a senior in interdisciplinary studies, who singlehandedly revitalized the Mahogany Soul Café tradition at UT. The program is designed to give students a place to come together and express themselves through poetry, music, dance, art, and other forms of expression. Before Moten became involved, interest in the program was declining. She saw its potential and was committed to providing a way for diverse students to come together and celebrate cultural expression. She brought new life to the event and was responsible for planning the themes, coordinating publicity, and recruiting volunteers and performers. Mahogany Soul Café is now a highly anticipated, widely attended event.
The Gene Mitchell Gray Pioneer Award is awarded to a student who has demonstrated a commitment to the spirit of cultural enrichment and the appreciation of differences on campus. Presented by the Commission for Blacks, the Gene Mitchell Gray Pioneer Award recognizes a student for proactive contributions in promoting cultural diversity.