Celebrating 2025 Malcolm/King Leadership Award Winners
Civil Rights icon Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. once said, “The function of education is to teach one to think intensively and to think critically. Intelligence plus character—that is the goal of true education.” This year’s Malcolm/King award winners are the living fulfillment of Dr. King’s dream. Each of the awardees—nominated by My Brother’s Keeper, The Percy Ellis Sutton SEEK (Search for Education, Elevation, & Knowledge) Program, and The Ronald E. McNair Achievement Program—has demonstrated a commitment to academic excellence and desire to continue the work of Dr. King and Malcolm X. As a part of our Black History Month celebration, we’re proud to share these talented students’ perspectives and aspirations.
Senora Smalls ’27
Major: Fraud Examination
Nominating Program: SEEK
Mentor: Mayra Perez, SEEK Adjunct Faculty Member
Hometown: Queens, NY
Career Aspiration: Forensic Accountant
How do you celebrate Black History Month?
I celebrate Black History Month by researching African American innovators. Many Black inventors have made significant contributions throughout our country’s history, but they never received the recognition they deserved. Learning about their research, innovation, and ingenuity gives me insight into how black talent and intelligence have paved the way for the advanced technology we benefit from today.
Is there an African American leader who inspires you?
Bessie Blount Griffin. She was a nurse, physical therapist, inventor, and the first black female forensic scientist. She was the creator of an electric self-feeding apparatus for amputees and used her knowledge from each field to develop her invention. All of her actions showed how dedicated and caring she was. What I admire the most is that she didn’t limit herself to just one career path. I’m the same way. I love learning new skills and expanding my knowledge. Although my goal is to become a forensic accountant, I also plan on working in the medical field as a phlebotomist.
How do you hope to positively impact the African American community?
I plan to volunteer at local events such as food banks, after-school programs, and toy drives. I also want to buy more from Black-owned businesses. By spreading the word and giving their products to my family and friends I’ll help small Black businesses flourish, thereby strengthening the community.
Jeremiah Lambert-Norfleet ’27
Major: Criminology
Minor: Philosophy
Nominating Program: My Brother’s Keeper
Mentor: María Vidal, Urban Male Initiative Student Life Manager
Hometown: Kingston, NY
Career Aspiration: Immigration Lawyer
What John Jay accomplishment are you most proud of achieving?
My first semester at John Jay was one of the hardest times in my life. Due to a medical emergency, I was forced to stay home while all my peers were experiencing their first semester on campus. My grades took a hit and my future felt bleak. Then, when the second semester started, I was able to return to in-person classes. I made a promise to myself that I’d focus on my studies and strive for academic excellence. I wasn’t going to let everything I went through be for nothing. I finished that semester with four As and a B and I made the Dean’s List.
What does winning this award mean to you?
Winning this award means that I’m meant to be here. Sometimes self-doubt and the everyday battles of life can weigh me down. While accolades don’t mean everything, it feels good to know I’m on the right track.
How do you hope to positively impact the African American community?
I look forward to being a positive Black male role model for whoever may need one—especially young Black men who may have similar goals as mine. Sometimes just having someone show you where to start makes a world of difference.
Imani Thomas ’25
Major: Forensic Psychology
Minor: Africana Studies
Nominating Program: McNair
Mentors: Elizabeth Jeglic, Ph.D, Psychology Professor; Ernest Lee, Ph.D., McNair Associate Director
Hometown: Long Island, NY
Career Aspiration: Clinical Psychologist
When you think of African American history, what makes you the proudest?
I’m proud of the strength, culture, and impact African American people have had on our country. Despite facing struggles and injustice, Black communities have continued to push forward and shape history through activism, music, art, and literature. Black culture is rich, vibrant, and influential. It ranges from gospel, jazz, and hip-hop to fashion, storytelling, and traditions that bring people together. I’m proud of how Black people have fought for change, created powerful movements, and built a culture that is celebrated around the world.
What does winning this award mean to you?
This award provides the additional support and recognition I need to further my work in research and advocacy. It affirms that I’m part of a larger movement dedicated to racial equity, and it strengthens my resolve to challenge systems of inequality while amplifying the voices of those who are often overlooked.
In 10 years, where do you see yourself?
I hope to be a licensed clinical psychologist, conducting research on trauma, sexual violence, and mental health disparities among marginalized communities—particularly Black and LGBTQ+ individuals. The forensic psychology program and my Africana studies minor have deepened my understanding of the intersection between trauma, mental health, and the criminal justice system. The mentorship and opportunities I’ve received at John Jay have provided me with the foundation to excel in graduate school and beyond.
