Community Service is a definitive characteristic in African American culture. Due to the existence of social evils such as slavery, Jim Crow laws, and segregation, African American communities were shaped in to societies in which interdependence on one another was necessary for survival. This cultivated a rich and deep connection between people that crossed economic levels. It was assumed that is was the responsibility of those who became educated or successful to help those less fortunate in any way possible.

        The African American community attempted to mitigate the awful effects of racism by providing support for each other through traditional organizations such as the church and civic and social groups. In fact a cornerstone in almost every African American organization be it social or professional is community service.

The Black Graduate Association continues this tradition in community service. This organization is committed to the task of not only improving the situation of African Americans but to the improvement of the lives all people. It is a mission of this organization to provide services to the residents of Lafayette and West Lafayette and many others. The honoree of this award should embody a giving spirit and a devotion to the enhancement of the life of his or her fellow man. The receiver of this award not only volunteers their time to promote human welfare but also serves as a catalyst for social reform.