This year's Black History Month celebration at NEIU concluded with the annual awards ceremony on Friday, February 27 in Alumni Hall. A special Distinguished Service Award was presented in addition to the annual awards.

Emil Jones Jr., former Illinois Senate President, was recognized with a special Distinguished Service Award for his lifetime achievements on behalf of the State of Illinois and the nation. Jones served as a member of the Illinois House of Representatives from 1973 to 1983, and as a member of the Illinois Senate from 1983 to 2009. He served as President of the Senate from 2003 to 2009. During his tenure, Jones was an advocate for public education in Illinois.

In addition to this award, the Dr. Melvin Cleveland Terrell Award in Research and Literature was presented for the first time. This award was created to recognize an individual who has demonstrated outstanding achievement in the field of research and literature. The first award was given to Durene Wheeler, assistant professor, educational leadership and development.