By Jasmine Glover
Florida A&M University’s first female drum major Cori Bostic was recently honored at the African Diaspo
ra Awards in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. This nationally recognized award has been given to more than 100 individuals, organizations and institutions since its inception.
When receiving the phone call notifying her about the award, the senior broadcast journalism student could not believe that she was chosen to be honored.
“I didn’t think that it was real,” said Bostic. “I thought, seriously me? What did I do? When I looked up the other people that were being honored, I didn’t even think that I could be in the category.”
To receive this award, someone within the corporation, Perfect Results Inc., nominates an individual and after deliberation, President and CEO Jane Bassa-Tolliver gives the final say. When Bostic was nominated, Tolliver admits she didn’t know about Bostic’s place in history. “After Kenya Tolliver nominated her and told me of her outstanding achievement, it felt like I was living under a rock,” Tolliver stated.
Tolliver created and produced Perfect Results Inc., in 2002. This company is the gateway to their signature event the African-Diaspora Awards. The chosen honorees have given outstanding service and contributions both locally and worldwide . They include educators, civil rights pioneers, business trailblazers, athletes, role-models, activists, and everyday hardworking individuals.
Tolliver chose “Empowered Women” as the theme for this year’s award show because of the many leading women in Congress.
“We were so excited about this year’s theme, and we were able to honor seven women. It goes back to the political climate that was coming into 2018. There was so much buzz about a number of additional women that would make Congress. It just seemed like women throughout the nation and globally were doing phenomenal things and making great contributions.”
More than seven notable women were nominated for the African Diaspora Awards. Bostic, who is a student leader of the Marching “100,” was proud to make the list.
“It made me feel good because it let me know that I am empowering a lot of women, young and old,” said Bostic. “I know that I am living through the footsteps of what some women couldn’t do and opening the doors for what other women will be able to do. The award really encourages me to keep going and doing exactly what I’m doing.”
Breaking barriers did not happen overnight for Bostic. After years of envisioning herself in this position, her dreams manifested into reality.
“I envisioned myself in this position ever since the first day of pre-drills my freshman year. Even though it didn’t happen the first time I tried out, I did not give up on my dreams. I hold being a drum major near and dear to my heart. I learned a lot, and I have truly transformed as a woman and as a person through my experience.”
A portion of the proceeds from the night went towards scholarships in the area along with a $1,000 cash prize for Bostic. Also honored that night were the Zeta Rho Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Carmella Morton, Elois Hayes, Burnadette Norris-Weeks, Angela Harris-Williams and Cori “Coco” Gauff.
