A School of Journalism and New Media instructor and her 30-student team won the Silver Anvil, the most prestigious U.S. award in public relations, on June 7 in New York for It Starts with (Me)ek, a public relations campaign they created asking School of Journalism and New Media students to “just pause” before stereotyping others.
The award, given by the Public Relations Society of America, is considered to be the Oscar of the PR industry.
Actress and CBS Sunday Morning show contributor Nancy Giles, perhaps best known for her role on the TV show “China Beach,” served as emcee and presented the award to Senior Lecturer Robin Street, campaign chair.
Meek graduates Brittanee Wallace, Bianca Abney and Grace Miller, three of the 30 students who served on the ISWM committee, joined Street at the ceremony.
The week-long campaign consisted of 50 events, speakers and activities, all based on the message to “just pause” before judging people based solely on one factor such as their race, gender, religion, sexual orientation, disability, mental illness or other factor.
Like the Oscars, Silver Anvils are given in multiple categories. It Starts with (Me)ek won in the internal communications category for government or non-profit organizations.
The campaign has previously won awards from both the Public Relations Association of Mississippi and the Southern Public Relations Federation.
Tags: diversity, inclusivity, It Starts With (Me)ek, PRSA, Public Relations Society of America, Robin Street, Silver Anvil