A Trio of African Americans Who Have Been Selected to Receive Prestigious Honors

Mercy Mumba, assistant professor in the Capstone College of Nursing at the University of Alabama, has received the Early Science Investigator Award from the Southern Nursing Research Society. The award is given annually to a nurse scientist who shows potential to develop a sustained program of research to enhance nursing science and practice. Dr. Mumba currently has six funded grants, which mostly concentrate on prevention and treatment of substance use disorders and their co-morbid psychiatric mental health conditions. She is also researching ways to expand the role of nurses in addiction care.

Dr. Mumba holds a bachelor’s degree and a Ph.D. from the College of Nursing at the University of Texas. At age 29, she was the youngest Ph.D. graduate in the college’s history.

Paulette Brown Bracy, professor of library science and director of the Office of University Accreditation at North Carolina Central University, is the recipient of the 2019 Coretta Scott King-Virginia Hamilton Award for Lifetime Achievement from the American Library Association. The award is presented biannually to an individual for substantial contributions through active engagement with youth using award-winning African American literature for children and/or young adults, via implementation of reading and reading-related activities and programs.

Dr. Bracy holds a bachelor’s degree in English from Fisk University in Nashville, a master’s degree in library science from the University of Pittsburgh, and a Ph.D. in library science from the University of Michigan.

LaDelle Olion, professor of special education at Fayetteville State University in North Carolina, has been selected to receive the W.E.B. Du Bois Award from the Association of Social and Behavioral Scientists. The annual award honors outstanding social and behavioral scientists and civic leaders who have made significant contributions to improve the lives of Black Americans. Dr. Olin will receive the award on March 8 at the Association’s 84th Award Luncheon where he will serve as the keynote speaker.

Dr. Olion holds a bachelor’s degree in elementary and special education and a master’s degree in special education and mental retardation from Southern Illinois University. He earned a Ph.D. in educational psychology from the University of Connecticut.