Blackburn Institute

Fellow Honored as One of EBONY’s Top 30 Under 30

January 26, 2007

Deidra Perry, a 1996-1997 Blackburn fellow, was recently named to EBONY magazine’s list of 30 Young Leaders Under 30 for 2007. Ms. Perry is the only person from Alabama named to the list and says she is “absolutely ready to accept the torch of leadership being passed from Dr. Blackburn.” Perry works as a recruitment account executive for the Birmingham News and is currently pursuing her master’s degree in communication management. She was nominated for this prestigious award by Rep. Artur Davis, The Birmingham Civil Rights Institute, and The University of Alabama.

Perry says that her experiences at the University of Alabama equipped her with the leadership skills necessary to change the future of our state, asserting “The level of leadership preparation at Alabama allowed me to perform well.” She also credits the Blackburn Institute with much of her passion and audacity about Alabama, stating “The Blackburn Institute allowed me unparalleled access to the leaders of the state and also showed me what our role was going to be for the future of Alabama.” Ms. Perry is very passionate about carrying out Dean Blackburn’s vision to change state and feels we need to begin with education. “The gap between the haves and have-nots is only growing larger in Alabama” Perry says.

Perry advises current fellows to “connect with those in your class and take advantage of all the opportunities you are presented as fellows. Blackburn was allowed me to connect with the leaders of Alabama while I was still a student…don’t miss that chance.”

Click here to download a PDF version of the EBONY feature.

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