Diné College Alumni named nominee for National Association of Secretaries of State John Lewis Youth Leadership Award
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 28, 2020
TSAILE, Ariz. — A former Diné College Warrior and alumni, Triston Black, has been named one of 14 Arizona nominees for the National Association of Secretaries of State John Lewis Youth Leadership Award.
Triston graduated from Diné College in 2020 with a Bachelor of Arts. He then obtained a Master of Arts in Indigenous Education from Arizona State University. Triston is an emerging artist in moccasin-making and silversmithing.
Diné College President, Charles “Monty” Roessel said, we are proud of Triston’s accomplishments and his determination and dedication to his education. “On behalf of the College, we thank you for being an exemplary and revered role model for other native youth and students.”
Black has served in several leadership roles such as on the Navajo Nation Youth Advisory Council to advise Navajo Nation leaders about the importance of language, culture, history and government outreach. In February 2021, Black was appointed as one of the Indigenous Youth Council members for the New Mexico Indian Affairs Department.
The John Lewis Youth Leadership Award was created as an initiative by the National Association of Secretaries of State to honor the life and achievements of the late Congressman John Lewis and aims to inspire Americans by awarding a civic-minded young person in each state who exemplifies public service and advocacy for civil rights.
The Arizona Secretary of State’s Office will announce the awardee on Tuesday, September 28, 2021.
Diné College is a four-year tribal college located on the Navajo reservation with six campuses and two microsites across Arizona, New Mexico, and Utah and primarily serves Navajo students. The school offers 20 bachelor degrees, 16 associate degrees, and 6 certificate programs. The school is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. The College, established in 1968, is the first tribal college and was formerly named Navajo Community College.
