Three Spelman students and alumnae have been nominated for Southeast Student Emmys from the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences Southeast Chapter. Oni Symone Collier, C’2026, Karma Bridges, C’2024, and Nia Rae Lambert, C’2025, made it to the semifinals to compete for awards with students from around the country. The award ceremony will be held on Saturday, March 22, 2025, from 2 - 4 p.m. at SCADShow, 1470 Spring St NW, Atlanta, GA. Tickets to the ceremony are now available.
Collier, a documentary filmmaking and English major from Atlanta, is buzzing with excitement about being nominated for her first filmmaking award for ‘Nywele.’ To recieve industry recognition for her creative talents has been a personal goal.
“Getting my work noticed in this way has always been a goal of mine, so to see it happen is incredibly rewarding. The support I received on this film was truly overwhelming, more than I could have ever imagined,” said Collier. “Honestly, I was quite nervous about releasing it. It started as just an idea, and I wasn't sure how it would be received. But I decided to take the leap, get out there, and film it. And look now – a nomination! It's such a validating feeling, and I'm so grateful for this recognition.”
Collier’s film work was inspired by her experiences growing up with natural hair while attending a predominantly white school and spending 14 years as a competitive dancer. Collier recalled a memory when she was still navigating her identity and embracing her natural hair. She faced consistent racism and microaggressions in the dressing rooms.
“Other dancers would stare at my afro, making me feel belittled because my hair didn't conform to their standards. Even more impactful was the time my dance teacher told me I couldn't compete with the team because my hair wasn't straight, even though it was styled neatly in a bun. She made me straighten my hair in front of everyone, publicly dismantling my natural style and labeling it 'unprofessional' and 'not matching everyone else.' Those moments and the cumulative impact of those experiences fueled my desire to create this film and share my story,” said Collier.
According to her film synopsis of ‘Nywele’, the plot explores the significance, cultural impact, and symbolism of Black hair within the Black community. It traces the history of braids and twists, examining their origins during the slave trade. The film follows the evolution of Black hairstyles from their historical roots to contemporary styles, highlighting both the changes and continuities over time. It’s a poetic film with a nostalgic feel to resonate with Black culture.
Collier has been embracing growth and community during her collegiate career. She worked with fellow students to create her film. “My Spelman experience has been transformative, shaping me into the woman I am today and continuing to do so. It's pushed me beyond my perceived limits, forcing me to step outside my comfort zone in ways I never imagined. More importantly, I've built an incredible community here, a network that not only supports me but actively challenges me to be a better person. My Spelman sisters and Morehouse brothers were instrumental in creating this film; their contributions were invaluable,” said Collier.
Bridges' film, ‘Africa In Me,’ was inspired by her personal desire to strengthen her connection with her cultural roots. The filmmaker embarked on a transformative journey to Libreville, Gabon, and Lagos, Nigeria—the homelands of her African-born family.
Born and raised in Atlanta and now an alumnae at Spelman College, the film producer grew up deeply immersed in Black culture and historically black colleges and universities (HBCU) life. 'Africa in Me' follows her journey as her familiar world shifts profoundly during her visit home, where a blend of French and English fills the air, accompanied by the aroma of traditional Gabonese dishes. Bridges ties to West Africa extend to her Nigerian aunt, uncle, and cousins on her mother’s side, who bring their distinct cultural flavor when they visit the States. Surrounded by their international accents, colorful bubus, African beads, and vibrant personalities, she has always yearned to embrace the pride her cousins feel in their culture and African identity. ‘Africa In Me’ unfolds as a unique narrative of cultural discovery and identity, highlighting the enduring bonds that connect families across continents.
“My inspiration came from both my family and my experiences traveling back to Nigeria and Gabon. I’ve always admired how confidently my African family members embrace their identity. As an African American woman, I’ve had to actively explore that part of myself to fully connect with my cultural heritage. I’m incredibly grateful to my family for sharing their love for our African culture with me because it has shaped both my identity and my storytelling,” said Bridges. “It feels incredible to be recognized because ‘Africa In Me’ is a project I would consider to be quite personal, and I put so much effort into making sure I felt proud of it. Although my goal was to make sure this story was personal and stayed true to myself, I also wanted it to resonate with others. This nomination is proof that someone connected with my work, which makes it all the more special!”
Bridges studied documentary filmmaking while at Spelman. The College helped influence and shape her identity.
“Spelman gave me the knowledge and confidence to fully embrace my identity. It taught me that my history didn’t begin with enslavement but stretches back centuries to African queens and kings. The culture at Spelman deepened my appreciation for who I am and where I come from. I’m forever grateful for how Spelman strengthened my sense of self and reminded me that I come from a legacy of greatness,” said Bridges.
Lambert gained inspiration to create her film while driving through the streets of Atlanta. “For this project, ‘Lady T,’ I was driving down the street in downtown Atlanta and saw Ms. (Theresa) Hamilton serving meals. I simply called the number on the truck and pitched my idea – the rest was history,” Lambert said. “My work is inspired by the idea that humans are more alike than different. By telling stories of the untold through documentary filmmaking, I hope to expand people's horizons through the medium.”
The Chicago native is a documentary filmmaking major who spent the past summer interning in the Inclusive Content Department at Lionsgate Entertainment. She’s put in the hard work and is now up for a student Emmy.
“I was truly surprised and thrilled at this honor. As an artist you do not make art with the hope of awards, but for the love of the craft. When making this film, my main goal was to educate people about the amazing work of Theresa Hamilton. I hoped to inspire others through her efforts, encouraging them to take action in their own communities and perhaps even contribute to her cause,” said Lambert. “ My Spelman experience has inspired me to discover stories in marginalized communities. Through learning from Black women professors, I have been able to grow my perspective on storytelling and learn about the impact it creates. My current project, ‘Rhythms of Divinity,’ explores the African roots of stepping and strolling. This film will be complete and showcased at Spelman at the end of April.”