Bloomsburg Student’s Ambition Opens Doors at National Image Awards

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For Bloomsburg senior India Cerdan, knowing what she wants has always been the first step toward achieving it. With a passion for storytelling, community, and photography, she approaches every opportunity with determination and purpose.

Recently, those passions took her all the way to Los Angeles.

Cerdan, who goes by Indy, is a Media and Journalism major at CU's Bloomsburg campus. She was invited to attend events connected to the NAACP Image Awards through a partnership with L'Oréal. The experience placed her behind the scenes at major entertainment events where she photographed artists, networked with professionals, and represented Bloomsburg on a national stage. The awards ceremony itself was televised nationally on BET and CBS.

The NAACP, or the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, was founded in 1909 and is one of the oldest and most influential civil rights organizations in the United States. The NAACP Image Awards were established in 1967 to honor outstanding achievements and positive representations of Black artists, entertainers, and leaders in film, television, music, literature, and community impact.

Originally from Philadelphia, Cerdan transferred to Bloomsburg after earning her associate degree at the Community College of Philadelphia. The decision to continue her education came down to both opportunity and support, something she has found during her time on campus.
"Bloomsburg was the best fit for me financially and academically," she said. "The program here gave me the chance to grow."

In just over a year at Bloomsburg, Cerdan has built more than a portfolio ... she's built community. "I've been able to grow a community here, make connections, and find my people," she said. "Everything I've learned, I've been able to apply directly to what I'm passionate about."

One of those passions has taken shape through a deeply personal creative project. Cerdan pitched and received funding for a photography book centered on Black history and experiences at Bloomsburg. The project, titled Black and Bloom, highlights stories from students and alumni while focusing on positive experiences and the impact of representation on campus.

Now nearing completion, Black and Bloom is expected to be finished in April and will be celebrated with a public reception.

"I wanted to talk about the positive experiences and show that opportunity lives here," she said.
Through the process, Cerdan has gained hands-on experience that extends far beyond the classroom, from pitching and developing a concept to building connections and bringing a large-scale creative vision to life.

Her growth has also been shaped by the people around her. She credits faculty and campus organizations, including the NAACP organization and the Act 101 program, for encouraging her to stay involved and continue pushing forward.

"They reminded me, if you like this work, come be a part of it and be part of the change," she said. Cerdan highlighted the impact of mentors like the director of Act 101, whose support and encouragement have played a meaningful role in her journey.

Cerdan's journey with photography began long before college. She first picked up a camera at 14 years old and has been freelancing for the past seven years. Over time, photography became both a creative outlet and a way to document culture and community.

With her camera in hand, a growing network of support, and a deep appreciation for the community she's found at Bloomsburg, Cerdan is stepping confidently into the next chapter of her journey ... one story at a time.

Categories:

• Media and Journalism

Tags:

• Practicum