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In an event that included a three-course dinner, inspirational speeches, and entertainment from the Fisk Jubilee Singers and Vanessa Williams, the United Negro College Fund’s (UNCF) “A Mind Is…” 80th-anniversary gala celebrated the organization’s long legacy of working to advance Black educational opportunities.
Hosted at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center on March 7, the event was not only a fun way to honor UNCF’s work but emphasized the importance of investing in African American students’ futures.
“Help a student in need,” said Dr. Melva K. Wallace, president and CEO of Huston-Tillotson University.
In a moving and hilarious speech, Wallace encouraged attendees to donate to UNCF in order for them to continue the work of helping students thrive through college and become global leaders.
“Collaborate. Work together like you do the Electric Slide,” Wallace said. “Five thousand dollars is an average UNCF scholarship, that’s what some of our students get; $1,000 helps a student with tuition for part of a year; $500 helps a student with room and board; $200 helps a student with a laptop … [and] $100 helps a student with textbooks.”
Many speakers noted higher education offers more than academic lessons. Black students, particularly when attending HBCUs, not only learn about subjects that will help them in their careers, but they also gain greater knowledge about their history and culture.
Grammy-winning singer Lionel Richie, in a recorded video, weighed in on the importance of HBCUs, particularly considering his own time growing up on the campus of Tuskegee University.
“I had the chance to understand the power of our people. I had to understand exactly our place, not only in this American society, but the history of our people and how we are represented in the world. It gave me the tools to be able to go around the world and feel as though I was part of something very powerful,” the legendary and celebrated singer said. “These schools are absolutely one of the greatest things that we can give to our kids. And I encourage everyone to donate. This is our legacy, and let’s keep it going forever. Remember, this is where we need to start, to start transforming the rest of the world.”
While donating funds for scholarships was a major focus of the event, raising more than $2 million over the course of the night according to a UNCF spokesperson, the gala also highlighted the work of the organization over the past 80 years.
Dr. Michael Lomax, president and CEO of UNCF, touted some of the organization’s efforts, such as annually donating 12,000 scholarships worth about $70 million. He talked about some of the of organization’s programming, such as: the Fidelity Scholars Program, a $190 million partnership with Fidelity Investments; UNCF Emergency Student Aid; and the Fund II/UNCF STEM Scholars Program, a $48 million initiative for students to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM).
Lomax, in his 20th year leading UNCF, shared that such efforts could not be possible without the support of the organization’s many sponsors, members and philanthropic supporters over the years.
The evening honored those committed to continuing the UNCF’s celebrated legacy, like Rubye Taylor-Drake, who was recognized as UNCF National Alumni of the Year, and Bruce and Martha Karsh, the President’s Award honorees.
Taylor-Drake is UNCF’s National Alumni Council (NAC) conference consultant and historian
Bruce and Martha Karsh: Healing Through Supporting Educational Opportunities
The Karshes, Lomax said, have worked closely with UNCF to support students’ future through millions in funding.
The UNCF president referenced the Karshes’ Jewish faith as the foundation of their investment in healing communities through educational opportunities, adding their work with UNCF follows a long legacy of Black and Jewish relations.
“There have been ups and downs in the relationship between Blacks and Jews over the 100-plus years since Booker T. Washington went to Chicago, met Julius Rosenwald and brought him to Alabama, to build 5,000 one-room schoolhouses across the South, which ensured that Black children – the children of sharecroppers – had an opportunity to read and write, between the First World War and World War II,” Lomax said.
The UNCF president considered Eli Broad and other Jewish entrepreneurs who have invested in Black educational advancement. He said the Fisher family, founders of Gap, “ have invested over $80 million in public charter schools for Black and brown youth.” He also noted former New York Mayor Mike Bloomberg, is “one of the largest single donors to African American higher education,” and his $100 million donation to HBCUs.
Adding to the legacy of Jewish entrepreneurs supporting Black educational advancement are the Karshes, Lomax explained, calling them close “comrades in arms,” and some of his closest friends.
“Bruce and Martha are relentless about their service,” he emphasized.
Martha Karsh shared the couple’s journey to becoming co-owners of the Golden State Warriors and becoming major philanthropists in education. They started as single parents, driving cross country in their only car to start a life in California, but by 1998, when they started Karsh Family Foundation (KFF), things had begun to change.
“By 1998, Bruce’s then-fledgling investment company Oaktree Capital was just beginning to thrive. We were ready to give back,” she said. “As [Lomax] mentioned, in Judaism, along with education, “Tikkun olam,’ Hebrew for ‘heal the world,’ is a core value. Education had underpinned our own success. We felt it was the best lever for others seeking fulfilling lives, so education became the focus of KFF.”
Through KFF, the Karshes have donated more than $400 million in gifts and grants to support education, community and democracy.
Tyla McAffity, a junior at Howard University, said the Karshes have helped her
“college dream come true.”
“I am among hundreds of students attending colleges and universities across this nation who are the recipients of a Karsh scholarship. My journey would not have been possible without this scholarship and I am eternally grateful,” said McAffity, a member of the fifth cohort of Howards’ Karsh STEM Scholars. “I am proud to be part of one of the nation’s leading scholarship programs; one that is developing the next generation of STEM leaders.”
Lomax shared that the program is intense but worth the hard work.
“They work these young people so hard, that there’s just no way that they won’t become doctors. But they also give them opportunities. They’ve been to Africa — to Ghana – and they have no expenses during their tour of duty at Howard University,” the UNCF president said.
The junior Howard student, originally from Raleigh, North Carolina, is confident that her training as a Karsh STEM Scholar will take her far.
“No matter what the naysayers believe, and no matter how much this country tries to hold us back, we will redefine the scientific community, making it more accessible for generations of minority students to come, to have their seat at the table.”
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