By Edward Henderson
On Saturday, February 27th the University of California, San Diego hosted its 14th annual Black History Month Scholarship Brunch, featuring special guest speaker Danny Glover. This year’s theme, “Hallowed Ground: Sites of African-American Memory” was dedicated to the significant physical places that have inspired diversity and positive change in African-American history, such as the Apollo Theater, Little Rock Central High School, Tuskegee University and others.
Chancellor Pradeep K. Khosla jumpstarted the excitement in the audience with his announcement of the Black Academic Excellence Initiative. A $30 million dollar goal was set for the campaign to increase African American student and faculty presence on UCSD’s campus by expanding scholarships for students and salary for staff.
The initiative is in partnership with the UCSD Black Alumni Council and will measure its success by an increased rate of enrollment of African American students, increased level of engagement and participated in related support programs, increased presence of African American faculty and improved climate for diversity.
“Improving support for the African American community has been a priority for me and our campus,” Khosla said. “Scholarships can make a real difference in a student’s life.”
Mr. Glover followed the announcement with a speech focusing on the ‘Hallowed Ground’ theme sharing his thoughts and knowledge of the deeper meaning and significance of these spaces. He also spoke about the importance of the arts in movements of the past and contemporary struggles.
“While the importance of politics and social change may be obvious, the arts also have an equally important role in shaping the expanding conscious and expressing the urgency of human beauty and creativity,” Glover said.
The brunch’s ticket sales and silent auction raised funds to support students who are committed to diversity on campus, involved in the study of African-American history and culture, and contribute significantly to their overall academic experience through research and community participation. UCSD students Nielah McKee and Danielle Davis were honored for their stellar academic and community achievements.
Support from the University allowed all proceeds from the evening to go directly to the fund. Pamela Furge, Management Officer of the Department for Educational Studies believes the support is a reflection of the sincerity of the initiative.
“I am feeling so excited. We’ve been doing this program for 13 of the 14 years it’s been in existence and it has reached the level that we’re trying to get for so long,” Furge said. “The only way change the dialogue and change the reputation of UCSD surrounding diversity is by our own advocacy.”
If you would like to learn more about supporting the Black Academic Excellence Initiative, contact UCSD director of development John Duca at [email protected].
