This week on The Local Take, I reached out to Justine Boyd, the United Negro College Fund's regional development director. I asked her about the non-profit and how they are surviving during the pandemic. She spoke to the organization being the largest and most effective provider of scholarships for HBCUs. They support 37 HBCU's and distribute $100M in scholarships annually. UNCF students attend Clark Atlanta University(WCLK's FCC licensee) every year.
The Mayor's Masked Ball fundraiser began as an idea from Ambassador Andrew Young and Billye Suber Aaron and is now held in 18 cities across the country. This year due to COVID-19, the event will be held virtually.
Boyd shares that their virtual platform will include a VIP reception area, highlights from student recipients, and entertainment from Jermaine Dupri. The UNCF is honoring Helen Smith Price from Coca Cola and Ed Martinez from UPS. Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms and actor Lynn Whitfield will host this year's event.
I ask Boyd to share one thing about her organization that we might not know. She speaks to the number of students who participate in over 400 programs, from curriculum to scholarships. She explains that they fund students at over 1100 universities.
To attend this year's virtual event, go to www.uncf.org for tickets or call 404-302-8623.