community
THE MICHIGAN CHRONICLE December 9-15, 2009 Page C-3
A call to action: Will the Black college graduates please stand up?
By Leslie Andrews
we are still graduating a significant number the dream of a college dream alive for so many economy. The average need is $1,000 so I am
of scholars from HBCUs, the support from to- young people. The reality of this task is daunt- personally seeking 1000 alumni to answer this
On Nov. 7, I had the pleasure of spending
day’s graduates pales in comparison to those ing and the future looks bleak if we, those who call and make a financial gift to this campaign
some quality time with my base constituency
that went before them. It is that unconditional have benefitted the most from HBCUs, do not through UNCF. You can give the gift online at
— our wonderful alumni. Specifically, I had the
support of people like Spearman Jones that make it a number one priority to support these www.uncf.org, or mail it to my attention at
opportunity to talk with my “seasoned” alumni,
has made the difference between some young historical institutions of higher learning that UNCF-Michigan, 3031 West Grand Blvd. Ste.
many of whom are over the age of 65 and hold
person being a college dropout or graduate. have forever changed the complexion and direc- 531, Detroit, MI 48202.
a vast amount of historical knowledge and aged
With the current state of economic affairs for tion of the world. There are an estimated 3,500
Family, we need your support now more than
old wisdom. I was especially excited to spend a
so many of our HBCUs, I can’t help but wonder: alumni of HBCUs here in the metro Detroit
ever. The education of today’s young leaders
few moments with Mr. Spearman Jones — 99
Who will fight for Black colleges when our last area. Surely we can step up to the plate and
depends on it; the educational opportunities
years old and still supporting UNCF, Black col-
links to the founding of our institutions are follow the courageous actions of our senior-
for tomorrow’s young people will be ensured
leges and higher education. While he was being
gone? most alumni.
by it; and most importantly, we will be proving
honored for his lifelong commitment to UNCF,
As a development professional, it is my job So to all my alumni, family of alumni, sup- that we, the alumni of HBCUs, still believe that
he still kept his word and purchased two per-
to remind all of the Black college stakeholders porters of HBCUs and friends, here is the call to a mind is a terrible thing to waste.
sonal tables which represented $1,000 and
of their commitment to their alma maters, but action. UNCF is actively seeking support for the
helped to secure another table from his alma
oft times the passionate stories of the Black Campaign for Emergency Student Aid which is
Leslie Andrews is the Michigan area
mater, Knoxville College. It was during these
college experience does not equal to finan- collecting donations to help those students
development director for UNCF and can
discussions with Mr. Jones that I became both
cial gifts. We are standing on the firing line at who are closest to graduation, but have lost
be reached at (313) 873-1500 or leslie.an-
delighted and disheartened. You see, while
UNCF, doing everything in our power to keep their family or scholarship support due to the
drews@uncf.org.
Dr. Claud Young
SCLC to
honor
Young
The Michigan Southern
Christian Leadership Confer-
ence (SCLC) will host a trib-
ute honoring its founder, Dr.
Claud Young, Jan. 17 at the
a
Detroit Renaissance Marriott.
A noted physician, civil
rights leader, philanthropist
and activist for social causes
across the globe, Young incor-
magical
porated the Michigan SCLC in
1971. Since its creation, the
organization has been dedi-
cated to promoting social, eco-
nomic and political justice.
“We anticipate a glorious
tribute for a most deserving
set
New! Disney & Carol’s
Daughter present
A Magical Beauty
man, who has given so much
to this community and just
gift set, only $24
causes around the world,”
A $28 value. Pamper your little princess with
said Michael Grace, Michigan
this 5-piece set of hair and bath treats. Includes
SCLC president.
8 oz. sizes of Sharing Means Caring Bubble
Bath, The Beauty Within Shampoo and Inner
“Dr. Martin Luther King, the
Shine Conditioner, plus a loofah & travel case.
first president of the national
SCLC, once said, ‘The time is
always right to do the right
thing.’ True to that spirit, we
believe now the time is right to
celebrate our founder for his
lifetime of service.”
Tickets are $75 and can
be purchased at www.michi-
gansclc.org or by calling (313)
834-1599. Sponsorship pack-
ages also are available. The
event begins at 4 p.m.
“Dr. Young’s contributions
in the areas of medicine and
advocacy for health care reform
— long before the national
debate we’re having today
— are cause enough for cele-
bration,” said Louise Guyton,
Comerica Bank vice president
of public affairs and Michigan
SCLC board member.
“However, that does not
even begin to define the full
scope of Dr. Young’s contribu-
tions to humanity. For nearly
a half-century he has provided
SCLC members, and our com-
munity, a living example of
what it means to live a life of
purpose.”
The SCLC is a non-profit,
non-sectarian, interfaith, advo-
cacy organization that is com-
mitted to non-violent action to
achieve social, economic and
political justice. The Michigan
SCLC’s programs and initia-
tives include voter registration
and education, conflict resolu-
tion, economic empowerment,
health care, and youth devel-
opment.
For additional information,
visit www.michigansclc.org.
Visit our website
for more stories
and articles
throughout the
week!
Yes Virginia! premiering on CBS-TV, Friday night, Dec 11 Don’t miss the season’s newest tradition To order, call 1-800-45-MACYS. Advertised items may not be at your local Macy’s.
— the animated classic feature based on the timeless true story that inspired a whole new spirit of For store locations and hours, log on to macys.com
believing! Check your local listings.
www.michronicleonline.com
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