Diaspora group awards $107,000 in scholarships

WASHINGTON, D.C.:

Twenty-six students of Jamaican heritage attending Howard University were awarded scholarships totalling US$107,000 at the Jamaica Howard University Affinity Network’s (JHUAN) seventh annual HUes of Blue fundraising reception, held on Saturday at the residence of Jamaica’s ambassador to the United States.

Each recipient received a US$4,000 award to assist with educational expenses. Scholarships were presented by Ambassador Major General (Ret’d) Antony Anderson and JHUAN Chairman Don Christian to students who satisfied the programme’s criteria: Jamaican birth or parentage, a GPA of 3.0 or higher, and full-time enrolment at Howard University.

Since its establishment in 2018, JHUAN has disbursed 115 scholarships valued at US$463,000, providing vital financial support to Jamaican students at Howard. This year alone, scholarship applications rose by 75 per cent, while fundraising has grown at an average rate of 39 per cent annually demonstrating both the expanding need and the strong support of the Jamaican diaspora.

“JHUAN has been a beacon of hope and a pillar of pride for the recipients of this unique scholarship programme,” said Ambassador Anderson. He underscored that JHUAN’s mission extends beyond financial assistance to include mentorship, life coaching, and career development opportunities.

The evening’s fundraising efforts were strengthened by a transformative US$100,000 donation from Howard alumna and entrepreneur Lisa Brown Alexander, owner of Wellspring Manor & Spa in Upper Marlboro in Maryland. Along with other contributions, the event raised an additional US$100,000 for the scholarship fund.

“As an alumnus who has benefited greatly from Howard University, it is important that we look for ways to support our academic institutions and pay it forward,” said Christian, who also serves on the Howard Board of Trustees. “JHUAN exists to inspire our students to dream more, learn more, and become more.”

The programme also celebrated excellence through the presentation of IMPACT Awards to distinguished Howard alumni. Honorees included Arlene Isaacs-Lowe, independent director for Compass Group PLC, and Christopher Williams, former CEO of NCB Capital Markets, who was recognised for his transformative leadership in the Caribbean financial services sector.

In addition, students Bamidele Aina and Blayne Montaque were named recipients of the Bancroft S. Gordon Scholarship Award, established in honour of the late Howard alumnus and former football player. The award recognises outstanding achievement in athletics, academics, leadership, and community engagement.

In his remarks, Ambassador Anderson urged the scholars to embrace technological advancement and remain adaptable in an evolving global environment.

“I want to see you riding that wave of technology and not being swamped by it,” he said. “Be confident that we can manage change, that we can do great things going forward, and that, generationally, we will remain forever Jamaican stars at whatever we do.”

He further challenged the students to “pay it forward” by contributing to JHUAN once they achieve professional success, thereby sustaining the cycle of opportunity and empowerment.

The Jamaica Howard University Affinity Network operates as a community-driven organisation dedicated to supporting Jamaican students at Howard University through financial aid, mentorship, and professional development. Its flagship HUes of Blue event serve as the primary fundraising initiative, uniting members of the diaspora, business leaders, and diplomatic officials in support of Caribbean educational excellence in the United States.