The Alfred Street Baptist Church in Alexandria, Virginia hosted its 14^th annual HBCU College Festival last month, and they raised a staggering $2.1 million to award as scholarships for students planning to attend Historically Black Colleges and Universities.

The event registered its largest turnout in history, attracting more than 3,000 students and 350 volunteers. 

Ryan Atkins, director of the HBCU Committee told HBCU Buzz, ““If you total up all the scholarships, the funds awarded exceeded over two million dollars and ... over 60 HBCUs from across the country coming on site and 42 of those granted students acceptance and money to pay for their higher education on the spot.”

The scholarship money will allow some students to get full rides to various HBCUs. Reverend Dr. Howard-John Wesley said, “Black youth are often stereotyped as uneducated, with no ambition or drive, but events like these dispute the perpetual stereotype of black youth time and time again, as nearly 5,000 youth registered online to attend our college festival.”
He added, ““We intentionally brought in colleges that were prepared to give away scholarships on the spot. This makes it convenient for students who otherwise may not have had help searching for college funds. We know how much this event means to our community as well as to these families; because we know that without this event, many couldn’t afford college.”

Congrats to all the students and the Alfred Street Baptist Church for assisting these worthy students at getting the education they deserve.

Watch First Lady Michelle Obama discuss the importance of education in our community: 

(Photo: Alfred Street Baptist Church)