Beyoncé, indisputably one of the most influential entertainers of her generation, became the first African American woman to headline the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival since its inception 19 years ago on April 14, 2018. Her electrifying performance has since been dubbed “Beychella.”
Following the HBCU homecoming-themed Coachella performance, which “paid homage to excellence in education, was a celebration of the homecoming weekend experience and the highest display of college pride,” according to a BeyGOOD press release, the newly-established scholarship was announced.
“I am truly grateful for this high honor in the legacy of our founder, Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune,” said Bethune-Cookman University Interim President Hubert L. Grimes. “This gift reminds us of the importance of HBCU’s and the support for our students from the entire community. We want to properly thank Beyoncé for selecting our University for this prestigious honor and financial support andhope Beyoncé’sleadership encourages other high-profile persons to invest in our young people who are attending HBCUs,” Grimes said.
This is a special season in the memory of Dr. Bethune, as the Florida legislature has recently passed a bill naming Dr. Bethune as the first African American to represent a state in U.S. Statuary Hall in Washington, D.C., replacing a confederate general.
“The individual selected for this scholarship will reflect both our founder’s vision and the respect we have for Beyoncé and her many contributions to the fabric of our society,” Grimes continued.
“We salute the rich legacy of Historically Black Colleges and Universities,” states Ivy McGregor, director of philanthropy and corporate relations at Parkwood Entertainment, which houses BeyGOOD. “We honor all institutions of higher learning for maintaining culture and creating environments for optimal learning which expands dreams and the seas of possibilities for students.”
The Homecoming Scholars Award Program for 2018 – 2019 will expand to all qualifying students at the four universities, which include Bethune-Cookman, Tuskegee, Xavier and Wilberforce, regardless of gender. The disciplines will include literature, creative arts, African- American studies, science, education, business, communications, social sciences, computer science and engineering. All applicants must maintain a 3.5 GPA or above.
Bethune-Cookman University will announce its Homecoming Scholars Award recipient at a later date.
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