The pre-recorded virtual ceremony will be broadcast at 6 pm EST on Wednesday, July 7, 2021, on the Urban League’s Facebook page at facebook.com/ulrochester.

Hundreds of students from across the Greater Rochester area will be awarded millions of dollars in scholarships and recognized for their academic achievements on Wednesday, July 7, 2021, at the Urban League of Rochester’s 42nd Annual Salute to Black Scholars Virtual Ceremony. Senior honorees from Monroe, Genesee, Livingston, Wayne, Orleans, and Ontario counties will be formally inducted into the Black Scholars. These honorees have earned the distinction of achieving a “B” or above grade average throughout their high school career.  

Local businesses, colleges, community organizations, and foundations provided the scholarship funds to assure hundreds of students the financial support they need to succeed in college. The Black Scholars & Early Recognition (10th–12th grade) programs provide recognition, assistance, and incentives to students in the Greater Rochester metropolitan area.

This year’s keynote speaker is Walter Larkin, Jr.  Mr. Larkin is a lifelong city resident known to the Rochester community for his many years of service in education and mentoring. After graduating from Edison Career & Technology High School as an Urban League Black Scholar, he earned his bachelor’s degree from the University of Buffalo and his master’s in Educational Leadership from the University of Rochester. Mr. Larkin worked for the RCSD from 1998 to 2019, with his last position being the Principal of Edison Career & Technology High School. Mr. Larkin is presently the CEO of University Preparatory Charter School for Young Men. In addition, he sits on the My Brother’s Keeper Advisory Steering Committee and the Board of Directors for Rochester Regional Health. He provides mentorship to new administrators through his company MenTour.

The Black Scholars Ceremony will also feature a special presentation from New York State Senators Samra G. Brouk and Jeremy A. Cooney. 

The Urban League is proud to receive support from the following sponsors for this event: D&C Media, ESL Federal Credit Union, Charter Communications, and the Greater Rochester Health Foundation. 

Questions and media inquiries may be directed to wrivera@ulr.org.