Urban League celebrates Black Scholars with 44th annual celebration at RIT

The Urban League of Rochester is proud to announce the upcoming 44th Annual Black Scholars Ceremony, a momentous occasion that will recognize and honor the outstanding academic achievements of the graduating Black seniors from the community. Hundreds of students from across the Greater Rochester area will be awarded hundreds of thousands of dollars in scholarships and recognized for their academic achievements.

Presented by RGE, an AVANGRID Company, and powered by JPMorgan Chase, this year's ceremony will take place on Monday, June 5, at 7 pm at the Rochester Institute of Technology's Gordon Field House. With the return to in-person events, the Urban League of Rochester invites all Black Scholars and their families, as well as community members, to join them in this moment of celebration. While attendance is free, registration is required at https://www.urbanleagueroc.org/blackscholars23.  

Dr. Seanelle Hawkins, President and CEO of the Urban League of Rochester, expressed her hopes for the event, saying, "There has been unceasing press on violence and crime involving our community's youth of color. It is my hope that this joyful celebration of our Black Scholars' outstanding academic achievement will garner as much attention from the public and remind us that our youth are the promise of tomorrow.”

Assemblyman Demond Meeks, a highly respected advocate for quality education, fair wages, workers’ rights and social justice, has graciously agreed to serve as the keynote speaker for the ceremony. Other dignitaries including Rochester Mayor Malik D. Evans will also be in attendance to offer congratulations and inspirational remarks.

To further enhance the evening's festivities, the ceremony will feature a DJ and live music performed by WanMor, a remarkable quartet of brothers and the sons of R&B legend Wanya Morris from Boyz II Men. Their soulful melodies and captivating harmonies promise to create an unforgettable ambiance, symbolizing the power of artistry and creativity within the Black community.

Senior honorees from Monroe, Genesee, Livingston, Wayne, Orleans, and Ontario counties will be formally inducted into the Urban League of Rochester’s 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.

Additional support for the ceremony has been provided by WDKX, RIT, and the City of Rochester.

Community members who are interested in supporting the Black Scholars may donate by visiting https://urbanleagueroc.org/supportblackscholars or by texting “BLACKSCHOLARS” to 44-321.

Questions and press inquiries may be directed to ebenedick@ulr.org.