Northeastern Illinois University President Gloria J. Gibson has announced the creation of the George Floyd Social Justice Scholarship. The scholarship is one of the many ways Northeastern is demonstrating the University's investment in students who will become community leaders and promote social justice.
At the memorial service for George Floyd that took place on June 4 at North Central University in Minneapolis, Minn., the city in which Floyd was killed, North Central University President Scott Hagan challenged every university in the United States to create a scholarship in Floyd’s memory.
“I am very proud of our students—many of whom are already engaged in activities to fight against injustice,” Gibson said. “Institutional racism continues to be excruciatingly painful, and the fight for justice must continue. And now, we add another name, Rayshard Brooks, to our cry ‘Black Lives Matter!’”
Through contributions to the NEIU Foundation, the University will build an endowed scholarship with an initial fundraising goal of $50,000. The application process and applicant criteria will be developed and announced when they are finalized.
The George Floyd Social Justice Scholarship will establish a permanent financial resource for NEIU students dedicated to pursuing leadership roles in the multifaceted, intersectional work of social justice. Students applying for funding can be from numerous majors.
“Our 'new normal' must be a full and sustained commitment to justice and equality," Gibson said. "This is one step toward that larger goal, and it starts with me, it starts with you, and it will be implemented through all of us, working together. As we support the educational promise of our aspiring socially conscious leaders, we acknowledge their talents and potential to change the world.”
Visit neiu.edu/georgefloyd to contribute to the scholarship fund or learn more about it.
Top photo: Shaull, L. (Photographer). (2020, June). Mural of George Floyd in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Retrieved from Wikipedia Commons.
