Navigating the path of higher education, especially for students attending Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), can often be fraught with obstacles. Amidst these challenges, True Blue 1881, Inc., a 501(c)3 corporation, shines as a guiding light. Originally formed from the shared vision of two Spelman alumnae, Tiombe Nucklos O'Rourke and Joy Smith Johnson, to assist college students in the Atlanta University Center, this organization has since grown into a bastion of support dedicated to removing barriers that impede the graduation of all HBCU students.
Living up to its name, True Blue 1881, Inc. personifies a deep sense of loyalty and a commitment to giving back. The founders, Tiombe and Joy, along with board members and fellow Spelman Alumnae Kenya Thacker Pierre, Kimberly Bryant, and Kanika Sloan Williams, leverage their common experiences and values to drive practical initiatives aimed at uplifting current HBCU students. United, they infuse life into their slogan: "Philanthropy Done Differently."
True Blue 1881 Inc. is deeply committed to combating student food insecurity across all 107 HBCUs. Through the organization of fundraisers and food drives, they have provided meals to over 600 students, ensuring that hunger does not become a barrier to their academic success. They've also awarded scholarships to students at 24 HBCUs, contributed over $250,000 in direct aid, and assisted over 60 students in graduating from their respective HBCUs by settling their outstanding tuition balances.
Consistent with their unwavering dedication, True Blue 1881, Inc. is in the planning stages for their upcoming annual fundraising event, Save our Seniors Soiree on Saturday, April 6, 2024. This year’s theme is "Talk Derby to Me." The funds raised at the event will be directly used to settle balances for graduating seniors who require assistance, bypassing any administrative red tape. Such openness and steadfast commitment highlight the organization's integrity and their sincere desire to bring about tangible change in students' lives.
True Blue 1881, Inc. stands as a beacon of alumni-led transformation within the HBCU community. Their steadfast commitment to removing obstacles, combined with their focus on proactive measures, distinguishes them as true agents of success. Their legacy of service and impact will undoubtedly persist, shaping a brighter future for HBCU students everywhere.
