This year has required an unconventional approach, in both great and small ways. Since 1977, the National Alumnae Association of Spelman College, Inc. (NAASC)-Atlanta Chapter has hosted a Scholarship Brunch with a twofold purpose: raising money for the chapter scholarship fund and celebrating the achievements of local alumnae. With two deserving Spelman scholars counting on the success of this event, canceling was not an option. Similarly, under the backdrop of the pandemic, neither was a traditional, in-person event. Enter the “We Made the Choice” Virtual Scholarship Fundraiser.
The chapter, led by President Adrienne Lance Lucas, set out with a single-minded determination of raising $50,000 for scholarships—a tall order in an ordinary fundraising environment and, arguably, uncharted territory in a virtual one.
In front of an audience of 300+ online attendees, the scholarship fundraiser took place November 7. The virtual event beautifully transported viewers through 139 years of what the decision by generations of black women to choose Spelman has meant for our community and world. Program hosts Diamond Lewis (DCTV) and Fred Blankenship (WSB) engaged the audience and celebrated honorees Tayari Jones (award-winning author), Robert “Danny” Flanigan (CIO, Spelman College), and Helen Smith Price (retired President, Coca-Cola Foundation).
Participants experienced history together, receiving the breaking news that Kamala Harris would be the first woman, African American, and HBCU graduate as the Vice President-Elect. Further punctuating the significance of this announcement, Spelman President Dr. Mary Schmidt Campbell interviewed featured guest, Emmy Award-winning journalist and co-host of ABC’s “The View,” Sunny Hostin and discussed these unfolding events.
Thanks to generous donations and sponsorships, the Atlanta chapter not only met but exceeded its fundraising goal, solidifying its commitment to making way for more women to choose Spelman. There’s still time to contribute to the scholarship fund at WeMadeTheChoice.com. For more, visit NAASCAtlanta.org.
About NAASC
The National Alumnae Association of Spelman College, Inc. (NAASC) is a 501(c)(3) organization that supports Spelman College, a historically black college for women, through financial gifts, student recruitment, community service, and recognition of Spelman women.