UNCF fundraising nets over $35,000 for Rust
Ellen Gregory, Editor, The Rustorian
Issue date: 2/28/09 Section: News
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Beckley made this public at the United Negro College Fund banquet on the campus, in which Dr. LaSimba M. Gray, Jr., Memphis New Sardis Baptist Church pastor, was guest speaker. The theme was, "Educating our youth: Building our Hope."
Gray in his speech explained how it is good to rally together and recognize the cause of investing in the future. "The time that we are living is challenging, yet they are the best of times," said Gray. The speaker recalled the 1964-1965 civil rights legislation which opened doors for African Americans against discrimination and equal opportunities.
During segregation, Gray said, black students attended under-funded schools; schools where students were the first in their family to receive higher education. Despite those difficult conditions, black students received the best education, competing on all levels, and even getting their master's and doctoral degrees. "Teacher poured into students," said Gray, "It was more than a paycheck."
Gray stated, long before President Barack Obama's slogan "yes we can,' people told us, yes we could, we were told we were somebody."
College campuses today also experience cut backs and layoffs as companies. Donations to schools have dropped with the current recession. It has been tough for students to make it through college, said Gray.
Nevertheless, Gray wants people to see the opportunities and make investments in bright minds and bright people, the UNCF is a national treasure, he said. Gray contributed $500 to Rust Pre-Alumni Club, and thereafter was presented with a Rust College timepiece by Beckley, as a token of appreciation from the school.
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