AIKEN, S.C. – The University of South Carolina Aiken’s Black Alumni Council will hold its second annual Brayboy Brooks Scholarship Breakfast on Saturday, Sept. 21, at 11 a.m.
Hosted at the Aiken Electric Cooperative Building, located on 2790 Wagener Road, the event will honor Rianna Williams, a senior sociology major, and Keylis Garcia Baro, a senior elementary education major, who are each receiving $1,000 scholarships.
Named after a historic figure from 1965, the scholarships honor Barbara Alicia Brayboy Brooks, who made history as the first Black students at the University of South Carolina Aiken.
To honor her significant milestone, the Black Alumni Council decided to name a scholarship in her memory.
“I feel like this is a great opportunity,” Williams said. “Besides having the Pell Grant, this scholarship feels very rewarding in helping me to feel recognized for the work I’ve done on campus and in the community.”
According to a press release from USCA, Williams has devoted herself to fostering unity on campus by joining the Black Student Union (BSU). One of the core missions of BSU has been to amplify the voices of Black students and advocate for their needs.
“Through active listening and valuing the perspectives of others, I’ve sought to create a climate of diversity, equity and inclusion that embraces all individuals regardless of their background or identity,” she said.
Baro serves as an ambassador for the Call Me MISTER Program, which mentors future teachers from socioeconomically and culturally diverse communities.
Baro said she believes the organization has made a positive impact on her education.
“I have been actively engaged in promoting the program and its mission,” Baro said. “Through my participation in various events and outreach efforts, such as recruitment shows and community engagements, I have helped raise awareness about the importance of diversity in the education field.”
Open to the public and free, anyone interested in attending the 2024 Brayboy Brooks Scholarship Breakfast should RSVP by clicking the link here.
