Afrikan Black Coalition Student Awards
OVERVIEW:
The Afrikan Black Coalition is proud to provide three students with awards at our 23rd Annual Afrikan Black Coalition Conference. For more information about our awards, please read the information below. All prompts must be typed and spell-checked with a standard Times New Roman 12-point font and 1-inch margins. Each prompt should be a minimum of 500 words.
The Marcus Garvey Visionary Award
Marcus Garvey dedicated his life to the economic, industrial, political, and cultural development of African people. Applicants must be an Afrikan/Black student enrolled as a full-time undergraduate student at one of our member-campuses. This award is intended to elevate the work (creative, academic, etc.) and talents of Afrikan/Black individuals who have put forth plans and/or work with organizations whose missions impact the material conditions of our people. Applicants must have a minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA. Applicants must attend the 2026 conference.
Prompt: (Select One)
The UNIA promoted economic independence through cooperative businesses, trade, and investment in Black communities. What contemporary Black-led economic initiatives, cooperatives, or community-based enterprises continue this work today? In what ways do these efforts contribute to advancing global Black liberation?
OR
In “The Future As I See It,” Marcus Garvey discusses the role of propaganda in shaping public perception, particularly in how it has been used to misrepresent the intellectual capabilities of Afrikan/Black people and the Universal Negro Improvement Association (UNIA). Reflect upon modern examples where propaganda has been used to shape narratives about historically excluded and exploited peoples.
What role does the media play in liberation struggles? What are some strategies to counter propaganda and disinformation in today’s media landscape?
Application Deadline:
Friday, January 2, 2026Award Amount:
$1,000Renewable:
No
Eligible Campuses (Must have attended both days of the 2025 ABC Chairs’ Retreat): CSU: Chico, East Bay, Fresno, Fullerton, Humboldt, Long Beach, Los Angeles, Monterey Bay, Northridge, Pomona, Sacramento, San Bernardino, San Diego, San Francisco, San José, San Luis Obispo, Stanislaus; UC: Berkeley, Davis, Irvine, Los Angeles, Riverside, San Diego, Santa Barbara; and the University of Nevada, Las Vegas.
The Kwame Nkrumah Camaraderie Award
Kwame Nkrumah was the first prime minister of Ghana and a pioneer of Pan-Africanism, the foundational ideology and objective of ABC. Applicants must be Afrikan/Black students enrolled as full-time undergraduate students at one of our member campuses. This award is intended for Afrikan/Black applicants who demonstrate an understanding of the importance of building relationships and power within the Afrikan Diaspora. Applicants must attend the 2026 conference.
Prompt: (Select One)
Kwame Nkrumah emphasized that “the independence of Ghana is meaningless unless it is linked up with the total liberation of Africa.” What connections can you draw between his ideas about Pan-Africanism and calls for global solidarity with the people of Congo and Palestine? Using two examples, what role have college students played in advocating for the liberation of oppressed peoples?
OR
In “Towards Colonial Freedom” Kwame Nkrumah remarked that “…the basis of colonialism is economic, but the solution of the colonial problem lies in political action, in a fierce and constant struggle for emancipation as an indispensable first step toward securing economic independence and integrity.” Apply this concept to current or historical examples of Independence from a country that cut ties with a European or Western Power. How did political action play a role in achieving economic independence?
Application Deadline:
Friday, January 2, 2026Award Amount:
$750.00Renewable:
No
Eligible Campuses: CSU: Channel Islands, Chico, Dominguez Hills, East Bay, Fresno, Fullerton, Humboldt, Long Beach, Los Angeles, Monterey Bay, Northridge, Pomona, Sacramento, San Bernardino, San Diego, San Francisco, San José, San Luis Obispo, Sonoma, Stanislaus; UC: Berkeley, Davis, Irvine, Los Angeles, Riverside, San Diego, Santa Barbara; and the University of Nevada, Las Vegas.
The Ella Baker Youth Award
Ella Baker was a brilliant organizer during both the Civil Rights and Black Power movements, where radical transformation and youth empowerment were Baker’s primary focuses. Applicants must be an Afrikan/Black student enrolled at a high school in California. Applicants must demonstrate a commitment to improving the lives and material conditions of Afrikan/Black people through service.
Prompt: (Select One)
Ella Baker believed that “strong people don’t need strong leaders” and that liberation depends on the collective power of the community, especially youth, organizing together. In the spirit of her vision, what does “Reimagining Black Futures” look like to you? How can today’s generation of Black students embrace her grassroots philosophy to rebuild and reimagine Black futures on campuses and in their communities?
OR
When reflecting on her experiences and protest activities in high school and in college, Ella Baker remarked that “‘I did not break the rules [at Shaw], but I challenged the rules.’’ How can challenging rules be different from breaking them? Have you ever questioned a rule or expectation, and what did you learn from that experience?
Ella Baker, 1969 (Source: Ransby, Barbara. Ella Baker & The Black Freedom Movement) Pg. 59
Application Deadline:
Friday, January 2, 2026Award Amount:
$250.00Renewable:
No
BE PREPARED TO SUBMIT THE FOLLOWING:
Unofficial Transcript
Writing Prompt
Headshot Photo
Questions? oed@ablackcoalition.org
