By Carla Thomas

The Historically Black Colleges and Universities Alumni Coalition of Northern California (HBCUC) will present its annual “Elegant All White Scholarship Gala” on Saturday, September 27, at Scott’s Chandelier Pavilion in Oakland’s Jack London Square.

The HBCUC supports Bay Area students who aspire to attend historic institutions such as Howard University in Washington, D.C. and Spelman College in Atlanta, among others. Proceeds from the gala will fund scholarships for local students who have been accepted into one of the 107 HBCUs across the United States, while also sustaining the association’s ongoing community work.

Guests will include government officials, community leaders, corporate sponsors, and members of the Divine Nine fraternities and sororities. The gala reflects the coalition’s guiding theme and slogan: “The Village – Coming Together for a Common Purpose Through Advancing the Cause of Education.” True to this vision, HBCUC continues to provide hope, college readiness resources, and scholarship opportunities to Bay Area students.

This year’s gala will feature a special tribute to 15 women being recognized as trailblazers for their outstanding achievements and community impact. The Mistress of Ceremonies for the evening will be Celebrity Chef Nikki Shaw, wife of Oakland native Brian Shaw, NBA coach for the Los Angeles Clippers. Entertainment will include a live performance by Lionel Burns and the We R1 Band, offering a musical tribute to the late Frankie Beverly.

Event producer, Paula Welsh says the gala promises to be “a powerful evening of celebration, unity, and commitment to advancing educational opportunities for future generations.”

What is now the Northern California Historically Black College & University Alumni Associations Coalition (HBCUC) began as a discussion at a series of annual summer barbecues between HBCU alumni in the San Francisco Bay Area. In the 1990s, gatherings of HBCU alumni living in the San Francisco Bay Area became spaces for reconnecting, sharing traditions, and envisioning community action. These informal events laid the foundation for what would soon grow into a structured coalition advancing the legacy and presence of HBCUs in Northern California.

The first official HBCUC meeting was held in 1998 at Skyline College by the following founding HBCU alumni members:

• Aner Ruth Young (Alabama State University)
• Edwyna Elzie (Alabama A&M University)
• Faye Carr (Jackson State University)
• Freddy Burke (Alcorn State University)
• Gaynell Johnson (Southern University)
• Jean Finklin (Jackson State University)
• Lynwood Barr (Central State University)
• Mel Cozwell (Central State University)
• Pat Deamer (Southern University)
• Wanda Scott (University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff)
• The late Ethel Daniels (Prairie View A &M University)
• The late Harold Logwood (Howard University)
• The late Joseph Shields (Alcorn State University)
• The late Ken Coleman (Alcorn State University)
• The late Nathaniel H. Brooks (University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff)
• The late Vernon Clark (Prairie View A & M University)

On March 9, 1998, the second meeting was held, the constitution was created, and executive officers were installed including President, Lynwood Barr (Central State University), an Educator

• Vice President, Joseph Shields, (Alcorn State University) an Educator
• Secretary, Ethel Daniels (Prairie View A &M University) an Educator
• Correspondence Secretary, Edwyna Elzie (Alabama A & M University) an Educator
• Treasurer, Vernon Clarke (Prairie View A &M University) an JROTC Instructor
• Parliamentarian, Harold Logwood (Howard University) a Lawyer.

On January 14, 2000 the HBCUC became incorporated with officers;

• President, Patricia Deamer (Southern University)
• Vice President, Joseph Shields (Alcorn State University)
• Secretary, Ethel Daniels (Prairie View A&M University)
• Treasurer, Vernon Clark (Prairie View A&M University).

Two honorary members included jazz legend John Handy and Governor Emeritus Jerry Brown who was the Mayor of Oakland at that time.

The Northern California Historically Black College and University Alumni Associations Coalition (HBCUC), composed of alumni from HBCU and UNCF institutions, actively recruits and engages students at church centers, schools, community colleges, and expos throughout Northern and Central California. By informing parents, guardians, and students, ranging from middle school to community college, the next generation becomes fully empowered in understanding that four-year college admission is achievable. By providing resources, scholarship information, and essential guidance, HBCUC inspires hope and fosters pathways to higher education.

For more information visit: www.northerncaliforniahbcuc.org/gala

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