Schoolbringsin$423K

Wilberforce University — the nation’s first private, historically black university — raised nearly $423,000 in its fundraising evening, “Wilberforce, Ignite the Moment.”

Auniversity release noted gratitude to sponsors, alumni, theAfricanMethodist Episcopal Church, and other donorswho extended their support. Through that giving, Wilberforce will launch the inaugural Bayard Rustin Lecture Series, support the James Baldwin Writers Colony and the Emerging Innovators Program, provide laptops for all students and support STEM scholarships as well as other new and classic opportunities.

“Wilberforce, Ignite the Moment” theme, corporate funders initially energized the support. Platinum donor Dominion Energy and gold level friends PremierHealth andHomageApparel completed the list of business generosity, and Drs. Nodie Monroe Washington andWillieWashington were the event’s silver supporters. Loyal supporters and the Wilberforce alumni chapters furthered the donation total.

The lively, two-hour, virtual event featured celebrated entertainer Emcee Nice, who started the first hour, setting the stage for the evening. From there, actor Amanda Henn, writer/producer ShangForbes, professional dancer Gabe Stone Shayer, comedians William “Big Sleeps” Stewart, Cocoa Brown, and more were included in the festivities.

WilberforceUniversity is grateful for the confidence shown by its supporters andwants the community to know there is still an opportunity to direct your financialsupport. YoucantextWUGives to 41444 or through this link: https://wilberforce.edu/donate/.