Dr. Baboucar Mbye Cham Memorial Scholarship Fundraising Campaign

Perpetuating Dr. Cham's Legacy

This campaign is being launched in memory of Dr. Mbye Baboucar Cham to establish a scholarship fund at Howard University. Funds will be designated to provide emergency and merit based financial aid to eligible students matriculating at the Department of African Studies, of which Dr. Cham was a staunch and devoted supporter.

Dr. Mbye Baboucar Cham, beloved professor, pioneering scholar of African cinema, influential film jurist, filmmaker, and mentor, devoted more than four decades of his life to Howard University and to the advancement of African literature, film, cultural and gender studies. His passing leaves a profound void in our community.

He was the founding director of the Center for African Studies, a significant achievement that designated Howard as one of only ten universities in the United States and the sole HBCU to be recognized by the U.S. Department of Education as a comprehensive National Resource Center for African Studies.

Despite the loss, his legacy endures as reflected in the outpouring love from current and former students who are continuing to build on his intellectual lineage. We invite you to join us in celebrating his extraordinary life and profound contributions to our community and Africa. If you would like to donate, use the “Make A Gift Now” button above.

Dr. Cham is survived by his beloved wife, Mrs. Saba Abraha; his cherished children who are all Howard alumni: Mrs. Soone A. Cham-Taylor (BBA ’00), Mr. Sennai M. Cham (BBA ’02), Mr. Famara F. Cham (BFA ’06, MSW ’16) and his entire family; and the scores of students, faculty, and staff who were mentored by Dr. Cham, inspired by his scholarship, and benefitted from his teaching, insight, and knowledge. Join Cham’s family by supporting this campaign.

Because his love for Howard University is truly unforgettable, we are fundraising to establish this fund with the goal that the name of Dr. Mbye Baboucar Cham will inspire generosity and scholarship into perpetuity. It is our hope that this will assist in reducing financial barriers, making completion of a degree possible.

In Bison Spirits!