50+ Years of the Black Student Coalition

In recognition of 50+ Years of the Black Student Coalition, to be celebrated during an on-campus reunion Feb. 10-12, 2023, Davidson invites all alums, families and friends to support critical initiatives and opportunities on campus. These programs make the whole of Davidson better and are designed to enhance the Black student experience in various ways that move the college toward realizing its aspirations. Your support ensures future generations of Davidson students have opportunities to connect, learn and become leaders who transform Davidson’s campus and the world

You are encouraged to make a gift to the areas of campus most meaningful to you. If that area is not highlighted, please enter it in the “Other” field. Below are seven of the programs where you can make an immediate difference.

• BSC Endowment💖: The Black Student Coalition is open to every person on Davidson's campus. The mission focuses on supporting the core values of unity, dedication and love within the coalition’s membership with a prime focus on uplifting the Black community. This story about the 50th anniversary highlights the organization as a voice for equity and inclusion. The BSC endowment was established in 2019.

• Common Thread Theatre Collective🎤: Housed at Davidson College and created in collaboration with colleagues from North Carolina A&T State University, the Common Thread Theatre Collective aims to create a space for professional artists to call home while bringing stories of underrepresented communities to the stage. The company debuted its first season in 2022 with two shows: “Violet” and “Barbecue.” This story was shared at the time of the launch.

• Denham and Millner Faculty Recruitment and Retention Fund for Africana Studies🌍: Created in 2021, this fund was created by Bob Denham and B Millner, both Class of 1961 alums, to help the college attract and retain the most promising and accomplished teacher-scholars in the Africana Studies Department, an area critical to our curriculum. Read this story, shared at the time of the fund’s creation.

• Emergence Scholarship🎓: Created by Black alumni in celebration of the achievements of Davidson alumni of color, the Emergence Scholarship supports students through The Davidson Trust, with preference given to individuals from historically underrepresented populations at Davidson. The lead donor to this scholarship, Olivia Ware ’78, was featured in this story. The Emergence Scholarship was created in 2009. 

• Larry Hardaway ’76 Endowment for Racial Equity and Social Justice🏆: Created in memory of Larry Hardaway ’76, this fund supports the work of the Davidson Football Program’s P.A.C.E. initiative, which was launched in 2020 by scholar-athletes with the mission to promote unity and equality in the face of social injustice. Read more about the fund here.

• Msaada Mentoring Program🖊: Msaada, which in Kiswahili means to be of help, is designed for Black students who identify as female at Davidson College by matching them with Black alumnae based upon the student’s field of interest, professional aspirations and career goals. The program was developed by Anissa Patton '91 in collaboration with staff from Davidson College’s Office of Alumni and Family Engagement and the Matthews Center for Career Development. The Msaada Mentoring Program was launched in 2021. Learn more.

• STRIDE Mentoring Program Student Experience Fund📚: Students Together Reaching for Individual Development and Education (STRIDE) is a pre-orientation program that provides direct support to first-year and transfer students of color so they can not only successfully complete their first academic year of college but ultimately thrive towards successful graduation from Davidson College. Established in 2020, this fund provides a source of support for valuable out-of-the-classroom learning experiences for underrepresented students. Read more.

Make your gift, become an advocate, set up a match or challenge, sign the Impact Board below or record a personal plea video. You can track the impact of your efforts throughout the day. 

Share this campaign with fellow Wildcats, friends, family, and supporters of the BSC at Davidson!