MEET DRE PARKER SCHOLARSHIP WINNER
Dre is currently a PhD Student in Higher Education | School of Education at Loyola University Chicago
How did you hear about the Better Brothers Los Angeles (BBLA) scholarship? When I attended the “Truth Awards” in 2019 for the first time. Although I was not a student then, I realized I would be interested in applying for this scholarship in the future, as I had plans to pursue my PhD.
Were there any unexpected benefits or opportunities that arose because of the scholarship? Yes. In 2023, the BBLA scholarship provided me with the resources I needed to make my dream of studying abroad a reality. I embarked on that reality by immersing myself in the rich culture of Rome, Italy
Has the BBLA scholarship motivated you to give back to the community in any way?
Absolutely! As a social science researcher, it has inspired me to conduct groundbreaking research that exposes the systemic and institutional barriers hindering the success of LGBTQIA individuals
What advice would you give to future scholarship recipients based on your experience?
My advice is to take advantage of the opportunity to explore your academic interests and passions, all while living in your truth!
ABOUT US
Better Brothers Los Angeles creates safe spaces to educate, inspire, and connect the Black LGBTQ+ Community to overcome the challenges of stigma and homophobia Better Brothers LA promotes positive images to show the full spectrum of our beauty and humanity.
Scholarship Impact Fundraiser
In celebration of Better Brothers Los Angeles' 10th Anniversary, we are raising funds to expand our scholar support services, and increase the amount of scholarship funds we award to college-bound students Our fundraising goal is $300,000.
We are asking 300 supporters to donate $1,000 to reach our goal. Become a Better Brothers Los Angeles Scholarship Impact Donor by making a one-time donation of $1000 or a recurring monthly donation of $125 Become an Impact Donor and receive a limited edition t-shirt, lapel pin, donor 'Shout Out' via Instagram, and special invite to the Donor Reception Take this opportunity to amplify your support and help us support LGBTQ+ students DONATE TODAY!
$300,000
DONOR NEWSLETTER
MEET NAOMI HOLDEN SCHOLARSHIP WINNER
Naomi is attending the University of Oklahoma. She is majoring in Criminology.
I found the Better Brothers LA scholarship on the Human Rights Campaign's scholarship database
More than the financial impact of the scholarship was the impact of the validation from being chosen Coming from a VERY rural community in Oklahoma with few people who look or think or live like me, I always questioned my worth and abilities
It was amazing to feel the love and community of the scholarship organizers and the other scholars I also come from a low-income family Even with being eligible for a full Pell Grant and state aid, I had no idea how I was going to pay for the remaining costs of college
This scholarship was life-changing in that it saved me and my parents from having to take out any loans Being a recipient also gave me my very first trip to LA and my very first direct flight!
The advice I would give to future scholarship recipients is to fully take in the whole experience of being a recipient-from the supportive and exciting beginning emails, to being treated like ROYALTY by the scholarship committee before, during, and after the Truth Awards ceremonytake it all in and know that you are worthy to be chosen and celebrated!
COMPANY MATCHING
Did you know that you can double the impact of your donation? By using your employer’s matching gift program, you can make your contribution go even further Better Brothers Los Angeles is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, and our tax ID number is 47-4391440
DONOR NEWSLETTER
DONOR SPOTLIGHT: MARC & LEONARD
Having been students themselves, Marc and Leonard know that financial obligations can become one of the major stress factors (when seeking a degree).
They would say to others considering supporting LGBTQ+ initiatives that “We are stronger in numbers There’s an uphill battle being fought against the community, especially with newly implemented laws. So, anything we can do to advance our community must be done and done on a consistent basis ”
We asked Marc and Leonard if they had any memorable experiences during events or programs hosted by Better Brothers LA.
“Yes, sitting next to Dwayne Wade and Gabrielle Union (at the 8th Annual Truth Awards) inspired us to know that we are ALL in it together and just wanting the best for our LBGTQ youth.”
Sept/Oct Issue 2024 | betterbrothersla.com
CONGRATULATIONS
Congratulations to our co-founders, Scott Hamilton and Vincent Holmes on receiving the 2024 NAACP Pride Freedom Trailblazer Award at the NAACP National Convention in Las Vegas during July.
The Wade Family
