UNCF Aims to Raise $25,000 in Second Annual Radiothon to Support Minority Education

The United Negro College Fund (UNCF) is set to host its Second Annual UNCF/Omni-Channel Radio Radiothon on April 25, 2025, with the ambitious goal of raising $25,000. This 12-hour live stream event, from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Central Standard Time, will not only feature a lineup of celebrities, musicians, and entertainers but also underscore the organization's unwavering commitment to advancing minority education. The radiothon's innovative approach encourages 1,000 listeners to donate $25 each, a strategy that aligns with the organization's Founder's Day celebrations.

The event's significance extends beyond its fundraising goals. It serves as a platform to highlight the critical role of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) in educating Black professionals and leaders. From 2023-2024, UNCF awarded scholarships to 310 students in Illinois alone and distributes over $100 million annually to students across more than 1,100 schools nationwide. The statistics are compelling: HBCUs have produced 70% of Black doctors, 50% of Black lawyers, and 80% of Black judges, despite representing only 3% of all colleges and universities.

Notable figures such as Vice President Kamala Harris, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., and Oprah Winfrey are among the distinguished alumni of HBCUs, illustrating the profound impact these institutions have on society. The radiothon, featuring performances and appearances by Congresswoman Maxine Waters, Evelyn "Champagne" King, and NFL quarterback Jalen Hurts, among others, aims to continue this legacy by supporting the next generation of leaders from diverse backgrounds.

The implications of this event are far-reaching. By supporting UNCF's mission, donors are not just contributing to individual scholarships but are investing in the future of minority education and, by extension, the diversification of professional fields that have historically lacked representation. The radiothon represents a critical opportunity to address educational disparities and foster a more inclusive society.