Diamond Bar, California – The National College Resources Foundation hosted its 9th Annual Gala & Fundraiser on Saturday, Dec. 4 at the California African American Museum (CAAM). Each year the organization selects extraordinary community leaders to honor that has made a difference in the lives of many students pursuing their college degrees.
This year’s honorees are Dr. Reginald Blaylock, Presidential Associate for Campus, Community Partnerships and Student Experience at Cal Poly Pomona; Michael Lawson, president and CEO of LA Urban League; YO-YO, Grammy-nominated Hip Hop entertainer, actress, educator and philanthropist; Ryan Anderson, vice president, National Contributions Manager, Comerica Bank; Dr. Walter M. Kimbrough, president of Dillard University; and Pat Prescott, radio personality on 94.7 The Wave.
Honorees received the Heart of Gold award for their generous support and dedication to our community-based programs and their commitment to helping young people. A special Impact and Leadership award was given to Cal Poly Pomona Senior Coordinator of Outreach, China Pour, in support of her outstanding work in higher education.
Dr. Paul Gothold, San Diego County Superintendent of Schools received the Champion of Equity Award for his dedication to improving student outcomes. Mistress of Ceremony, Cece “Cece The Mamacita” Valencia, from 95.3 KDAY presided over the event that saluted and honored those trailblazers from our community and communities across the country that truly makes a difference.
The event featured performances by vocalist Lia Grant, aspiring young talent Dante Mitchell known as Prince of the Ghetto, Assata Grooves tap dancer and . The gala also saluted students who have worked tirelessly to achieve their dreams of receiving a college education. The hardships they experienced during the COVID-19 pandemic were difficult.
NCRF has created programs and initiatives to provide guidance, resources, information and pipelines to empower students toward positive post-secondary pursuits. NCRF’s mission is to curtail the high school dropout rate and increase degree and/or certificate enrollment among underserved and underrepresented students.
NCRF’s vision is to close the gap in educational achievement, workforce, and economic disparities with the goal to end racism and racial inequality.
Photos by Melinda Meijer for News4usonline
News4usonline is a multi-ethnic driven website focused on providing readers with an alternate view on social issues, sports, lifestyle news, entertainment and culture as it relates to the various communities we cover. The end goal for News4usonline is to provoke thought as well as to uplift, inspire and encourage through artful storytelling.
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