When University of Chicago alumnus and civil rights activist Timuel D. Black turned 102 years old on December 7, his [virtual] birthday party included a formal announcement of a new program honoring his life and work. The Timuel D. Black Community Solidarity Scholar Fund, an annual award offered through the Office of Civic Engagement's Civic Knowledge Project (CKP), will be given to an outstanding University of Chicago undergraduate or graduate student who exemplifies Black’s spirit and commits to furthering CKP’s mission.
"We're in a position to make this a very fitting tribute to Tim, amplifying his legacy," said Bart Schultz, Director of CPK. "He’s a treasured partner and friend of the University, and this new fund will help support the kind of work and scholarship Tim is known for, which has resulted in making our community a much better place."
CKP leads humanities and history-based educational programs that connect the University to its neighboring South Side communities. For more than 20 years, Black has collaborated with CKP on a number of initiatives, including lectures, workshops, and educational tours of the Bronzeville community. The Timuel D. Black Community Solidarity Scholar Fund will provide one student with an annual stipend to engage in hands-on work with the CKP. Award recipients are also expected to conduct research on Black and his legacy and then integrate what they learn into their ongoing work engaging in the local community.
To be considered for the award, students must demonstrate an interest in advancing and strengthening the University’s connection to the South Side community, have a strong track record of advocating for and supporting civil rights, and commit to furthering CKP's community educational programming. CKP will solicit nominations from the campus community, and the first award is expected to be given by the end of the 2020 – 2021 academic year.
"I don't know how to adequately stress how critically important this is to the University, especially in these strange and troubling times," Schultz said. "This legacy has become even more important this past year, and we are so fortunate to have Tim to inspire our students to take the work to the next level."
For more information on the Timuel D. Black Community Solidarity Scholar Fund, contact Schultz at rschultz@uchicago.edu.