Halle Bailey recently announced the creation of the Angel Scholarship on her social media platforms. The scholarship aims to support outstanding young black women pursuing their dreams in the performing arts. As Bailey unveiled the winners of this prestigious scholarship, the initiative sheds light on the importance of empowering Black scholars in an educational system that often overlooks their talents.
The Angel Scholarship
On September 27, Halle Bailey, known for her role in The Little Mermaid, announced her Angel Scholarship. Bailey’s announcement introduced the scholarship to her followers, expressing:
“I’m so excited to announce that I am launching the “Angel Scholarship” which will support amazing young black women in the performing arts. thank you for supporting “Angel” and helping to make these incredible young ladies dreams come true. stay tuned.”
The scholarship’s name is a nod to Bailey’s debut single, “Angel,” which was released on Aug. 4. While many praised her efforts to uplift Black women, some questioned the exclusivity of her target audience.
Winners Announced
In an announcement on her social media, Bailey revealed the names of the scholarship winners: Aliyah D. Walker, Crystal Ike, Melodee Popuponneau, and Phyllise Tolliver. The “Do It” singer wrote:
“Okay guys!! it is my pleasure to introduce the 2023 Angel Scholars, a group of young women that have truly inspired me. I’m honored to be a small part in helping them manifest their dreams…keep reading.”
The Importance Of Black Scholars
The scholarship’s launch corresponds to the prevalent issue of black women facing difficulties in accessing funding and scholarships. According to College Raptor, only 28.5% of scholarships reach minorities, while 71.5% are awarded to white students.
Bailey’s Angel Scholarship addresses this disparity by allocating $10,000 to four talented women majoring in performing arts. This initiative by Halle Bailey aligns with the broader context of limited access and funding for minorities in higher education.
Recently, the Supreme Court eliminated affirmative action in college admissions, disregarding race and ethnicity as factors in the admission process. Consequently, minority students face significant hurdles in obtaining the resources needed for higher education.
The Fearless Fund Sued Over MasterCard Grant Program
Black individuals’ struggle is not limited to just scholarships but extends to various areas. The Fearless Fund, a grant program catering to black women entrepreneurs, is now being sued for “explicit racial exclusion” by conservative Edward Blum and the American Alliance for Equal Rights.