My name is Jamal Carr, and I’m a senior at Bowie State University, majoring in Visual Communication with a concentration in Animation Motion Graphics. Over the years, I’ve dedicated myself to building community on campus, founding New Blerd Order, Bowie State’s first ever established Blerd Community, to create a welcoming space for students at our illustrious and bold HBCU. I've also was granted to opportunity to take part in retreats with HRC's ATOD and HIV Peer Education Ambassador Program, to support, educated an raise awareness of LGBTQ+ Sexual Health safety on HBCU Campuses. I also coach the esports team and lead student organizations focused on helping incoming students find success. Living on campus has been essential for me to stay engaged with my studies, my on-campus job, and the groups I mentor.

Since the academic year of 2023–2024, a system glitch during a financial aid software transition has caused repeated delays and missed disbursements for my aid. Most recently, I did not receive financial aid for the 2024–2025 housing semester, leaving me with only two weeks before classes start and no way to secure campus housing for the 2025-2026 academic year. My student loan applications have been denied, and I’m still waiting to hear back from several scholarships. Without stable on campus housing, it will prove difficult in my fight for graduation and to continue supporting my peers and the campus community.

I’m passionate about using my Visual Communication degree and animation skills to teach and inspire the next generation of youth in STEAM fields, especially within the Blerd and POC communities. I also plan to launch a YouTube storytelling channel to share empowering and creative narratives. Any support will help me stay on campus, focus on my studies, and finish my degree so I can continue giving back and helping others reach their potential. Thank you for considering helping me reach this important milestone.