Help Justin Stay at Howard: After a Broken Promise

Hi, my name is Justin B. Smith, and I’m a proud first-generation college student at Howard University, where I'm majoring in Strategic Communications with a minor in African American Studies.

I’m writing this because I need your help.

In September 2024, I was notified that I had been awarded a $10,000 scholarship by an MD-based nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering students like me.

I was celebrated publicly at the “I Am Awards,” where I gave an impromptu speech in front of an audience including names like TS Madison, Hope Giselle, and The Conscious Lee. I was handed an envelope on stage… but when I opened it, it was empty. That was the beginning of what has become a painful and disappointing journey.

Since then, I’ve faced months of silence, false hope, and broken promises.

The award was suddenly reduced to $3,500 and delayed until January 2025.

But as of today, I’ve received nothing.

And because of that, I am unable to register for my classes at Howard due to the outstanding balance on my account. I’ve done everything in my power to stay hopeful, professional, and communicative. But now it’s time to ask for help.

Here’s what I’ve done while balancing school, work, and life as a non-traditional adult learner:

I’ve never had it easy, especially being a black gay man—but I’ve always figured it out. I show up fully, I pour into others, and I work relentlessly to build spaces that make people feel seen, heard, and safe.

This scholarship was supposed to ease my burden, not become one.

It was supposed to help someone exactly like me—a hardworking, independent student striving to create something meaningful in this world.

Instead, it left me with:

And the painful realization that sometimes even in our most significant moments, people don’t show up for us the way we expect them to.

But I believe in community—and in the power of people who do show up.

I’m raising $8,900—not just to cover what was promised to me, but to settle my full remaining balance and ensure I can complete my studies at Howard without being hindered by financial constraints again.

This amount will help me:

✅ Register for Fall 2025 classes

✅ Stay enrolled and housed 

✅ Continue leading on campus—as a creative, a team leader, and an advocate

✅ Protect my mental and emotional wellness after months of financial stress

If you’ve ever had to fight for your education, you know how heavy this is.

If you believe first-gen students shouldn’t have to go through this alone—please donate, share, or show support.

This isn't just about the money. It's about helping someone who's always shown up for others, finally receive the support they deserve.

P.S. The fact that my birthday is just three days away will grant my birthday wish, which is to complete what I started at the university and earn my degree.

Thank you all.