Hi everyone,

My name is President Morgan-Barnes, and I am a rising junior with a 3.8 GPA studying sociology and communications at Howard University. Howard has been a place where I’ve found academic inspiration, personal growth, and a supportive community. It’s where I’ve been able to deepen my passion for social justice and develop the tools to create meaningful change.

Unfortunately, I’m currently facing an unexpected financial challenge that is threatening my ability to stay at Howard. Despite working part-time, applying for scholarships, and seeking various opportunities for funding, I’ve fallen short of what I need to cover tuition and living expenses this semester. The possibility of having to withdraw is devastating, as I’m deeply committed to finishing my education and contributing to my field and my community.

A little about me and my work:

Beyond being a student, I’m a creative and leader at heart. In high school, I started my own woodworking business, learning the value of entrepreneurship. I was inspired to carry these skills also into my passion for music and DJing.

In addition, I’ve dedicated myself to activism and organizing. I’ve spent the past six years volunteering as a facilitator for dialogues and workshops with The California Conference for Equality and Justice, starting all the way back in eighth grade. I’ve also served as a content creator for the Women’s Journey Foundation, where I worked to empower women and girls through storytelling and media. For over a year, I’ve been a youth organizer with the Black Lives Matter Grassroots Long Beach Chapter, where I focus on communications work, amplifying Black voices within my city and the fight for justice. This summer, I’ve also been volunteering with BLM Grassroots on their radio show This is Not a Drill, which focuses on educating and empowering the Black community around social movements.

These experiences have shaped my vision: to use my degree in sociology and communications to amplify stories from communities of color (whether through music, media, or grassroots organizing).

Why I’m asking for your support:

I don’t usually ask for help, but my education truly means a lot to me. Howard has been more than a school for me; it’s a place where I’ve found the community, resources, and guidance that make me feel capable of reaching my goals and creating real change. I’ve worked hard to balance my studies with other responsibilities, but this financial hurdle is one I can’t tackle alone.

Your support would help me stay enrolled, remain part of this community, and continue focusing on my dream of using my voice and education to uplift and amplify others.

I thank you for any contributions you can make!

Click to watch a video from President Morgan-Barnes:

https://youtu.be/g08xCebTiIY?si=BdnvTGYtOmLcRzzFVideo from President Morgan-Barnes