Hi friends and family —

I never imagined I’d be writing something like this, but here we are. My niece, Ania, is a bright, determined, and resilient young woman who just graduated from St. Mary’s Academy in Inglewood, CA. She has been accepted to Southern University A&M College — an HBCU that she chose, visited, and fought to attend. Because of earlier 9th grade missteps, her end of high school GPA wasn't high enough to qualify for an "out of state tuition fee waiver." So she has about a $10-12,000 shortfall.

Ania has overcome so many challenges, and college was finally her fresh start — until this week. Due to a painful and long-standing family conflict, her mother has withdrawn all financial support and is now actively blocking Ania’s access to her financial aid by refusing to sign loan forms and threatening to revoke necessary FAFSA info. Ania is still 17 and cannot move forward without a parent’s signature — even though she’s ready to take this next step on her own.

With her dorm assignment and classes in place, she’s at risk of losing everything over a situation out of her control.

We’re stepping in to fill the gap, and we’re asking for your help. We are trying to raise $10,000 to cover:

The portion of tuition no longer covered by aid

Room & board

Books and school supplies

Some dorm room expenses

Any amount — $10, $50, $100 — helps us get her one step closer to the life she’s worked so hard to build.

If you’ve ever believed in giving a Black girl wings, now is the time. Let’s send Ania off to Southern with a village behind her. Thank you for standing in the gap.

— Joy May-Harris

(aka Auntie Joy)