Support Kennedi's Final Year at Howard

Hi, my name is Monique Anderson, and I’m raising funds to help my daughter, Kennedi Anderson, finish her senior year at Howard University. She’s majoring in Advertising with a minor in Economics, and she’s set to graduate in Spring 2026. She’s come so far, and it would break my heart if she couldn’t cross the finish line due to finances.

I’ve raised Kennedi as a single mother. From day one, she was smart, curious, and full of promise. She started Pre-K already recognizing sight words, writing her name, and understanding sounds. I was in graduate school at the time, working toward my teaching career, and I spent every free moment pouring into her learning.

But school wasn’t always kind to her. Kennedi faced microaggressions, low expectations, and was unfairly labeled by educators who didn’t take the time to understand her needs. I fought back. I hired an attorney, demanded the right evaluations, and never stopped advocating for her. It was exhausting, but necessary. I wasn’t going to let anyone dim her light.

In high school, Kennedi found her stride. She made honor roll consistently and built friendships that helped her thrive. She also worked at the Hudson River Museum as a junior docent and later managed the summer camp. She designed the camper shirts, organized programs, and handled the budget. Her leadership stood out, even then.

When she got accepted to multiple colleges, Howard was the only one that made her eyes light up. She said it felt like a place where she would be affirmed. Where her brilliance would be expected, not questioned. And she was right.

Kennedi has flourished at Howard. She’s a member of several student organizations, helps plan events, and even took on double shifts at Whole Foods during the summer to pay for her own apartment. All while visiting my mother—her grandmother—in the hospital whenever she could. She’s hardworking, selfless, and never complains. She doesn’t ask for much because she knows how hard I work. She deserves to finish what she started.

Right now, I’m struggling to make that happen.

When Kennedi first started at Howard, I was an independent consultant earning between $8,000 and $12,000 a month. Eventually, I transitioned into a full-time role making $95,000 a year. But in October 2024, I lost that job unexpectedly. Then, just one month later, my mother passed away. As her oldest daughter, I was responsible for her funeral and burial costs, which left me emotionally and financially drained.

My credit score took a hit, and I was denied for the Parent PLUS loan. I’ve exhausted other options. Right now, I’m on public assistance and actively looking for work, but it’s not enough to cover what Kennedi needs for her senior year.

We’re asking for $36,000 to cover her tuition, housing, and school expenses.

This isn’t just about money. It’s about completing a journey that started long before she set foot on Howard’s campus. It’s about a girl who beat the odds, and a mother who never stopped believing in her. It’s about continuing a legacy of Black excellence and proving that our stories matter.

If you can give, thank you from the bottom of my heart. If you can’t, please share this with your network. Every bit of support helps. We’re grateful for any help you can offer.

Thank you for believing in us.

With love and gratitude,

Monique Anderson

Kennedi’s Mom