The second annual Shades of Black Ball made a powerful return to Detroit on June 20, bringing together a vibrant community of leaders, students, and allies committed to making a difference in the lives of Black students. Hosted at The Garden Theater, the event raised critical funds and provided 42 scholarships in one night, reaffirming the collective’s mission of empowering Black students through education, leadership development, and community-based research.
The event, organized by the Sankofa Scholarship Collective, was not just a celebration but a call to action. With 32 middle and high school students from Detroit and 10 doctoral fellows from across the nation receiving scholarships, the Ball provided immediate support to a diverse group of young scholars. Yet, its impact went beyond the financial contribution. The Shades of Black Ball symbolizes the Collective’s ongoing work to eliminate barriers for Black students and to create an educational environment where their brilliance is nurtured and celebrated.
Challenging Harmful Narratives
This year’s theme, “Not Like Us,” spoke directly to the harmful stereotypes and limiting narratives often placed on Black students. Instead of reinforcing these damaging tropes, the evening turned the spotlight on the brilliance, creativity, and leadership potential within the Black community. Dr. Rema Reynolds Vassar, the founder of the Sankofa Scholarship Collective, shared the importance of standing up for Black students beyond the one-night celebration.
“We didn’t just celebrate our students, we stood in the gap for them,” Dr. Vassar said. “The need doesn’t end when the music stops. We must keep showing up, funding futures, and fighting for the education our students deserve.” This statement encapsulated the spirit of the event: a collective effort to break down educational barriers and ensure that Black students are given the resources they need to thrive.
Dr. Vassar’s words reflect her deep commitment to scholarship and education—a passion that has been evident throughout her career. Over the years, Dr. Vassar has established herself as an advocate for education equity, focusing on the systemic challenges that often impede Black students’ access to quality education. Her work through the Sankofa Scholarship Collective, a nonprofit organization she founded, has provided countless opportunities for underrepresented students, especially in the Detroit area. Through the Ball, Dr. Vassar and her team continue to provide life-changing support to students in need, ensuring they have the resources and mentorship to succeed both academically and professionally.
Moments of Black Joy and Celebration
The evening was filled with powerful moments that showcased the rich tapestry of Black culture, strength, and joy. One of the most moving moments came from the Vantablack Keynote Speaker, Rev. Dr. Wendell Anthony, President of the Detroit Branch of the NAACP—the largest branch in the nation. Revered for his activism and leadership, Dr. Anthony was also honored with the Sankofa Award, which recognizes those who have demonstrated an unwavering commitment to the Black community.
In his address, Dr. Anthony captured the essence of the night with his impassioned words: “Black is too wide to get around it, too tall to climb over it, too deep to get under it, too tough to pass through it—so you might as well just accept it…will you stand in the shade?” His words resonated with the crowd, serving as both a celebration of Black identity and a challenge to those in attendance to stand in solidarity with Black students and their futures.
In addition to Dr. Anthony’s stirring speech, the night featured a number of other unforgettable moments, including a show-stopping spoken word performance by Sankofa student Zyaire Griffin. The raw power and emotion of Griffin’s piece, “Story of Life by a Young Black Girl,” earned her a standing ovation and served as a poignant reminder of the resilience and creativity of young Black voices. Griffin’s poem, which explored the challenges and triumphs of growing up as a Black girl in America, encapsulated the evening’s central themes of empowerment, self-expression, and healing.
The night was also filled with moments of pure Black joy—laughter, line dancing, and the kind of connection that only comes when people come together with a shared purpose. There was a palpable sense of celebration as attendees honored the achievements of the scholarship recipients and their families. For many, the Ball was not just an event but a moment to reflect on the legacy of Black excellence, leadership, and resilience.
Sankofa Scholarship Collective: A Movement, Not Just an Event
Though the Ball itself was a singular event, the work of the Sankofa Scholarship Collective continues year-round. Dr. Vassar and her team are unwavering in their commitment to funding the futures of Black students and dismantling the barriers that so often hinder their academic success. The Collective focuses on creating pathways for Black students to access higher education, build leadership skills, and engage in community-rooted research that addresses the issues most relevant to their lives.
The Sankofa Scholarship Collective is also dedicated to providing opportunities for Black students to engage with mentors, industry professionals, and community leaders who can offer guidance and support as they navigate the often-complex terrain of higher education. Through the Sankofa Research Intensive, doctoral fellows from across the country gain access to cutting-edge academic resources while building a network of scholars who are committed to advancing social justice and educational equity.
For many of the students and fellows who received scholarships at the Ball, the funding provided not only alleviates the financial burden of education but also acts as a symbol of belief in their potential. “This scholarship is a vote of confidence in me and my future,” one recipient shared. “It shows that people see me for my brilliance and not just the limitations others might place on me.”
Ongoing Support and the Road Ahead
As the Ball came to a close, it became clear that the work was far from over. The event raised significant funds, but it also raised awareness of the ongoing need for investment in Black students’ futures. The Sankofa Scholarship Collective, though incredibly impactful, relies on sustained support from its community of sponsors, donors, and volunteers.
The sponsors for this year’s event included notable organizations such as Centering Black Children in Education, Wayne State University, The Skillman Foundation, and The Commission REI, among others. Their contributions are critical to the Collective’s ability to continue its work and provide scholarships, leadership opportunities, and academic support to Black students across the nation.
As Dr. Vassar emphasized, the mission of the Sankofa Scholarship Collective goes beyond one night of celebration. “We are not just funding scholarships; we are funding futures,” she said. “This is about creating lasting change, and that requires all of us to stay committed to this cause.”
For the students who received scholarships, the Shades of Black Ball was just the beginning of their journey. For Dr. Vassar and the Sankofa Scholarship Collective, the work continues—grounded in the belief that Black students deserve more than just an education. They deserve the opportunity to lead, to innovate, and to create the change they wish to see in the world.
The next Shades of Black Ball will be an even greater celebration of Black excellence, but until then, the movement for Black education continues, fueled by the unwavering commitment of the Sankofa community.