Hillsborough Community College Equity, Diversity and Special Programs Department and the HCC Foundation recently awarded $30,000 in grant funding to 21 community-based organizations for social justice projects. Grantees were selected based on their project’s planned impact in the areas of human rights, equity and inclusion. The majority of the projects will take place during Black History Month and will continue the College’s ongoing efforts to honor Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s legacy of service.
Some of the projects include virtual community conversations on the health disparity of men of color, accessing equity through technology, and hands-on volunteer opportunities to combat food insecurity, as well as a celebration for the winners of a youth essay contest. A full list of award winners and their events can be found at hccfl.edu/social-justice.
This new initiative was conceived by HCC, the HCC Foundation, and the Office of Equity, Diversity and Special Programs after the College’s signature equity and diversity event, the Black, Brown & College Bound Summit, had to be canceled this year due to COVID-19. “During this important time in our nation’s history, it was imperative to continue our leadership in the areas of equity, social justice and increasing opportunities for people of color,” said HCC President, Dr. Ken Atwater. “I am grateful for the continued support of our sponsors, Wells Fargo, Nielsen, and Suncoast Credit Union, which enabled us to make these awards.”
Funded Organizations
100 Black Men of Tampa Bay, Inc.
Brain Expansion Scholastic Training, Inc.
Corporation to Develop Communities of Tampa, Inc.
Delta Enriches Life Through Training & Awareness (D.E.L.T.A), Incorporated
Dr. Martin Luther King Parade Foundation, Inc.
Gamma Theta Omega Inc. in partnership with Gamma Theta Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc. (GTO/AKA)
Gentlemen's Quest of Tampa Inc.
GZL Educational Foundation - Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.
HCC Linking in Fellowship & Education (LIFE)
HCC National Council on Black American Affairs (NCBAA)
HCC TRIO Student Support Services
High Point Gamer Management
IGLESIA LA VERDAD
Improvement League of Plant City, CDC
Jackson Heights Neighborhood Association and Crime Watch
Mt. Zion AME Church
NAACP Hillsborough County Branch
National Coalition of 100 Black Women Inc. Tampa Bay Area Chapter
New Saint Paul Community Development Corporation
The Institute of Life and Learning, Inc.
University Area Community Development Corporation (UACDC)
Voice THE Movement, Inc.
Hillsborough Community College serves more than 47,000 students annually at its five campuses located throughout Tampa Bay. The College is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. For more information, visit hccfl.edu.