Racial Equity Fund provides $1,000 Grant to Millikin University Black Student Union

Black Student Union recognized for student and community engagement

Millikin University's Black Student Union (BSU), the University's oldest minority organization, received a $1,000 grant from the Community Foundation of Macon County's Racial Equity Fund on Feb. 5. The Community Foundation of Macon County launched the Racial Equity Fund to provide grant funding to local nonprofit organizations directly addressing the challenge of racism and inequity in the local community.

The grant from the Community Foundation of Macon County was given to support the Black Student Union's student and community engagement, including their work with Millikin's Black History Month Celebration.

The grant was presented by Natalie Beck, president of The Community Foundation of Macon County.

The grant presentation was held at Millikin's Perkinson Art Gallery, located at Kirkland Fine Arts Center, the site of current art exhibit "Southside Color Theories & Half Truths" by Millikin graduate Paul Branton '95. As part of the art exhibit, calendars featuring Branton's original artwork are on sale for $30 each. Money from each calendar sale will go to the Pauline Phillips Scholarship Fund–an endowed scholarship established by Millikin African American alumni in honor of Pauline Phillips. Phillips served as director of housekeeping for Millikin from 1964-88 and was well known for her caring and nurturing of students. The scholarship may be given to a deserving African American student.

Millikin University's Black Student Union supports its membership and campus community that share a common interest and concern for the history and culture of Black/African American students. The goal of the organization is to promote retention of Black/African American students, staff and faculty; provide Black/African American cultural enrichment and appreciation; serve as an advocate for and provide support for students, staff and faculty whom identify as Black/African American; promote positive social interaction for all students and Black/African American students at Millikin University; and continue to bridge the gap between various cultural and ethnic communities in order to promote understanding awareness and sensitivity towards diversity and inclusion.