FFRF has awarded $25,000 in First in the Family Humanist Forward Freethought scholarships to seven students, thanks to the generosity of FFRF benefactor Lance Bredvold. The students were selected by Black Skeptics Los Angeles (BSLA), an African American humanist-atheist-based organization.
Nevaeh Brown, University of Illinois, $5,000
“As a young Black person who identifies as pansexual, non-binary and lives with autism, my journey of self-discovery has been one filled with questions, uncertainty, and an unwavering commitment to open-mindedness. This is why I proudly identify as agnostic, as it allows me to navigate the complexities of existence without subscribing to any specific religious doctrine or dogma.
Living in the body of someone perceived to be a Black woman has shaped my perspective in profound ways. It has made me acutely aware of the societal expectations and stereotypes that accompany such an identity. From the assumption that I am strong and resilient to the fetishization of my Blackness, my experiences have revealed the urgent need for inclusivity, understanding and equality.”
