In an effort to support Atlanta students at historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs), Spike Lee has unveiled a game-changing scholarship program!
Spike Lee has partnered with the Gersh Agency for the AUCC effort
The BlackKkKlansman director has partnered with Gersh—an agency specializing in talent, literature, and production—to form the Spike Fellows Program. Limit line reported that the initiative is focused on supporting students in the Atlanta University Center Association (AUCC), which includes Spelman, Clark Atlanta, and Morehouse.
The Spike Fellows Program will begin later this month and the first batch will include five graduate students. Through the Gersh Agency, these lucky scholars will have access to mentoring and internships upon graduation. In addition, they will get their academic debt forgiven and full-time employment through this initiative.
As for who will run the program, the Jayson Council—Gersh’s Head of Culture—will take over.
The Spike Fellows Program is focused on bringing diverse talent to the entertainment industry
Of the initiative, Spike describes the opportunity as a “great honor,” especially considering he graduated from Morehouse School.
“It is an honor, privilege and excitement to announce the Spike Fellows along with my partners the Gersh Agency and AUCC.”
In addition, Spike Lee noted that he is always committed to “attracting as many Blacks and Browns” into the industry as possible. Now, he can carry out this long cherished mission.
“From the very beginning, from the very beginning, I knew when (not if) I opened a slit, how many Blacks and Browns I would bring in front and behind the camera.”
Filmmaker Spike Lee has partnered with The Gersh Agency to create the Spike Fellows Program, a student aid scholarship at the Atlanta University Center Consortium that includes three Black Colleges and Universities in history https://t.co/A8KjPGkf33
– Hollywood Deadline (@DEADLINE) January 12, 2023
Spike Lee seeks to continue HBCU legacy: ‘Deeds, not words’
Spike later looked back on his family’s experiences and shared that he has “firsthand” knowledge of the power that HBCUs hold. In particular, his HBCU-trained elders “regularly” taught him the power of prioritizing actions over words.
“I am who I am thanks to my grandmother and mother, both of whom graduated from Spelman University. I am who I am because of my grandfather and father, both of whom graduated from Morehouse. It was on the grounds of Spelman and Morehouse where they met, fell in love, and married. As my elders used to tell me, ‘Deeds, not words.’”
Speaking to Jayson Council, another HBCU alum, he noted that the program is an indication of “Gersh and Spike’s commitment to the growing opportunities for AUCC graduates .”
“I joined Gersh to lead the charge in identifying powerful opportunities and signature moments to enhance cultural competence and accelerate social impact. As a graduate of HBCU, I am extremely proud of Gersh and Spike for their commitment to creating ever-increasing opportunities for AUCC graduates.”
Thanks to Spike Lee and The Gersh Agency for bringing this opportunity to HBCU students in Atlanta!
