HBCU MSA Coalition was founded in 2015 by several alumni from Lincoln University-Pennsylvania and Cheyney University of Pennsylvania. These alums saw the needs of HBCU MSAs that were not being met (prayer space availability, access to Halaal food options, resources and a network) and there was no space for us to come together. The focus was to create a charter for all MSAs at HBCUs that is able to advocate, advise and provide resources to build stronger and sustainable chapters nationwide.
According to the Thurgood Marshall College Fund more than 75% of students attending an Historically Black College and University rely on the Federal Pell Grant and 13% rely on Parent Plus Loan. HBCU students borrow on average $26,000 in federal loans compared to $14,000 for non-HBCU students, according to the National Postsecondary Student Aid Study. And, about 92% of all student debt are federal loans. These statistics demonstrate the immediate need for financial assistance for students attending an HBCU. This fund is a step in a right direction to provide financial assistance to Muslim students interested in attending an HBCU without incurring interest. Your support of this fund will be greatly appreciated.
The HBCU MSA Coalition is an educational initiative of New Freedom Works, Inc. The mission of New Freedom Works, Inc. is to support community life through capacity building, cultural preservation, education and development. For more information about the HBCU MSA Coalition, please contact its chairman, Imam Bilal Hassan e-mail: [email protected]
In April 2024, the HBCU MSA Coalition partnered with A Continuous Charity (ACC) to establish the “Mamadou Yarrow Educational Justice Fund.” This fund aims to support the higher education of HBCU Muslim students by providing interest-free educational loans. We pray that this initiative will transform the lives of bright young Muslims who will strive to build a better world, seeking the pleasure of Allah (SWT).
All donations are tax-deductible and sadaqah eligible. Make a meaningful impact by donating today.
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Mamadou Yarrow
Mamadou Yarrow was born in West Africa circa 1736. He was kidnapped, enslaved and taken to Annapolis, Maryland from Guinea in 1752 on the slave ship called Elijah. He was fluent in Arabic (reading and writing) and rudimentary English. Some historians believed he came from a wealthy and educated Muslim family. Yarrow gained freedom at the age of 60 after 44 years of enslavement , when the son of his slave master Brooke Beall died in 1796. Mamadou became one of the first investors in the successful Columbia Bank of Georgetown, Maryland, with $200 he had saved. In 1800, he purchased a lot located at 3324 Dent Place NW in Georgetown, which he constructed as a log house. On January 19, 1823, at the approximate age of 86. Yarrow was said to be buried in the corner of the garden where he made Salah on 3324 Dent Place NW.
Leadership
Imam Bilal Hassan
Sister Marsha Nivins
