FFRF has awarded $30,000 in First in the Family Humanist Forward Freethought scholarships to seven students, thanks to the incredible generosity of FFRF benefactor Lance Bredvold. The students were selected by Black Skeptics Los Angeles (BSLA), an African American humanist/atheist-based organization.

Bradley Newman, Morehouse College, $2,500

I believe empathy, logic and our shared humanity are reason enough to do the right thing. That mindset led me to challenge unjust situations, sometimes loudly and passionately, earning me the nickname “Malcolm X” within my family. My secular worldview comes not from a place of rebellion, but from a belief in people. I do not rely on a higher power to right the world’s wrongs; I believe that individuals, through small and intentional actions, can collectively create powerful change. Life as a queer Black boy raised in a conservative religious setting came with constant tension and isolation. But instead of turning inward, I chose to cultivate empathy — for others who, like me, did not quite fit the mold. That empathy has evolved into a humanist commitment to justice, equity, and inclusion for all people, regardless of race, gender, or background.

As someone who knows what it’s like to face adversity without adequate emotional support, I want to create a space where healing is accessible and stigma-free. Secular humanism empowers me to focus on evidence-based care, compassion and community-driven solutions. I do not believe that change is inevitable. I believe it is made day by day, by people who care enough to act.

BSLA is the first secular humanist/atheist organization to specifically address college pipelining for youth of color through its ongoing scholarship, college and K-12 youth leadership partnerships. FFRF has proudly partnered with BSLA for 12 years to provide tuition grants, gradually increasing the funding and number of scholarships.

Those who would like to donate toward the Forward Freethought Fund, a needs-based scholarship dedicated to helping freethinking students who might otherwise be unable to attend college, may designate “tuition scholarships” in the ffrf.org/donate dropdown or earmark checks for “Forward Freethought Fund” or “tuition scholarships.” All donations to FFRF remain deductible for income-tax purposes.

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