Recently, the University of South Florida (USF) Foundation launched the Black Leadership Network (BLN), a member-based group focused on enhancing the educational and leadership opportunities for USF System African American initiatives and students. Anddrikk & Rena Frazier, Jerry & Ruth Bell, former State Representative Ed & Monica Narain, Tracy Muir, and Annette Billingsley Cheze are all founding members of the Black Leadership Network. The BLN founding members have continuously imprinted on the community through their leadership while spreading their support and generosity through BLN.

The BLN’s main purpose is to assist in allocating scholarship money towards USF’s African American sudents with the goal to have scholarships endowed as early as 2018. Anddrikk Frazier, CEO at Integral Energy, is amongst the other founders returning to USF in order to assist in the growth of the BLN. Both him and his wife, Rena, have established the first scholarship for students in the BLN (The Anddrikk and Rena Frazier Family Scholarship). The BLN members are expected to provide at least $1,000 for a scholarship per year, which directly goes towards the support of African American students.

Often, the lack of access to financial resources serve as a distraction and deterrent for African American students seeking to complete post-secondary education. The BLN will strive to prevent such deterrents from clouding the visions of promising African American students while reducing drop out rates and attracting and retaining top African American Bay Area students. In addition to the monetary benefits provided by the BLN, members will also act as a mentor figures and will remain available for students looking for other forms of professional support. Members will be able to offer their expertise through their own education and experiences in order to support students’ educational endeavors.

The BLN not only will assist African American students, but also will be feeding the potential for economic growth through education, which ultimately enriches the entire Tampa Bay community.

For information about the Black Leadership Network or how to make a gift, contact USF Diversity Initiatives Officer Luz Randolph at (813) 974-6766 or [email protected].

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