Delta Phi Upsilon Fraternity Announces Bayard Rustin Scholarship

Jan. 15, 2013 - PRLog -- In conjunction with celebration of the 28th anniversary of its founding, Delta Phi Upsilon Fraternity, Incorporated is pleased to announce the creation of the Bayard Rustin Scholarship Award — a national initiative intended to assist students in pursuing their education — in honor of its first Honorary Member, Bayard Rustin, who was an American leader in social movements for civil rights, socialism, pacifism and non-violence, and gay rights. A master strategist and tireless activist, he is best remembered as the organizer of the 1963 March on Washington, one of the largest nonviolent protests ever held in the U.S., and also played a deeply influential role in the life of Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., helping to mold him into an international symbol of nonviolence.

In announcing the Bayard Rustin Scholarship Award as a major milestone, National President Kendrick T. Clack said that “We have worked tirelessly over the past two years to honor the legacy of our honorary brother, Bayard Rustin. The establishment and issuance of this scholarship will serve to reassure the LGBT community that the past, present and further fights for civil justice and equality are not in vain.  It is our mission and vision that recipients of this award complete their educational tracks, continue to pay it forward through community service, and keep alive the memories of civil activists past and present. For a great leader once said, ‘We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give."

On behalf of the fraternity’s board of directors, President Clack went on to thank the membership for its commitment and also “those generous donors who believed in our vision and mission, for without either of you, this accomplishment would still be a dream.”

The Bayard Rustin Scholarship will be focused on gay males who are either college-bound graduating high school seniors or already enrolled full-time students at an accredited two or four-year college or university. Scholarships will be based on financial need, academic performance and potential and will vary in award amount. Applicants should review the Bayard Rustin Scholarship Award application form for further requirements by visiting the fraternity’s national website at www.dphiu.org, or contacting any of its local chapters.

The public is invited to support Delta Phi Upsilon Fraternity when it presents the first Bayard Rustin Scholarship Awards at its Gold Tie Gayla, held during a 4-day national convention in Washington, DC, July 18-21, 2013, and are further encouraged to make non tax-deductible donations to the Bayard Rustin Scholarship Fund, in support of the fraternity’s service efforts. Ticket and donation information can be found at the national website.