by Krystal Franklin

July 24, 2017

Photo by Raymond Boyd/Getty Images

Spelman College announced a new scholarship program for its students who advocate for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and questioning issues.

Spelman professor Beverly Guy-Sheftall, who is the founder of the school’s Women’s Research and Resource Center told The Root, “The Levi Watkins Jr. Scholars Program will call attention to the importance of making visible the courageous and significant work of LGBTQ scholar activists within and beyond the academy, especially at HBCUs.”

According to the college’s website, two  sophomores who self-identify as LGBTQ advocates will be awarded renewable $25,000 scholarships. The winners will be announced Fall 2017.

TELL US: Fair or foul? Should these types of scholarships exist?

TV One

HBCU Grads: Celebrity Edition

28 photos Launch gallery

HBCU Grads: Celebrity Edition

1. Spike Lee - Morehouse College

Source:Getty Images 1 of 28

2. Lance Gross - Howard University

Source:David Livingston/Getty Images 2 of 28

3. Affion Crockett - Fayetteville State University

Source:Getty Images 3 of 28

4. Taraji P. Henson - Howard University

Source:Axelle/Bauer-Griffin/FilmMagic 4 of 28

5. 2 Chainz - Alabama State University

Source:Getty Images 5 of 28

6. Oprah - Tennessee State University

Source:Getty Images 6 of 28

7. Wendy Raquel Robinson - Howard University

Source:Leon Bennett/Getty Images 7 of 28

8. Erykah Badu - Grambling State University

Source:Getty Images 8 of 28

9. Kym Whitley - Fisk University

Source:Getty Images 9 of 28

10. Keshia Knight Pulliam - Spelman College

Source:Getty Images 10 of 28

11. K. Michelle - Florida A&M University

Source:Getty Images 11 of 28

12. Anika Noni Rose - Florida A&M University

Source:Getty Images 12 of 28

13. Ruben Studdard - Alabama A&M University

Source:Getty Images 13 of 28

14. Terrence J - North Carolina A&T University

Source:Getty Images 14 of 28

15. Will Packer - Florida A&M University

Source:Getty Images 15 of 28

16. Keenan Ivory Wayans - Tuskegee University

Source:Getty Images 16 of 28

17. David Banner - Southern University

Source:Paras Griffin/Getty Images 17 of 28

18. Eva Marcille - Clark Atlanta University

Source:Paras Griffin/Getty Images 18 of 28

19. Lionel Richie - Tuskegee University

Source:Monica Schipper/Getty Images for DuJour 19 of 28

20. Garrett Morris - Dillard University

Source:Jesse Grant/Getty Images 20 of 28

21. Gladys Knight - Shaw University

Source:Mike Coppola/Getty Images 21 of 28

22. Esther Rolle - Spelman

Source:CBS Photo Archive/Getty Images 22 of 28

23. Debbie Allen and Phylicia Rashad - Howard University

Source:L. Cohen/WireImage 23 of 28

24. Randy Jackson - Southern University

Source:Getty Images 24 of 28

25. Emmanuel Lewis - Clark Atlanta University

Source:Amanda Edwards/Getty Images 25 of 28

26. Samuel L. Jackson - Morehouse

Source:Neil Mockford/GC Images 26 of 28

27. Wanda Sykes - Hampton University

Source:Paul Marotta/Getty Images 27 of 28

28. Kamala Harris - Howard University

Source:Sandy Huffaker/Corbis via Getty Images 28 of 28

Skip ad

TV One Continue reading Spelman College Announces LGBTQ Advocacy Scholarships

HBCU Grads: Celebrity Edition

Like TV One on Facebook and be sure to follow us on Instagram and Twitter.