Rev. David Glenn-Burns introduced Brittani Levine from Claflin College in South Carolina, saying the recipients of the Black College Funds are the young leaders and voices of our future. Levine gave the Black College Fund report on Sunday afternoon of the 2018 Iowa Annual Conference session.
"I bring you greetings on behalf of Dr. Cynthia Bond Hopson, Assistant General Secretary for The Black College Fund and Ethnic Concerns," Levine began. "Do all the good you can. By all the means you can. In all the ways you can. As long as ever you can," she said. "I agree with those words of John Wesley and I am convinced that my purpose is to help others along the way, in any way I can and whenever I can."
"The Black College Fund has been a great contribution to the United Methodist church for almost 150 years. I thank you for your support of the Black College Fund," explained Levine. "Your contributions make the financial burden of college easier for 16,000 students attending today's
11 United Methodist-related historically Black colleges and universities related to the United Methodist Church."
The UM-related Black colleges and universities offer a chance to everyone with a dream and a commitment to excel—regardless of race, class, gender, or ethnic heritage. One of the biggest challenges facing the is funding—funding for faculty development, funding to maintain infrastructure, and funding for students who need financial support and scholarships. To meet that challenge, United Methodists give to the Black College Fund apportionment. In recent years, the percent of support for the BCF has been between 87 percent and 89 percent, even during the economic downturn.
Levine explained how Claflin University has delivered for her in her Freshman year, how it instilled self-confidence and helped her find a sense of pride in her culture while learning and appreciating the legacy and culture.
"The Black College Fund is here to assist me to succeed, and prepare me for Greatness in the world and make a positive difference in Today's society," Levine concluded. "Thank You and may the Lord continue to bless you all."
