By Henry Smardo
Thursday, Nov. 14, 2024
Cronkite student Serenity Reynolds balances classes, homework, clubs, internships and jobs, and tuition is always top of mind. She never imagined former NBA star Earvin “Magic” Johnson would lighten her load.
Reynolds, a member of Arizona State University’s Black African Coalition, cohosted the Building History: Continuing the Legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. event in June, where Johnson spoke.
As Johnson ended his remarks, he invited Reynolds and two other student hosts onstage and made a surprise announcement: He would award them each $25,000 to put toward tuition.
“Dr. King was a leader in knowing that he would never benefit from what he was saying,” Johnson said. “He knew he was going to die. Now, it’s my job to make sure that I bless others who come behind me.”
Reynolds said the scholarship offers relief from worrying about immediate expenses and lets her be more present during her education.
“I can focus on being academically well-rounded and having my education always be at the forefront of my mind,” Reynolds said.
For Reynolds, a journalism and mass communication major, education includes advancing ASU’s Black student community: She serves as the Black African Coalition’s community liaison, hosts a podcast for ASU’s student chapter of the National Association of Black Journalists called “The Black Print”, and has participated in the Sankofa Leadership Institute. She plans to work in the entertainment industry.
Nia Heckler, studying psychology, and Tajilynn Karim, studying financial planning, were also awarded the scholarship.
“[The scholarship] meant that all my hard work serving the ASU collegiate community was truly making a difference,” Heckler said. She researches reproductive health and holds a leadership role in the Black African Coalition. “I truly believe that service is the key to success, and giving back to the ASU community has been such an honor and privilege.”
Karim, too, is a member of the Black African Coalition and the Sankofa Leadership Institute, as well as the Black Business Student Association; she’s a first-generation college student who wants to launch a financial business. She said the scholarship had a major impact on her family, lightening their financial load.
“I’m grateful every day for this scholarship,” Karim said. “It supports my academic journey and allows me to focus on my studies while giving back to my community through my education.”
