The Reggie Stephens Foundation (RSF), in collaboration with Morgan State University and Black Health Matters Santa Cruz, organized presentations in Santa Cruz County to provide youth with insights into Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). On Sunday, October 6th, Dr. Douglas F. Gwynn, Morgan State’s Director of Resident Life & Housing, along with RSF’s Education Director, Taraya Lundy, led a presentation at the Santa Cruz County Office of Education. This event educated students about cultural and academic opportunities at HBCUs, with the support of Black Health Matters Santa Cruz.

Dr. Gwynn’s tour included visits to:

• Pacific Collegiate School
• UMOJA (Cabrillo College)
• Soquel High School
• Aptos Junior High School
• Shoreline & Branciforte Middle School
• Aptos High School
• Santa Cruz High School
• Mission Hill Middle School

This initiative demonstrates RSF’s commitment to expanding educational opportunities and addressing health and wellness through community partnerships.

The Reggie Stephens Foundation is proud to have partnered with beygood & ShadyGang Productions in support of The Freedom Ball, a collective celebration for Pride & Juneteenth. Join us in celebrating liberation, black innovation, and the freedom to live your truth. The Freedom Ball was co-produced by Romonica Stephens, she is a multidimensional creative and founding member of kikihouseoffubu.

In addition, our foundation is pleased to announce the launch of its innovative arts program aimed at nurturing the creative talents of students from all walks of life. Through these programs, we strive to empower students, providing them with the tools and opportunities to express their unique voices and artistic visions through sports, arts, music and culture.

The RSF education program is committed to providing our youth with services that support their holistic development. It is our mission to expand their life experiences allowing them to discover their uniqueness and value. I consider myself to be a lifelong learner. I am always looking to see how I can best advance the quality of life for our youth.

Recently, I had the pleasure to be a part of a presentation on the history of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU). Highlighted in this presentation was one of the nation’s premier HBCUs, Morgan State University. Located in Baltimore Maryland, Morgan State University has a rich history of educating students from all backgrounds, experiences, and geographical locations. Morgan State University has a well established program supporting the successful enrollment of several students from our community.

As I heard in the presentation, it is extremely important that our youth seek advanced degrees. This perspective clearly resonated with me. Morgan State University is well positioned, and has established a pathway for the success of our youth. My organization is currently seeking support to expose our youth to the possibilities of their future by visiting Morgan’s campus. It is my purpose to inspire our youth to the potential of their horizons. Join me in this exceptional opportunity and partnerships as we continue to do the good work of changing lives.