Congratulations to Our 2025 BSLA First in the Family Humanist Forward Freethought Scholarship Awardees!
Our 2025 BSLA First in the Family Humanist scholarship awardees have been selected! This year’s seven secular scholars are ALL African American and predominantly LGBTQ+-identifying. One of the most outstanding is Tuskegee-bound Alviana Anderson who slayed with her powerful essay and inspiring video testimonial: “This is an honor, growing up as a Black youth, especially in secular spaces, and as an LGBTQ youth, hasn’t always been easy. This award validates that people like me who question and think critically and who believe in justice and equity are not just seen but they are also valued. To me, representation matters. I grew up with not a lot of secular voices and leaders in my community. So, when I see people who look like me standing tall in secular spaces, it opens doors. It lets people of color and the youth know that it’s ok to question authority and explore nonreligious identities and to live authentically. This award allows me to continue to speak and create spaces for people who are often left out of the conversation like myself. It reminds me that I’m part of a growing group of Black and Brown individuals who deeply care about justice, equity, science and compassion. I carry this award for every young person of color who has ever felt out of place about their beliefs.”
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