Black Secular Representation Matters: BSLA Scholarship Awardee Alviana Anderson!
In the midst of Trump administration backlash against and attacks on racial, social and educational justice in K-12 and higher education, support for African American students is paramount. Black Skeptics Los Angeles’ seven First in the Family Humanist Forward Freethought Scholarship awardees for 2025 were selected from a crop of approximately two hundred applicants. This year’s cohort were all African American secular youth engaged in LGBTQ+ advocacy, STEM scholarship, social work, healt justice and food justice. Awardees Marquan Adams (UCLA), Alviana Anderson (Tuskegee University), Madison Biddle (Southwest College), KeVonna Dixon (Coastal Carolina University College), Bailee Morris (Georgia Gwinnett College), Bradley Newman (Morehouse College) and Ariyah Suggs (University of Memphis) exemplified outstanding achievement, community service and dedication to humanist social justice practice in their high school careers. Five students received awards of $5000 and two received awards of $2500. The awards were made possible by generous multi-year contributions from the Bredvold Fund via the Freedom From Religion Foundation. In addition to their winning essays, each student was required to submit a brief video overview discussing what the award means to them as a Black secular youth. Special thanks to our scholarship review committee, Tomorrie Cook, Sikivu Hutchinson and Jessica Robinson.
Name: Marquan Adams
College: UCLA
Career Interest/Major: Astrophysics
“Knowing that humanists often advocate for the separation of church and state, and understanding how LGBTQ+ individuals are frequently targeted by religiously motivated laws such as those opposing same-sex marriage, I came to the realization that I will become a humanist to stop the oppression of the
LGBTQ+ community. As I was thinking, I questioned myself: how might this secular approach positively impact society as a whole? Immediately, answers came flooding into my brain, as I started to reflect on the past experiences that not only I’ve faced with those who oppose homosexuality, but also those of my LGBTQ+ peers. For starters, many queer kids wouldn’t have to live in fear of being
bullied. It would decrease suicidal thoughts within queer students and overall promote a healthier environment for them. With these possible solutions, I got really excited and wanted to
be the first to introduce this new wave of humanism within my school community.”
Name: Alviana Anderson
College: Tuskegee University
Career Interest/Major: Nursing with a minor in Psychology
“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 it for every young person of color who has ever felt out of place about their beliefs.”
Name: Madison Biddle
College: Southwest College
Career Interest/Major: Nurse Practitioner
“What makes this award especially meaningful is that it comes from BSLA, an organization that stands for values that I deeply connect with…values such as compassion, equity and justice. As a secular youth I know that my path isn’t always the traditional one, but it is one that is grounded in humanist values and beliefs that we can create change through action, care and education. I hope to one day mentor other first generation students like me. Your belief in my potential…I’m honored to carry forth the mission of education, equity and humanism!”
Name: KeVonna Dixon
College: Coastal Carolina University College
Career Interest and major/minor if known: Human Rights Lawyer, Criminal Justice Major, Undecided Minor
“This scholarship is about so much more than financial support. It is about recognition, affirmation and visibility as a Black secular youth navigating spaces that don’t always make room for people like me…Growing up, I was often told that I had to fit into a certain box and that my worth was tied to religious belief..choosing the secular path wasn’t easy, it meant questioning and standing apart, and at times being misunderstood by people that I love… That is why this scholarship means so much. It tells me that I’m not alone. As a first generation college student, this scholarship makes higher education more possible not just as a dream but as a reality. This award represents hope to Black secular voices like mine…My identity as a Black secular youth is a strength, not a weakness. I want to create spaces where people don’t have to hide who they are.”
Name: Bailee Morris
College: Georgia Gwinnett College
Career Interest/Major: Building/ Structural Engineering. Major: Applied Mathematics/ Engineer
“One humanist issue I’ve addressed in my community is the lack of access to resources and mentorship for Black and low-income youth who are interested in engineering and technology. I’ve volunteered to help younger students with math and science, and I’ve shared my story at school events to show what’s possible. As I prepare to study engineering at college, I see my path not as a personal achievement but as a responsibility. I want to build a future where students like me are no longer outliers in the technical fields. Secular humanism allows me to pursue this calling with confidence: individuals need support systems, not sermons; they need access to opportunity, not pie-in-the-sky promises.”
Name: Bradley Newman
College: Morehouse College
Career Interest/Major: Therapist/counselor specializing in children/adolescent mental health.
“I believe it’s our responsibility to fight for justice and equality. Growing up as a Christian in Texas, I often heard “let go and give it to God”. As a queer Black boy in conservative spaces, I’ve learned empathy for others who didn’t quite fit the mold. Empathy, justice and equality are values I’ve lived through volunteering to fight food insecurity. Helping out somebody as much as we can–I believe that is the secular mission.”
Name: Ariyah Suggs
College: University of Memphis
Career/Interest Major: Children’s Forensic Specialist, Major in Social Work with a minor in Criminal Justice
“The importance of this award to me as a Black atheist growing up in a Black Christian household is that it brings awareness. It’s ok to trust your own mind over a religion. It makes me feel heard and seen and that we should not be shunned. This scholarship will help me pursue a degree in social work to help children and help others.”
Related posts
