/PRNewswire/ -- The Sachs Foundation has chosen 65 exceptional Black scholars to receive more than $2.6 million in scholarship support.

The recipients were recognized during the Foundation's Annual Celebration held in June at the University of Colorado Colorado Springs. Scholar activist and author Angela Davis joined board member Aisha Praught-Leer a two-time Olympian and Jamaican record holder for a keynote discussion attended by scholars families and community members.

Even as diversity equity and inclusion initiatives along with race-conscious admissions encounter legal and political obstacles across the country the Sachs Foundation continues its 95-year commitment to supporting Black students in Colorado with scholarships mentorship and leadership programs.

"We receive many inquiries about how the Sachs Foundation will respond in the present political climate. Our response has remained consistent for nearly a century" stated Ben Ralston CEO of the Sachs Foundation. "It is the same response we offered when the KKK held influence in Colorado. It is the same response we maintained during the Jim Crow era in the South. It is the same response we upheld throughout the civil rights movement. We will remain present. We will continue this work. And we will mark its progress."

During her exchange with Praught-Leer Professor Davis addressed the scholars directly drawing from her experiences as a young Black woman in a challenging political period. Her guidance to this year's recipients was straightforward: dedicate these years to exercising freedom through questioning critiquing and creating. "Locate your community" she advised. "If it does not exist build it."

Black residents of Colorado may submit scholarship applications annually between January 1 and March 15. Additional details are available on the foundation website.

Individuals wishing to contribute to the Foundation's efforts may visit the donations section of SachsFoundation.org or reach out via email for details on partnerships and giving options.

About the Sachs Foundation

Established in 1931 by Pikes Peak resident Henry Sachs the Sachs Foundation offers programs aimed at assisting Black Coloradans in addressing systemic barriers. Throughout its history the organization has enabled thousands of accomplished Black students to earn undergraduate and graduate degrees at institutions nationwide while also aiding Black youth via mentoring initiatives and creating programs to recruit and retain more Black educators in Colorado schools. Further information on the Sachs Foundation student achievements and scholarship applications can be found at SachsFoundation.org.

SOURCE Sachs Foundation