San Bernardino, CA — The National Black Grads (NBG) organization is proud to announce and celebrate its 2025 class of scholarship recipients- a powerful group of high school and college-bound students who have demonstrated excellence, leadership, and resilience in the face of adversity. These students represent the heartbeat of the Inland Empire and the future of Black brilliance across California and beyond.
Since its founding in 2011, National Black Grads has awarded over 240 scholarships totaling nearly half a million dollars to African American students across the region. This year’s recipients reflect a broad spectrum of talents and aspirations-from aspiring engineers and entrepreneurs to future educators, artists, athletes, and civic leaders.
Scholarship recipients are selected through a comprehensive evaluation process that considers academic achievement, athletic excellence, artistic contributions, community service, civic engagement, and the colleges and universities they have chosen to attend. NBG proudly honors students who not only excel in the classroom but also uplift their communities and embody the spirit of leadership and excellence.
“This ceremony is more than a graduation event – it’s a powerful act of affirmation,” said Keynasia Buffong, Co-Founder of National Black Grads. “Our students deserve to be seen, celebrated, and surrounded by a village that reminds them their Blackness is not just beautiful, but brilliant.”
Amaturrahman Medlock, a 2025 Master’s degree recipient and former NBG honoree, shared, “My involvement in the IE Recognition Ceremony was a diving board that sprang me into the world of higher education. I still remember the moment in 2019 when I felt seen, supported, and inspired – that was where my passion truly began.”
The selected scholars will be celebrated during the 2025 Inland Empire Black Graduate Recognition.
The ceremony will be held on Sunday, May 4, 2025, at CSUSB – Coussoulis Arena in San Bernardino. More than 750 graduates are expected to participate in the event, which has become one of California’s most significant regional celebrations of Black academic excellence.
The public is warmly invited to attend and celebrate these outstanding scholars.
Event Details are as follows:
Inland Empire Black Graduate Recognition Ceremony Date: Sunday, May 4, 2025
Time: The ceremony begins at 3:00 PM (Doors open at 2:00 PM). The location is CSUSB – Coussoulis Arena, 5500 University Pkwy, San Bernardino, CA 92407. Tickets: $10 at the door (no presale; early arrival strongly encouraged)
For more information or to view the full list of 2025 scholarship recipients, visit: www.nationalblackgrads.org
