CURB Unveils Equity Empowerment Recipients
CURB announced that Taj Donville-Outerbridge, Halle Teart, Ari Kamara, and Kaelyn Fleming are the recipients of the Equity Empowerment Grant.
A spokesperson said, “The Equity Empowerment Grant is a restorative initiative managed by CURB, established at the request of donors Dr. Alexa Virdi and Dr. Rosemary Hall, who have reflected deeply on systemic inequities within our community. Both individuals have acknowledged the position of privilege they have occupied in Bermuda, particularly in receiving scholarships for further education.
“In response, they made a personal donation to be administered by CURB through this grant selection process, with the hope that their actions of repair will encourage others to engage in similar acts of accountability and restitution.
“Motivated by a desire to address systemic racial disparities and to contribute meaningfully to equitable access to education, the donors launched this grant to support young Black Bermudians who face financial barriers to pursuing higher education.
“CURB was honoured to manage the grant process and received fourteen applications, from which eight candidates were selected for interviews. While all applicants demonstrated clear financial need, the selection process also placed strong emphasis on each candidate’s service to the community, their understanding of racial equity, and their commitment to contributing to a more equitable Bermuda, both during their studies and following completion of their education.
“The selection process was not an easy one, as the quality and commitment of the candidates were exceptional. Although the financial awards are modest in size, CURB is confident that they will provide meaningful support toward the recipients’ educational expenses and academic pursuits during this academic year.
“CURB would like to express sincere gratitude to Alexa and Rosemary for their anti-racism efforts, for the intentional creation of this reparative grant, and for modelling a tangible way individuals can take responsibility for and help mitigate the impacts of systemic inequity.
“CURB congratulates all applicants and extends its warmest congratulations to the Equity Empowerment Grant recipients.”
