Now in its third year, the Toni Johnson Scholars for Racial and Social Justice Program (formerly known as the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Scholars Program) has expanded its reach to all three degree programs and has increased the number of students involved at all three levels. The program supports students pursuing a bachelor’s or master’s in social welfare who have experienced marginalization and oppression and Ph.D. students pursuing research on racial justice. Through financial support, mentoring, leadership and professional development opportunities, the Toni Johnson Scholars for Racial and Social Justice Program aims to enhance community, retention and success for program scholars.
As social work leaders and mentors, we have a duty to promote the importance of social change. We must advocate for those who cannot advocate for themselves. Social work is social justice.
Starting with the 2019 One Day. One KU. campaign, we were able to raise enough to launch this amazing program, and each year after, we have been so grateful for the continued support and generous donors who have helped us build this program into something bigger and better today. We are asking again this year for your help to both keep this program going strong and to increase the number of students we can support.
Our School is committed to diversity, equity and inclusion and the work is never done. With your continued partnership, we can truly make a difference and move closer to our vision of all individuals, families and communities utilizing their power to achieve justice, equity and well-being.
Toni Johnson Scholar Spotlight
Athena Horton, Toni Johnson ScholarAthena Horton decided to pursue a master’s in social welfare for one simple but powerful reason, “I see a lot of pain and suffering in the world. My core motivation is really just to help make someone’s life a little better. I want to play a role in making the world a more manageable place to live in,” says Horton, who was selected as one of the University of Kansas School of Social Welfare’s inaugural Toni Johnson Scholars for Racial and Social Justice.
Athena Horton has had people cheering them on their whole life. But the unique kind of support and encouragement they receive as part of the Toni Johnson Scholars for Racial and Social Justice program has been life-changing.
“It’s different coming from someone who is in the middle of the work and doing it, and saying ‘Your ideas are innovative and can move the needle in this field and help people.’ And those same people saying, ‘How can I support you in that?’ For the first time in my life I am starting to feel a sense of belonging. That in itself has changed my life,” says Horton.
