FAIRFAX, VA - The United Negro College Fund (UNCF) -the nation's largest and most effective minority education organization, has received a $100,000 gift from the estate of the late Theaster Winston.
Ms. Winston was born in Steele, Missouri, the eldest of seven children born to T.J. and Anna Winston. She spent most of her life in Chicago, IL attending Englewood High School and graduating in 1956. A trend-setter at heart, she was a pioneering female barber. She later worked for the Chicago Transit Authority for more than 20 years as a bus driver, where she retired. Ms. Winston was a foster and an adopted mom to many. She spent her entire life helping those in need.
She loved her family and friends, and especially her niece and nephew Brianna and Will Jr. whom she cared for. Ms. Winston enjoyed cooking, traveling and opening her home for parties, picnics, barbecues and other family gatherings. A two-time survivor of cancer, she was a devoted member of Faith Covenant Fellowship Church.
"We are grateful for this generous gift from Ms. Winston," said UNCF President and CEO Michael L. Lomax, Ph.D. " She understood the importance of every child getting a good education. Her investment in future generations of young people will inspire them to become leaders in their communities. This gift will help the next generation of doctors, lawyers, scientists and teachers get the education they need and our nation needs them to have. "
About UNCF
UNCF-the United Negro College Fund-is the nation's largest and most effective minority education organization. To serve youth, the community and the nation, UNCF supports students' education and development through scholarships and other programs, strengthens its 39 member colleges and universities, and advocates for the importance of minority education. UNCF institutions and other historically black colleges and universities are highly effective, awarding 21 percent of African American baccalaureate degrees. UNCF administers more than 400 programs, including scholarship, internship and fellowship, mentoring, summer enrichment, and curriculum and faculty development programs. Today, UNCF supports more than 60,000 students at over 900 colleges and universities across the country. Its logo features the UNCF torch of leadership in education and its widely recognized motto, "A mind is a terrible thing to waste."