PRAIRIE VIEW, Texas (Oct. 25, 2023) – Prairie View A&M University student Rejoice Adekoya, a sophomore nursing major in the College of Nursing and a member of the Honors Program, has been awarded the prestigious Denny’s x Getty Images Hungry for Education Stipend. This accolade underscores her steadfast dedication to preserving PVAMU’s storied history and legacy.
In a significant collaborative effort, Denny’s, recognized as “America’s Diner,” and Getty Images, a global leader in visual content creation, established a partnership last year to celebrate and preserve the invaluable contributions of Historic Black Colleges and Universities to American history.
The Getty Images Photo Archive Grants Program for HBCUs, a central component of this initiative, commits a substantial $500,000 towards the digitization of HBCU photographic archives. This program strives to honor the legacy and history of HBCUs while making their contributions to American history accessible.
“Prairie View A&M University is so proud of Rejoice Adekoya,” said PVAMU President Tomikia P. LeGrande, Ed.D. “Her commitment to preserving our history and continuing to tell the stories that connect us to our shared ancestry and legacy is inspiring.”
Adekoya, originally from Lagos, Nigeria, goes above and beyond in her dedication to documenting and sharing the stories that connect PVAMU to its shared ancestry and legacy.
A Collaborative Initiative
To apply for the stipend, students were required to submit a selection of their favorite newly digitized archival photos and provide commentary explaining how access to their university’s history has impacted their educational journey.
The students have worked closely with university staff and teams from Getty Images to research and digitize photos from their respective institutions. This collaboration underscores the commitment of students to preserving the rich heritage and history of their universities.
The Getty Images Photo Archive Grants for HBCUs is a remarkable program that not only seeks to honor the legacy and history of HBCUs but also to contribute to the digitization of HBCU photographic archives, ensuring that the shared history remains vibrant and accessible for generations to come.
Supporting Scholarly Efforts
April Kelly Drummond, Denny’s Vice President of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, expressed her pride in supporting these scholars and the work they’ve done.
“Doing this work affords students the opportunity to not only learn about the history of their college and the contribution to American History, but they gain an understanding and appreciation for their unique power and how they can contribute to and make a difference in the communities in which we live,” she said.
Cassandra Illidge, Vice President of Global Partnerships for Getty Images, commended the work done by Adekoya, noting her valuable skills in research and metadata application to imagery.
Inspiring Future Generations
Adekoya’s honor is more than a personal achievement; it symbolizes the commitment to preserving the legacy of HBCUs and ensuring their stories remain a source of inspiration for years to come. With organizations like Denny’s and Getty Images actively supporting these initiatives, the legacy and history of HBCUs will continue to shine brightly, just as it does at PVAMU.
By Kerry Laird
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