In 1926, the historian Carter G. Woodson announced that the second week in February would be dedicated to learning about African American history and its role in the United States. He chose this time during the year because it coincided with the birth dates of Abraham Lincoln (February 12) and Frederick Douglass (February 14). In 1976, during the celebration of the United States Bicentennial, Black History Month was expanded to extend through the month of February.
At the Larry H. Miller Group of Companies, we recognize the importance of the contributions made by generations of African American and Black people in our nation’s history. Throughout this month, we hope you will take the time to read and listen to the experiences of Black people in our community and throughout the nation, past and present.
- Discover events and resources offered by the Utah Black Chamber
- Explore Black history in parks and communities across the country
- Experience A People’s Journey, A Nation’s Story (The Smithsonian National Museum of African American History & Culture)
- Join the conversation on social media using #BlackHistoryMonth
Larry H. and Gail Miller Enrichment Scholarship Recipients
Each year, deserving students from diverse backgrounds receive the Larry H. and Gail Miller Enrichment Scholarship to further their academic pursuits at The University of Utah and help them make significant contributions to the community. Whenever possible, students are selected from applicants whose ethnic background is under-represented in higher education in Utah or those who are first-generation college students. Three recipients have shared what the scholarship means to them and their goals for the future:
Cherifa Bassa is a fourth-year biology student at the University of Utah. She is Student Alumni Board Marketing Chair, serves as ASUU Committee on Student Affairs, Ernst & Young Campus Ambassador, and Research Assistant at Child Adaptation and Neurodevelopment Lab. She also runs Airbnb properties in the Salt Lake City and Dallas areas and recently started her lash extension business.
Cherifa said, “My deep desire is to one day work in medicine. I hope to assess and right the racial injustice, social injustice, anti-racism, and the lack of healthcare access I saw in my community growing up and continue to witness daily. Initially, I didn’t have the financial resources to achieve my dream. With this scholarship, I was able to complete my education and continue to solve problems within my community. The most rewarding aspect of being a Miller Scholar is being in a community of other students that are as ambitious and goal-oriented as me.”
Sareena Crawford is a history and English major at the University of Utah. She was born and raised in Salt Lake City, and is a first-generation college student. Sareena said, “Throughout my early education, my biggest goal was to pursue higher education. To say that the Miller Enrichment Scholarship is a dream come true would be a significant understatement. I will be graduating in the Spring of 2022 and plan on continuing my education. I am currently studying for the law school acceptance test and building my resume to apply for law schools in the Fall 2023 school year. I am incredibly fortunate to say that what I once considered a dream is now my reality.”
Madeika Vercella is a fourth-year Honors English major and pre-medical student at the University of Utah. She intends on applying to medical school after graduating. Madeika is interested in pursuing a career as a pediatrician as well as serving as an advocate for the youth in her local community. An emerging writer, she is an alum of the selective Honors Novel Writing Workshop and is currently working on a coming-of-age novel. Madeika is also a member of the YWCA Woke Words Art & Writing collective, and their work has been recognized nationally.
