2026 Dr. Niara Sudarkasa Memorial Scholarship
Open to Graduate Students
Tuesday, July 07
All day
The award supports graduate students pursuing advanced research in anthropology, Africana/African American studies, African diaspora, educational leadership, or related fields. Deadline: 8/22/2026
Named after Dr. Niara Sudarkasa (née Gloria Marshall, 1938‒2019), this scholarship celebrates her remarkable contributions as an anthropologist, educator, Africanist, and university president. Her work across institutions, including Columbia, NYU, the University of Michigan, and Lincoln University, reflects a lasting impact on Africana studies and higher education.
The scholarship is funded by the Friends of AARLCC, the AARLCC Fund (a Fund of the Broward Public Library Foundation Endowment), the Broward County Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., and the Delta Education and Life Development Foundation, Inc. The award supports graduate students pursuing advanced research in anthropology, Africana/African American studies, African diaspora, educational leadership, or related fields.
A one-time award of $2,500 will be disbursed to the academic institution of the winning student.
Recommended Eligibility Criteria:
- Graduate standing – Enrolled full-time in a master’s or doctoral program.
- Field of study – Focused on Anthropology, African/African-American studies (including interdisciplinary studies with a focus in African/African American studies), Higher Education Leadership, International Relations, or Related Disciplines.
- Academic excellence – Minimum 3.0 GPA (or equivalent).
- Leadership & impact – Evidence of community engagement, activism, or work that supports marginalized communities, reflecting Dr. Sudarkasa’s commitments (to be reflected in the personal statement)
- Residency – Preference given to applicants who graduated high school in either Palm Beach, Miami, or Broward Counties.
Submission should include:
- Academic transcript(s)
- CV or résumé
- Personal statement (500 words max) on how your work continues Dr. Sudarkasa’s legacy
- Research proposal (1,000–1,500 words) outlining objectives, methods, and relevance to her fields
- One letter of recommendation from a faculty member and/or administrator at your institution
Deadline:
All materials must be emailed to AARLCC@broward.org with the subject line “Sudarkasa Scholarship” by midnight on Friday, August 21, 2026.
Award Announcement:
October 3, 2026
African American Research Library and Cultural Center
| Mon, Jun 29 | 10:00AM to 8:00PM |
| Tue, Jun 30 | 10:00AM to 6:00PM |
| Wed, Jul 01 | 10:00PM to 8:00PM |
| Thu, Jul 02 | 10:00AM to 6:00PM |
| Fri, Jul 03 | 10:00AM to 6:00PM |
| Sat, Jul 04 | Closed |
| (Independence Day) | |
| Sun, Jul 05 | Closed |

