Dillard University sophomore Langston Carter-Price struggled to manage classes and engage in extracurricular activities while working twenty hours a week. His renewed faith, however, led him to the Black College Fund.
Dillard University is one of the black colleges supported by the Black College Fund which provides financial support to maintain solid, challenging academic programs; strong faculties; and well-equipped facilities.
“Financially, I was struggling…I was ready to quit,” he said.
That is when Rev. Earnest Salsberry, Dillard University chaplain and mentor, told Langston the story of the Hebrew boys from chapter three in the Book of Daniel. Rev. Salsberry explained that because of their “unbothered faith” they were able to walk through the fire.
In that moment, Langston made a choice to abandon his worries and walk by faith. Shortly after, he was presented with the opportunity to become a Lina H. McCord Ambassador for the Black College Fund.
“He (Rev. Salsberry) emailed the entire school and asked, ‘Is there anyone United Methodist affiliated? I have an internship opportunity for you.’” Langston knew immediately it was the blessing he had been waiting for.
Like the Hebrew boys, Langston said he was so unbothered that he did not realize he was going to get another scholarship. “I remained faithful to God’s promise and my studies, and refused to give up,” he said.
The Black College Fund provided the financial blessing! “It was something I needed,” Langston said. “Because of the Black College Fund, I now have the confidence to take on my dream.”
Education is everything to the aspiring entrepreneur. “It’s one thing that people can’t take away from me,” he added. Early on, Langston’s parents instilled in him the importance of an education in achieving his dream of becoming an athletic trainer. With the support of the Black College Fund, Langston said his parents’ sacrifices are not in vein.
More importantly, he is one step closer to realizing his dream because of his willingness to trust God, proof that all you truly need is faith the size of a mustard seed (Matthew 17:20).
General Board of Higher Education and Ministry website
One of seven apportioned giving opportunities of The United Methodist Church, the Black College Fund provides financial support to maintain solid, challenging academic programs; strong faculties; and well-equipped facilities at 11 United Methodist-related historically black colleges and universities. Please encourage your leaders and congregations to support the Black College Fund apportionment at 100 percent.
