Hello,

I’m Dr. Stacey Patton, an award-winning journalist, author, child advocate, and college professor.

For 17 consecutive semesters, I’ve led the Ida B. Wells Textbook Fund to support students at Morgan State University and Howard University who are struggling to afford their books and supplies. And every semester, this beautiful community has answered the call.

Last semester, we raised nearly $30,000. That money went directly into students’ hands, helping them:

Buy textbooks
Replace broken laptops
Access mandatory course codes
Purchase digital equipment
Put food on the table when financial aid was delayed

Because of your support, students stayed enrolled. They passed their classes. They preserved their dignity.

But the need is even greater this time. As higher education faces relentless political attacks—especially at HBCUs—our students are being hit from all sides.

Scholarships are drying up
Federal aid is being capped
Campus services are being defunded

And don’t be fooled by the myth of the “full ride.” Most HBCU students are hustling to survive, patching together loans, side jobs, prayer, and GoFundMe links just to make it through.

A single textbook can cost $100–$300. Some courses require digital access codes that can’t be resold. Others demand “bundled” materials that prevent used purchases. And in many cases, professors won’t waive the requirements.

I’ve seen students choose between buying books or paying rent.
Between staying enrolled or dropping out. That’s why we’re back. Year 9. And we’re going even harder.

This isn’t charity. It’s communal care. It’s mutual aid. It’s resistance. It’s how we push back against the chronic underfunding of Black colleges.
It’s how we fight the erasure of Black history and the silencing of Black student voices. It’s how we say: “You are not alone. We’ve got you!”

How the funds will be distributed: Each student who applies and qualifies will receive up to $300 to help cover:

Required textbooks
Course codes
Digital equipment
Laptops
Other academic necessities

If you’ve supported this work before—thank you. If you’re new—welcome! If you’re ready to give again, let’s make this the biggest semester yet.

Donate. Share. Tag a friend. Spread the word. Let’s show these students that even in a time of scarcity and hate, community will rise up and meet their needs.

Thank you for the love and support.