I recently had the privilege of attending an event celebrating the 10th anniversary of Arrupe College, one of the Catholic colleges and universities that sponsors our Scholars. The evening featured Dr. Jeff Duncan-Andrade, a nationally recognized educator and thought leader whose work has shaped conversations around equity, justice, and what it truly means to cultivate hope in education. I was interested in attending the lecture given the synergies between the mission of the Sister Thea Bowman Black Catholic Education Foundation and his lecture series.
Throughout his talk, titled “Hope Is Critical: Lessons for the Next Decade,” Dr. Duncan-Andrade returned again and again to the works and wisdom of Tupac Shakur and his poetry collection, The Rose That Grew From Concrete. He spoke about how roses, like our Scholars, can and do flourish in even the harshest environments when they are nurtured, believed in, and given the support they deserve.
“we wouldn’t ask why a rose that grew from the concrete for having damaged petals, instead, we would all celebrate its tenacity, we would all love its will to reach the sun. Well, we are the roses, this is the concrete and these are my damaged petals, don’t ask me why, thank God, and ask me how”
That passage speaks to the heart of our mission at the Foundation. We do not ask why. We focus on how. How can we empower our Scholars to thrive on their journey toward a college degree? In many ways, our Scholars are those roses: growing, persevering, and flourishing from unique and often challenging environments. They consistently rise above expectations and find ways not only to succeed, but to shine.
Dr. Duncan-Andrade’s message resonated deeply with me because the hope he spoke of is exactly what we strive to provide our scholars at the Foundation. Our mission is rooted in the same conviction he articulated so powerfully: that mentoring, accompaniment, and educational opportunity are not just supports, they are lifelines that make a difference. They cultivate hope, they spark possibility, and they transform futures.
“Where young minds grow and respect each other based on their deeds and not their color when times are dim say as I say ‘Where there’s a will there’s a way!’”
Through the Foundation, we ensure each of our Scholars has a way to navigate the complexities of college and earn a degree. It is not easy, but the tenacious spirit Dr. Duncan-Andrade spoke of is manifested in each of our Scholars. That’s why 100% of our recent graduates finished their degree in only four years.
Guided by faith, fortified by hope, and inspired by our Scholars’ resilience, we remain committed to helping every rose lift its face toward the light.
Joe Barker II
Executive Director