The Scholarship Gala is the oldest celebration of MLK Day in Greenville, SC; with the first event being held in 1977. It has been co-sponsored by Gamma Gamma Lambda Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity and Furman University since 2008.
This event serves three purposes for the Upstate Community.
- First, it serves as a lead event for the Gamma Gamma Lambda Chapter’s and Furman University’s community celebration of Dr. King’s Legacy.
- Second, this is the primary fundraising effort for the Luke H. Chatman Scholarship, which is awarded to Greenville High School Students in April of each year.
- Third, the Gala serves as an opportunity to educate local youth about Dr. King’s Legacy and various programs that promote positive examples for youth to emulate. As a part of this effort, the Gala features in various presentations and information about Dr. King’s message and programs which are ideal examples his description of “Beloved Community”.
- Finally, the Gala is where we announce the latest award of the Martin Luther King Citizenship Award for Upstate of South Carolina.