ATLANTA—Imani Maxberry, a graduate student in Urban Studies, has been awarded the first $5,000 Andrew J. Swope Scholarship for Equity and Justice awarded at Georgia State University.
The scholarship will be awarded annually to a graduate student who has demonstrated a passion for and commitment to equitable housing and other forms of inclusive urban development while pursuing a masters or doctoral degree in urban studies in the Andrew Young School of Policy Studies’ Urban Studies Institute. Swope Dreams has committed to funding the scholarship for five years.
Maxberry describes themself as a “first generation, Trans, Black college graduate and Atlanta native” who is pursuing the master’s degree to be “a sharp tool for my community.” Maxberry studies sustainability within urban contexts, using art as a medium to communicate the issues.
It is Maxberry’s belief that all residents—of any class and race—deserve clean streets, community gardens and affordable housing that are aesthetically and environmentally friendly.
“People tend to be a product of their environment,” Maxberry said.
Maxberry finds the ability to fund their education another step to learning what affects communities, in addition to Maxberry’s own experiences.
“During my time at GSU, I have been expanding my knowledge politically, theoretically, creatively and historically, which has made my thought process more diverse and therefore more capable to understand the complexities and multi-dimensionality of our current society,” they said.
“Imani is working towards a just and sustainable Atlanta,” said Distinguished University Professor Jan Nijman, director of the Urban Studies Institute. “With these funds from the Andrew J. Swope Scholarship, they will continue to sharpen their skills and get us there.”
To apply for the Andrew J. Swope Scholarship for Equity and Justice and other scholarships, please visit https://gsu.academicworks.com/. To learn more about giving to expand the Andrew Young School’s scholarship offerings, contact Amanda Puché at [email protected] or go to https://netcommunity.gsu.edu/give-to-aysps
By Laura Viilo, Assistant Director, Urban Studies Institute