Marquise McGriff PHOTO COURTESY OF AJ FRANKLIN

Miami Gardens – When Marquise McGriff was a student at Florida Memorial University, South Florida’s only HBCU, his love and respect for the college experience inspired him to create an organization that would not only support FMU, but all Historically Black Colleges and Universities across the nation. What began as “Club 1964,” has morphed into Rdevia. The organization has been at it for a decade.

"I founded Rdevia because I saw there was a need to preserve our HBCUs, the people they serve, and the work they do,” said McGriff, who went on to earn his bachelor’s from FMU as well as a master’s degree from Lincoln University, another HBCU. “I am grateful that 10 years later, we are still here thanks to the charity of our members, leaders, and friends who give so much of themselves to the fight for HBCUs.”

Rdevia is celebrating the organization’s annual gospel brunch, Dew in the Morning, in November. The annual scholarship distribution is underway, with several being disbursed in early April. In addition to providing practical support with care packages, Rdevia connects directly with students by mentoring and facilitating personal development workshops. Emphasizing the value of professional work experience, Rdevia also hires students for paid internships.

"It is an honor to provide scholarships to current HBCU students as well as graduating high school seniors who will attend an HBCU in the future,” McGriff said. To finance the scholarships, Rdevia relies on “the generosity of benefactors and donors who believe in HBCUs and are committed to helping students go to college, stay in college, and graduate from college." High school seniors and current HBCU students can apply now for Rdevia scholarships by the April 10 deadline. Visit Rdevia.org or call 786-487-5829.