Both programs Believe in Newark HBCU Scholarship Bike Ride and HBCU Scholarship Ride (501c3) are inspired and created by fundraiser organizer Hassan Abdus-Sabur aiming to expand community work and raise funds for HBCU students’ textbook costs across the states.

“As a fourth-generation native of Newark, I have always been socially active in the community. Having attended Howard University in the 90s, I experienced the value that an HBCU offers young black minds. Due to unforeseen financial circumstances, I had to return to Newark to help support my family,” Abdus-Sabur wrote on the GoFundMe page.

“I started the HBCU Bike Ride out of my passion for giving Black students the opportunity to attend a HBCU. I believe that when the community rallies behind our youth and raises money for their education, we will be able to cultivate community and support the HBCUs,” he added.

Abdus-Sabur’s nonprofit, HBCU Scholarship Ride, and the #GoFindYouHBCU Textbook Fund have a goal of supporting up to 150 students and plan to assist more than the initial number by betting on incoming donations.

Students’ eligibility process to be considered for a $500 reimbursement, begins with launching their own GoFundMe for education expenses with the hashtag #GoFindYouHBCU included in the fundraising page description. Students should then submit their page link and show proof of enrollment at an HBCU. The waiting process is based on the order the links were received.

The HBCU Textbook Fund is another program through GoFundMe’s GoFindYou platform sharing inspiring stories of Black joy displayed on GoFundMe every day as an effort to highlight more stories of success, achievement, and joy.

Abdus-Sabur’s commitment to HBCU students is being honored by GoFundMe with a GoFundMe Hero title. The Heroes program is a monthly series sharing the stories of everyday people using GoFundMe to make a difference in their communities.

To learn more about individuals uplifting their communities with the power of GoFundMe visit gofundme.com/BlackJoy.