Grace Holt Awards

The Department of Black Studies sponsors an award fund and annual legacy events and in commemoration of Grace Sims Holt, Professor Emeritus and founder of UIC's Black Studies Program. Professor Holt joined UIC in 1968 as an Associate Professor of Speech and Communications was tasked with establishing the campus Black Studies Program, which she headed from 1974 to 1986. In addition, Professor Holt helped gain recognition for black English as an object of study and consistently pushed for maintaining high levels of standards for students that allowed for alternative evidences of accomplishment.

THE GRACE HOLT AWARDS Heading link

The Grace Holt Memorial Award

The Grace Holt Memorial Award honors undergraduate and graduate students who have worked actively to improve the lives of black people. Eligible students must have a demonstrated commitment to issues of racial justice and a minimum grade point average of 3.0. The recipient will receive a $1,000.00 award.

Applications are available on UIC SnAP!

Applications are due March 22nd, 2024.

The Black Studies Departmental Award

The Black Studies Departmental Award provides both recognition and support for its majors and minors. All students who have taken at least two Black Studies courses and who have demonstrated academic achievement and/or who are working under challenging circumstances are strongly encouraged to apply. Recipient is awarded $1000.00.