Black Student Seeks Funds To Stay In School

Hi,

My name is Asha Abdul-Mujeeb, and I've just completed my first semester in the Museum Studies program at the Corcoran School of Arts. Throughout the semester, I achieved several milestones including: (1) becoming a member of the Association of African American Museums, (2) serving as a Student Archivist at the International Brotherhood of Teamsters Labor History Research Center and (3) being one of three students selected to work on a directed research project for an exhibition at the Smithsonian National Museum of American History. Despite juggling two jobs to make ends meet, in addition to a full course load, I achieved a GPA of 3.6.

I've sought assistance from the George Washington University financial aid office, the DEI department, the Corcoran School of Arts, and the Museum Studies department. Unfortunately, their assistance hasn't been sufficient. With the last day to register for classes being January 15, 2024, my balance of $4,289.00 prevents me from registering. I aim to raise the necessary funds to allow me to continue my education in this field.

This balance is due to the directed research project, which was charged as an additional course. Being the only black student in the Spring 2025 class, this opportunity was crucial for me to establish relationships with professionals in the museum field who have helped me navigate a predominantly white field.

While reading 'Hitting A Lick With A Crooked Stick,' I learned that writer Zora Neale Hurston left Howard University because she was unable to afford her tuition. Hurston died penniless, and it wasn’t until after she was already in her grave that she began to receive well-deserved recognition for her work. Imagine if someone had invested in Zora while she was still at Howard University. Who knows how her story would have differed? Pls… don’t let me be Zora lol.

Black curators and archivists only make up 5.3% of the U.S. population, and I hope to be one. I appreciate any donation amount; even a dollar will go a long way! Thank you so much!