Lavender Fund celebrates decade of impact
By Simone Denard
During his time as a student in the College of Medicine, Christopher N. Cross (’19, PhD) recognized the need for Howard University to acknowledge and uplift its queer and transgender community. In 2015, he helped launch the first HBCU fundraiser dedicated to affirming and supporting LGBTQ+ students through financial awards, student-led programming and campus initiatives.
Each year during Homecoming, the fund hosts the Lavender Reception — a decadent celebration of student achievements and the presentation of scholarships. A decade later, the event has awarded more than $50,000 in scholarships to Howard students and continues to grow in reach and impact.
“LGBTQ+ students have always been part of Howard’s fabric, but without visible, institutional acknowledgment. The Lavender Fund changed that. Unlike at some other HBCUs where action came only after crises, ours was proactive. It said: We’ve always been here, and it’s time the institution makes space for us. It wasn’t about responding to tragedy, but about seizing a moment when Howard could lead boldly,” said Cross.
The Fund offers more than financial support; it also creates a space that affirms students’ Blackness and their queerness, something that was missing in Howard culture prior to the Fund’s establishment, he said.
“Before the Fund, students often felt like Howard loved their Blackness, but not all of who they were. Alumnus Dr. Steve Mobley [’05, B.A., magna cum laude] said that when he saw the Lavender Fund established, it was the first time he felt Howard ‘loved him back’ fully. The Fund carved out an official place for queer and trans students within Howard’s most visible traditions — including Homecoming. That visibility says to every student: You don’t have to fragment yourself to belong here,” said Cross.
When many LGBTQ+ students are struggling with feeling safe, accepted among peers and supported by family, resources like the Lavender Fund are often paramount for their journey to graduation. Cross hopes that the Fund will continue to gain awareness and support.
“By 2030, I would love to see us establish a Lavender Fund Grant that supports awardees to conduct innovative research advancing LGBTQ+ wellness. By 2035, I envision building on that momentum with an endowed professorship dedicated to LGBTQ+ scholarship, embedding this work into Howard’s academic fabric in a lasting way,” said Cross.
Every year, the Lavender Fund continues its legacy, breathing life and encouragement into students and allies, and paving the way for other HBCUs. The Fund cultivates a culture of inclusivity, community and empowerment that ensures every voice is celebrated and every story is honored.
“What began as my vision has since been carried forward by staff, alumni, students and allies who believed in it. Together, we’ve built more than a scholarship; we’ve built a tradition that tells LGBTQ+ students: Your full selves are not only welcomed at Howard, they are celebrated. That same spirit of building lasting models is what I carry into my work today at The-Strategy-Lab.com, where I help design strategies others can adapt and grow. That’s the legacy I hope will continue to expand — not only here, but as a model for HBCUs nationwide,” said Cross.
The Lavender Fund is on a mission to secure a $100,000 endowment over the next 12 months. To support the campaign, click here: A Decade of Pride: Supporting LGBTQ+ Bison Through the Lavender Fund · GiveCampus