National Black Grads proudly hosted its 2026 Scholarship Celebration on Saturday at San Bernardino Valley College, drawing a standing-room-only crowd in support of local student achievement.
The event brought together a distinguished group of community leaders, educators, and supporters from across San Bernardino and Riverside counties to honor the accomplishments of 41 African American students representing communities throughout the Inland Empire.
Among those in attendance were Dr. Gwen Rogers of the San Bernardino County Board of Education and Dwaine Radden Sr., Executive Director of PAL Charter Academy, along with many other notable community figures. Attendees gathered to celebrate academic excellence, resilience, and the bright futures of these graduating seniors.
Each student was recognized for their hard work and awarded a scholarship of $1,000 or more to support their continued education. The PAL Center, a local community agency in San Bernardino, sponsored Kelis Johnson, a Cajon High School scholar and student intern at the organization. She will be attending Benedict College in South Carolina on a full academic scholarship. In recognition of her achievements, PAL also contributed an additional $1,000 to support her educational journey.
Radden, attending the event for the first time, described the experience as powerful and inspiring. “To see all of those African American students march into the building was real and moving,” he said. “That is our hope and our future.”
Founded by Jonathan and Keynasia Buffong, National Black Grads continues its mission of uplifting and empowering students by providing resources, recognition, and financial support to help them succeed beyond high school. Jonathan Buffong emphasized that the program’s success is driven by the commitment of local leaders, businesses, and community organizations that invest in these students’ futures.
Now celebrating 15 years of service, the organization’s annual scholarship celebration serves not only as a recognition of student achievement but also as an opportunity to educate students about the legacy and impact of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), which have paved the way for generations of Black students across America.
