The junior is one of six California State University students honored for their leadership in community service and advocating Black excellence
Since middle school, Tajuddin Henry said he couldn’t wait to get to college.
Higher learning presented him the opportunity to pursue his true passions – nurturing his creativity, passion for public service and building community, things he felt he couldn’t truly pursue during his secondary education while growing up in South Los Angeles.
“While I was nurtured and grew into who I am because of the lessons I learned in school, my best traits as a student and person were overlooked by traditional educational metrics,” Henry said. “I saw college not just as an educational institution, but as a vibrant community where I could actively shape and be shaped by diverse experiences and perspectives to ensure that students, especially those from backgrounds similar to mine, feel seen, supported and empowered.”
Since his arrival at San Diego State University in Fall 2022, Henry has made his vision of college a reality, pursuing multiple avenues of co-curricular, social and community involvement.
The California State University System is honoring Henry’s exceptional record of academic success, service and involvement, as it was announced Friday that he is one of six students to receive the inaugural Black Student Success Scholarship.
Sponsored by the CSU Foundation, students receive a $5,000 award for the 2024-25 academic year. The recipients were selected for demonstrating leadership in increasing equitable access to higher education and undertaking community service that promotes anti-racism work and cultural change to elevate Black excellence, according to a news release.
“These scholars represent the highest ideals and brightest future of our university system and embody our commitment to creating a culture and community throughout the CSU where all students, faculty and staff have equitable representation, holistic support and an authentic sense of belonging,” CSU Chancellor Mildred García said.
Henry, a rising junior who was on hand in Sacramento to receive the award during the CSU Juneteenth Symposium, said the scholarship is a game changer for him.
“Being awarded the Black Student Success Scholarship represents not only a recognition of my efforts thus far but also an affirmation of my commitment to my academic and community-centric goals,” Henry said.
“I have always cared about bettering my community and investing in those around me, and by alleviating my financial burden, this scholarship will enable me to further dedicate time to advocating for the needs of and striving to uplift those around me,” Henry said. “It reaffirms that the path I have chosen—one of service, advocacy, and education—is not only viable but valued.”
Henry is double majoring in Africana Studies and Public Health with a minor in leadership development and holds a 3.45 grade-point average. He was elected to the Associated Students executive board for the 2024-25 school year as executive vice president. He serves as events chair for the Student African American Brotherhood, an academic coach at the Black Resource Center (BRC) and is an active member of his fraternity, Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.
He also serves as residential advisor and is actively involved in Swipe Out Hunger, serving as a policy advocate.
