Denny’s and Getty Images Award Inaugural Hungry for Education Stipend to HBCU Scholars

Denny’s, in partnership with Getty Images, has announced the recipients of the first-ever Denny’s x Getty Images Hungry for Education Stipend. The program aims to recognize and support the preservation of the history of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). Prairie View A&M University (PVAMU) and Jackson State University (JSU) have each awarded $1,250 stipends to deserving scholars, Rejoice Adekoya and Jordan Riley, respectively.

The collaboration between Denny’s and Getty Images began last year with the goal of supporting the Getty Images Photo Archive Grants Program for HBCUs. As part of the program, students from PVAMU, JSU, Claflin University, and North Carolina Central University were invited to apply. The applicants were required to submit a selection of their favorite newly digitized archival photos along with commentary on how access to their university’s history has impacted their educational journey.

Both Rejoice Adekoya and Jordan Riley have demonstrated a deep passion for preserving their HBCUs’ history. Adekoya, from PVAMU, has shown a strong commitment to telling the stories that connect her community to its shared ancestry and legacy. Riley, from JSU, has impressed with her talent emerging from the Department of Journalism and Media Studies.

The Getty Images Photo Archive Grants for HBCUs is a program that honors the legacy and contributions of HBCUs to American history. In partnership with the Getty Family and Stand Together, the program has committed $500,000 towards the digitization of HBCU photographic archives.

The recipients of the Hungry for Education Stipend have had the opportunity to work closely with university staff and teams from Getty Images to research and digitize photos from their respective institutions. Through this experience, they have gained valuable skills in research and applying metadata to imagery.

Denny’s Vice President of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, April Kelly Drummond, expressed pride in supporting these scholars and their important work. She highlighted how the program allows students to learn about their college’s history and its contribution to American history, while also empowering them to make a difference in their communities.

Cassandra Illidge, Vice President of Global Partnerships for Getty Images, commended Adekoya and Riley for their powerful statements and the skills they have acquired through their work with the photo archives. She emphasized Getty Images’ commitment to investing in their future and expressed pride in the ongoing partnership with Denny’s.

The Denny’s x Getty Images Hungry for Education Stipend program serves as a testament to the dedication of Denny’s and Getty Images in supporting HBCU scholars and preserving the rich history of these esteemed institutions. Through initiatives like these, the impact of HBCUs on American history and education continues to be celebrated and recognized.

For more information about the scholars and the program, please contact Getty Images at jenna.attardi@gettyimages.com.