It’s a truly worthy cause. UBF is a grant-making organization that empowers agencies “focused on the challenges and opportunities facing African-American seniors, children and families in Northeast Ohio.”
“Our resources are directed to area nonprofits providing basic needs, education and workforce development training,” explains UBF Executive Director Cecil J. Lipscomb, CNM, in a press release. “For this region to thrive, we need to address issues of race, poverty and inclusion.”
“The United Black Fund is one of aquarium’s longest running partnerships —the aquarium turns eight in 2020, and this is our sixth year for the United Black Fund collaboration,” says aquarium General Manager and Splash Fund Director Stephanie White. “We truly appreciate the opportunity to support an organization focused on strengthening our community.”
In addition to regularly scheduled Sharks & Scuba talks and animal encounters, the aquarium will highlight African-Americans who played prominent roles in the fields of marine science and scuba diving.
“From Carl Brashear, the first African-American to become a U.S. Navy Master Diver, to Roger Arliner Young, the first African-American female to earn her doctorate in zoology, we hope younger guests are inspired by these leaders in their field,” says White.
There will also be a MLK Day Search for Greatness scavenger hunt and the chance to win an annual family pass. UBF volunteers will be stationed in the aquarium lobby to take donations and provide discounted admission vouchers. Both adults and children will receive the general admission rate of $10 when donating at least $1. No presales are available, and the discount is valid only on Jan. 20.
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This article appears in Dec 11-17, 2019.
