For the first time this Fall, a student enrolled in Conrad Grebel University College’s Master of Peace and Conflict Studies (MPACS) program will receive a new scholarship honouring the legacy of Malcolm X. Grebel Peace Incubator participant, Majid Mirza of ESGTree, was instrumental in bringing the Malcolm X Peace and Conflict Studies Scholarship to life with support from dedicated donors and the approval of Malcolm X's family.
On Monday June 28th, 2021, staff, faculty, and alumni from Conrad Grebel University College and the Kindred Credit Union Centre for Peace Advancement gathered virtually to celebrate the announcement of Grebels new Malcolm X Peace and Conflict Studies Scholarship.
Grebel Peace Incubator participant, Majid Mirza of ESGTree played a large role leading up to this moment. As a dedicated community member at the Centre for Peace Advancement, Mirza was driven to establish a scholarship with several other donors at Grebel after a presentation about Malcolm X reignited his passion for the Peace and Conflict Studies (PACS) program.
Offering further encouragement, Professor Ilyasah Shabazz, Co-Chairperson of the Malcolm X and Dr. Betty Shabazz Memorial and Education Center, and daughter to its namesake peace and justice practitioners, shared that “there is no better time than now to launch this scholarship.”
In a touching series of presentations on June 28th, Conrad Grebel University College President Marcus Shantz, PACS Chair Nathan Funk, and multiple MPACS graduates reflected on the significance of this award for future students and academics. “PACS exists at the intersection between a research university and a faith-based college”, shared Funk, "so it is an honour to contribute to the legacy of Malcolm X, a man driven by faith in the pursuit of truth and justice".
The hope for this scholarship is that it will promote further generative moments and a deeper understanding of the necessity of community service for students in the MPACS program, Conrad Grebel University College, and future generations.
Read the complete news release from Conrad Grebel University College for more about this new scholarship and what it means for MPACS students to follow in the steps of Malcolm X.