News

GREENSBORO, NC (Feb. 2, 2026)—UNCF is proud to announce that it will present its Trailblazer Award to High Point Mayor Cyril Jefferson, a distinguished professional whose career spans public policy, economic advancement, youth empowerment and collaborative community partnerships. The award will be presented at the 2nd Annual “A Mind Is...” ® Reception in the Triad, NC area on Feb. 7, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. at Sheraton Greensboro at Four Seasons. Several corporate partners, educators, religious leaders and community influencers are expected to attend.

 UNCF’s Trailblazer Award recognizes individuals and organizations for leadership, innovation and significant contributions to strengthening historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs).

 “The UNCF Triad ‘A Mind Is...’® Reception serves as a vital platform to generate much-needed funds for students facing financial challenges,” said Tiffany Jones-Boyd, North Carolina regional development director, UNCF. “Few things are as rewarding as knowing your contribution has the power to transform a student’s future. This commitment to making a difference drives us.”

 “For our second annual event, we aim to raise $190,000, and with the unwavering support of the Triad community, I am confident we will exceed this goal,” said Jones-Boyd. “We are excited to gather at the Sheraton Greensboro at Four Seasons in Greensboro, NC, a city with deep significance to UNCF and the Triad community. Greensboro is home to a vibrant legacy of educational excellence and community leadership, and UNCF has long-standing connections here including partnerships with local HBCUs and families who have made a lasting impact. Returning to Greensboro during Black History Month is especially meaningful as we honor the region’s history and renew our commitment to supporting students and strengthening our ties within the Triad.”

 The event is chaired by Dr. Adia K. Ross, chief medical officer at Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist High Point Medical Center, and Rev. Dr. Frank K. Thomas, senior pastor of Mt. Zion Baptist Church in High Point and board member of North Carolina Baptist Hospital and Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center.

 Sponsors include President Sponsor, Cone, along Dean level sponsors, Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist, Novant Health, along with a host of other community and corporate sponsors.

 For more information and sponsorship opportunities, please contact Tiffany Jones-Boyd at TJones@uncf.org or 201-304-2933. Unable to attend but want to make a difference in students’ lives? Visit UNCF.org/TriadAMI to donate today. To stay connected to UNCF throughout the year, please visit UNCF.org/Charlotte. You can also follow this event using #UNCF or @uncfcharlotte on social media.

 ###

 About UNCF

UNCF is one of the nation’s largest and most effective supporters of higher education and serves as a leading advocate for college-bound students. Since its founding in 1944, UNCF has raised more than $6 billion to support students' access to higher education, provide scholarships and strengthen historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs). Each year, UNCF awards more than 11,000 scholarships totaling more than $62 million. The scholarships support students attending more than 600 US-based colleges and universities including 37 UNCF-member HBCUs. Through its efforts, UNCF has helped generations of students to get to and through college. We believe a college education plays a vital role in fortifying the pipeline of leaders and professionals who contribute to the advancement of our society. Our logo features the UNCF torch of leadership in education and our widely recognized trademark is, ‟A mind is a terrible thing to waste.”® Learn more at UNCF.org or for continuous updates and news, follow UNCF on Instagram.

Media Contact:
Brandon Lenoir, PhD
Campaign Manager and Chief Policy Advisor
336-247-6727
Management@CyrilForCongress.com