The 19th and the Online News Association (ONA) are excited to bring 10 scholars from local historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) to ONA25 in New Orleans. The students, nominated by their schools, represent Dillard University, Southern University and A&M College and Xavier University of Louisiana.
The scholarship is an initiative of The 19th’s Frances Ellen Watkins Harper Fellowship, a yearlong program that prepares early- and mid-career HBCU alums for successful journalism careers through hands-on newsroom experience, professional development and long-term career support.
Building on ONA’s HBCU Digital Media Fellowship, this conference scholarship continues an already strong tradition of supporting HBCU students at the conference.
Please join us in congratulating the 2025 HBCU Scholars:
- Ayiana Love, a senior majoring in mass communications with a public relations concentration, Dillard University
- Victoria Byrd, a junior majoring in mass communications with a public relations concentration, Dillard University
- Zuri Primos, a junior majoring in mass communications with a multimedia journalism concentration, Dillard University
- Brianna Fields, a senior majoring in mass communication with a minor in theater, Southern University and A&M College
- Brianna Meeks, a senior majoring in broadcast journalism, Southern University and A&M College
- Isaiah Clay, a senior majoring in mass communication with a public relations concentration, Southern University and A&M College
- Ivanna Washington, a sophomore majoring in mass communication with a multimedia concentration, Xavier University of Louisiana
- Makenna Mincey, a junior majoring in mass communication, Xavier University of Louisiana
- Zamariah Strozier, a senior majoring in mass communication with a minor in African American diaspora studies at Xavier University of Louisiana
- Zora Thomas, a senior double majoring in mass communication and history, Xavier University of Louisiana
The 19th-ONA conference scholarship includes:
- Complimentary ONA25 registration
- One-year ONA student membership with career resources, training, mentorship and networking
- An invitation to The 19th + Journalists of Color (JOC) Networking Mixer in New Orleans
Learn more about how The 19th is creating pathways for the future of journalism.
Register for the conference
The ONA25 pass includes access to four days of in-person learning and networking with the ONA community; the Midway exhibit area and career events; the opportunity to attend select RSVP-only workshops and special events; and direct connections to ONA supporters and industry recruiters. Explore more of the schedule and register today.
If you can only join us for one day during conference week, a Day Pass is available to ONA members for $175 and non-members for $200.
Beyond the conference
ONA offers opportunities all year to learn with like-minded peers, collaborate on pressing questions and form deeper connections.
