How This Restauranteur is Pouring into HBCUs After Supreme Court Decision Against Affirmative Action
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Posted By: Reginald Culpepper on August 16, 2023 Since the U.S. Supreme Court recently barred affirmative action in college admissions, Ebony Austin, chef, restauranteur, philanthropist and Owner of Nouveau Bar & Grill has been set on shining light on the importance of attending an HBCU. Most recently, Austin presented scholarships, gifts and cash prizes to HBCU students, while celebrating the two-year anniversary of her second restaurant’s location opening! The scholarship giveaway (which consisted of HBCU students receiving large checks ranging from $500 - $5000) took place Nouveau’s Stomp the Yard event on July 23, 2023 had an HBCU Stroll Off performed by several HBCU fraternities and sororities including singer, Syleena Johnson and Married to Medicine’s Dr. Contessa Metcalfe will be serving as captains for the Greek organizations. In addition to scholarships, students received cash prizes and electronics to help them get acclimated to college living. Truth is: Some HBCU enthusiasts even believe affirmative action and desegregation of higher education historically has led to the dilution of Black-led education, particularly as it relates to HBCUs. Nowadays, most Historically Black Colleges and Universities say they’re prepared for an influx of applicants following that exact U.S. Supreme Court’s ruling that bars institutions from using race as a factor in admissions. However, this may cause a strain on already limited resources (due to historical underfunding, HBCUs have struggled with issues such as crumbling infrastructure and housing shortages, exacerbated by enrollment bumps and a lack of affordable off-campus options). PHILANTHROPY * Throughout Black History Month, Austin teamed up with Essence’s Girls United to host the Ultimate HBCU Scholarship Giveaway, where they presented two scholarships per week throughout the month of February. * This past Christmas, partnering with rapper, T.I. in Atlanta in their 3rd Annual Holiday Toy Drive. This week, over 3000 families showed up to Cascade Skating Rink in Metro-Atlanta Austin and received ring lights, computers, gaming consoles (X Boxes, Playstations), bicycles, dirt bikes, BEATS by DRE headphones, cash, gift cards and more. At the event, Austin also gifted three special families with fully furnished townhomes – and paid off their rent for one year. * This past Thanksgiving, Nouveau teamed up with actress, Naturi Naughton and TV personality, Marlo Hampton to hand out 600 turkeys to needy families at their Jonesboro location. Along with turkeys, families received an assortment of items for a Thanksgiving Dinner (which included macaroni and cheese, vegetables, juices, milk and more). The year prior, Nouveau partnered with CeeLo Green to provide turkeys for metro Atlanta families in need during the holidays. * Last May, Nouveau Bar & Grill also partnered with Nancy’s Pizza Camp Creek, and Harold’s Chicken & Ice Bar Old National to put together a CARE PACKAGE GIVEAWAY for the 2020 Graduates of various high-schools in the Metro-Atlanta area. With the COVID-19 pandemic affecting everyone harshly at the time, they made that time a little brighter for the future leaders of Atlanta and the world. This included a graduation meal, a graduation gift bag (which included 2020 t-shirts and 2020 cups), a COVID-19 Survival Kit, and cash prizes! * Each month, the restaurant gives out free dinners to medical professionals, writes checks to area schools, collects toys for the holidays and offers discounts to residents. With a menu including: Deviled Eggs, Chicken and Waffles, Jerk Wings, Turkey Burger Sliders, Sticky Fried Ribs, Four Cheese Spinach Dip, Buffalo Shrimp, Fried Shrimp Po’ Boy, Impossible Burger, Windy City Crab Cakes, Cajun Shrimp & Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo, Michigan Avenue Ribeye and more. Before opening the restaurant, Austin worked for several years in corporate as a corporate specialist and business development manager at Campbell Soup, Godiva, and 1-800-Flowers. After successfully starting a real estate business, a transportation company, and a nonprofit, Austin partnered with a friend to open Nouveau’s first location, an upscale restaurant located near Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta Airport. For more information, please visit: https://nouveaubar.com. If you enjoyed this article, Join HBCU CONNECT today for similar content and opportunities via email! |
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Reginald Culpepper
President, Fulfillment and Web Services, HBCUCONNECT Clark Atlanta University class of 1998 Member Since September 2000 |
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