In the wake of the recent George Floyd killing in Minneapolis, Acadia alumnus and Campaign for Acadia Cabinet Member Clive Anderson (’89) was compelled to work through his own feelings of anger, frustration, despair, and defiance about racial injustice toward blacks, especially in the United States, and did so in the form of poetry.

He wrote numerous poems, 24 of which he has collected into a volume entitled Uprising!, with each poem accompanied by a unique visual exploring and amplifying the meaning of its subject matter.

“Since this outpouring of expression”, says Clive, “I have been reflecting on how to tie passion to purpose and as a result, I have decided to set up a university scholarship focused on increasing access to postsecondary education for Black students. Additionally, I would like to provide funding to support other community initiatives where we are able to see the direct impact of contributions made. I have always believed in the power of education as an advancement tool and that is no less true and important in the times in which we find ourselves.”

Clive is making the collection freely available on-line through the Uprising website at www.invisible-visible.com, and asking that readers make a donation in support of the special initiatives he is pursuing, including a new student award at Acadia University:

The Rising Up Award was established in 2020 by Clive Anderson (’89) and Athline Littlejohn (’91), with the help of many friends and supporters. It is to be awarded to an entering or returning domestic Black student in any full-time degree program on the basis of demonstrated financial need, good academic standing, and involvement in school and/or community activities.

The award will be valued in the $1,000-$2,000 range. Acadia anticipates making the first Rising Up Award in Fall 2020.

Acadia alumni and friends who are interested in reading Clive’s poems and supporting the Rising Up Award can make a gift at Rising Up Award. Alumni in Canada and the US are eligible for a charitable income tax receipt, as are non-alumni supporters in Canada.

If you are also interested in the other initiatives Clive is pursuing, you can learn more at www.invisible-visible.com.