By Grady Andersen, Staff Writer

On Feb. 28, Black Student Association (BSA) hosted their 50th annual Antonio Johnson Scholarship Gala, naming junior biomedical sciences major and BSA President Jacob Fitzgerald as the 2026 winner.

The Antonio Johnson Scholarship is awarded to a current junior who embodies the Jesuit Value of Cura Personalis by making contributions to the Black community. It provides funding for a student’s final 30 credit hours and any associated fees.  

Antonio Johnson attended Xavier in 1971, majoring in Urban Studies. During his time at Xavier, he was an active member of both the St. Andrew Roman Catholic Church and the Afro-American Student Association later renamed the Black Student Association. He helped to organize several Black History Month events, focusing on minority strength and independence. 

“He was a trailblazer while he was here. (He) did a lot to create student organizations for students of color and other students here on campus, we’re celebrating a trailblazer, celebrating someone that accomplished so much in such a short time,” Assistant Vice President of TRiO Dr. Daniel McSpadden said.

After his untimely death on Feb. 22, 1976, Xavier has commemorated his memory during the month of February. It all leads up to the gala, which is a celebration of not only his memory, but his ideas on social justice. 

“Antonio Johnson represents for me strength, resilience, and change. As an African American student on Xavier’s campus, there are many times where you feel alone as the minority.  Antonio Johnson proves that there is always a community for me on this campus and to continue being myself and sometimes it’s ok to be uncomfortable,” first year marketing and accounting major Taylor Frank said. 

Events took place all weekend, starting Friday with a cocktail and mocktail bar. It was an hour to socialize with not only current students and staff, but former winners of the award as well. Attendees were encouraged to network and reconnect, all in preparation for the gala the next day.

“The gala represents the African American community of Xavier past and present. The gala showed me how just because we graduate from this university doesn’t mean we lose the community. The gala showed me how friends can become family and how our hard work will always be recognized by those who care and know us,” Frank said. 

The Gala was held at the Cincinnati Museum Center at Union Terminal. The event had well over 200 attendees, ranging from students to professors, administration, along with several former winners of the awards.

“I am truly honored and grateful to stand before you tonight as a recipient of the 50th Antonio Johnson Scholarship. This moment means more to me than words can fully express, and I do not take this recognition lightly,” Fitzgerald said during his speech.

“Taking up space with a purpose means understanding that your presence matters. It means showing up in rooms where people who look like you may not always have been welcomed, and not just being present, but making an impact. It means using your voice when it would be easier to stay silent and stepping forward when it would be more comfortable to step back,” Fitzgerald continued.

“(Taking up space) has meant understanding that leadership is not about titles, it is about service. It is about lifting others as you climb and making sure that the doors opened for you remain open for the next person,” Fitzgerald said.