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Gary, IND. – On February 12, Mayor Eddie Melton hosted the 2025 United Negro College Fund (UNCF) Mayor's Breakfast at the Gary Area Career Center. This event brought together educational and community leaders to discuss the future of higher education and the importance of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). The breakfast featured an inspiring keynote address by Montgomery, Alabama Mayor Steven L. Reed.
“Our young people are our greatest asset. They are the innovators, the leaders, the change makers of tomorrow,” said Mayor Melton, “But they can only reach their full potential if we provide them with the tools, the support, and the encouragement they need to succeed. That’s why the City of Gary is committed to working alongside our schools, educators, and community leaders to promote a high-quality education for every student.”
Mayor Reed, the first Black mayor in Montgomery's history, underscored the vital role of education, especially for Black students, and highlighted the importance of HBCUs in nurturing and empowering future leaders. He also commended Mayor Melton's dedication to improving education, investing in infrastructure, and building efficient city services for residents.
“Mayor Melton is leading on education equity, and it's important that we support those initiatives,” Reed emphasized. “Quite frankly, we need this type of group or this type of involvement, not only at meetings at City Hall, not only at press conferences, but sometimes, and many times, down in our state legislation.”
Reed also reminded the audience that every individual has a crucial role to play in their community. “We enjoy the shade of trees we did not plant,” Reed stated, using a traditional saying to emphasize the importance of each generation's responsibility to support and provide for the next.
During the event, the UNCF leadership shared the stories of three students from Northwest Indiana who are UNCF Scholars/Alumni: Chase Clark of Morehouse College, Senee George of Tuskegee University, and Makayla James of Purdue University Northwest.
Mayor Melton expressed his commitment to the mission of the UNCF and stressed how education can be a life changing experience.
“Education is not just about academics; it is about opportunity. It is about giving every young person—regardless of their background—the chance to dream, to achieve, and to contribute meaningfully to their community,” said Mayor Melton. “As a city, we are investing in strong partnerships with our schools to ensure our students are prepared for college, careers, and beyond. When our students succeed, Gary succeeds.”
Mayor Reed urged attendees in the room to actively support organizations like the UNCF, the NAACP, and the National Urban League. “Whether we’re in Indiana, Missouri, or Alabama, management changes, but the motives are the same. So, it's important for us to be here and support one another.”
Media Contact:
Erika Blackwell, Chief Communications Officer Eblackwell@gary.gov
(219) 806-6489
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Photo credit: Cooley's Video
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