UCLA Black Alumni Association Hosts 2026 Winston C. Doby Legacy Scholarship Gala
Los Angeles, California — The UCLA Black Alumni Association (UBAA) hosted the 2026 Winston C. Doby Legacy Scholarship Gala on March 7, 2026, bringing together alumni, community leaders, scholarship recipients, and distinguished guests for an evening of celebration, reflection, and purpose.
The gala honored the extraordinary legacy of Dr. Winston C. Doby, a nationally recognized higher education leader who dedicated more than four decades to expanding student access, advancing diversity, and strengthening support services at UCLA and throughout the University of California system. The event served as both a tribute to his enduring impact and a reaffirmation of UBAA’s commitment to supporting future generations of students.
UBAA leadership welcomed guests from sports, entertainment, medicine, law, technology, and public service, along with family members and supporters, for an unforgettable evening dedicated to scholarship and service. One of thevening’s’s most memorable moments was a surprise appearance by Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, who recognized the honorees and scholarship recipients and added to thcelebration’s’s significance.
Hosted by UCLA alumnus Chris Spencer, a comedian, writer, director, and producer, the evening blended inspiration, humor, and elegance. Following an invocation by Coach Wedney Gladney, guests enjoyed a full-course dinner accompanied by music from the Jacques Lesure Trio.
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass delivered a powerful keynote address focused on community, legacy, and sustaining support for scholarship recipients and their families. Her remarks underscored thevening’s’s theme of collective responsibility and continued investment in educational opportunity.
The 2026 honorees reflected excellence across media, athletics, law, higher education, health care, and public service:
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Beverly Robinson Award for Excellence: Natasha Tash Gray, executive producer of Reasonable Doubt and Power Book III: Raising Kanan, recognized for her leadership in television production and dedication to amplifying diverse voices in entertainment
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Florence Griffith Joyner Award: Jordan Chiles, Olympic medalist and UCLA alumna
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Arthur Ashe Community Service Award: Mandla Kayise, former UBAA president
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Tom Bradley Alumnus of the Year: Cheryl M. Lott, Esq., attorney at Buchalter Law Firm, honored for her excellence in law and commitment to mentorship and community service
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Jackie Robinson Trailblazer Award: Dr. Yolanda Gorman, associate vice chancellor at UCLA, recognized for her pioneering leadership in higher education and dedication to advancing diversity initiatives
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Ralph Bunche Humanitarian Award: Dr. La Tanya Hines, OB-GYN, Kaiser Permanente
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Madie Norman Scholarship Award: The Elegant Bruinettes, UCLA Sports Dance Team
The evening also offered a profound moment of reflection on the leaders, educators, and advocates whose work continues to shape opportunity for Black students. In a moving tribute to her uncle, Camille Willard Bent said”
“When Proposition 209 reshaped higher education in California, my uncle was at the forefront of navigating what came next. He understood immediately what was at stake for Black students. He knew access would narrow and representation would decline. Instead of retreating, he leaned in. He pushed institutions to think differently. He challenged communities to act boldly. He reminded us that when policy changes, purpose canno”.”
More than a fundraiser, the Winston C. Doby Legacy Scholarship Gala was a vibrant expression of community power, shared history, and hope for the future. It highlighted the importance of honoring trailblazers while investing in the scholars who will carry that legacy forward.
UBAA extends sincere gratitude to its sponsors for their generous support: Southern California Edison; Law Offices of Ivie, McNeill, Wyatt, Purcell & Diggs; Cagnolatti-Daniels Family Foundation; Raise the Barr FoundationChancellor’s’s Society; Shelter 37; UCLA Ralph J. Bunche Center; UCLA African American Studies; UCLA Alumni Affairs; The Doby Family; La Tanya Hines, MD, FACOG; Downtown Crenshaw Rising; Cheryl M. Lott, Esq.; Yolanda J. Gorman, MBA, PhD; Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.; UCLA Alumni Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc., Nu Delta Chapter; Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc., Nu Lambda Chapter; and Von Scott.
About the UCLA Black Alumni Association
The UCLA Black Alumni Association (UBAA) empowers UCLA African American alumni, students, faculty, and the broader community through advocacy, mobilization, and service that create greater educational opportunities and resources for the African American community. Through scholarships, advocacy, support, and networking opportunities, UBAupholds its’s mission ansupports d the success of future generations.
For more information, visit uclablackalumni.org/about
