Historic Black Church Eliminates Student Debt for SAU Seniors

Rev. Dr. Howard-John Wesley, Senior Pastor of Alfred Street Baptist Church.Alfred Street Baptist Church of Alexandria, Virginia, a prominent Black congregation located just outside Washington D.C., has donated $132,469 to Saint Augustine's University (SAU) to eliminate the outstanding debt of 11 graduating seniors, enabling them to receive their diplomas debt-free at the May 3rd commencement ceremony.

The timely donation comes as SAU faces a litany of challenges, including an appeal to hold on to its accreditation.

The 222-year-old church, one of the nation's oldest and largest predominantly African American congregations with approximately 13,000 members, has a long history of supporting historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs). Church officials estimate about 60% of Alfred Street's members are HBCU graduates themselves.

"This act of grace by Alfred Street Baptist Church is nothing short of transformative for our students and our institution," said SAU Interim President Dr. Marcus H. Burgess. "We are immensely grateful for this demonstration of faith and partnership."

The donation comes at a critical time when many small private colleges and HBCUs face financial challenges. The university had initially informed the entire graduating class that students with unpaid tuition balances could not participate in the commencement ceremony. While more than half of SAU's graduating class managed to settle their balances independently, 11 students still needed assistance.

"This is what ministry looks like," said Rev. Dr. Howard-John Wesley, Senior Pastor of Alfred Street Baptist Church. "We believe in investing in students, in HBCUs, and in a future where financial hardship should never be a barrier to graduation."