The THRIVE Center

Antonio Johnson Gala & Scholarship Fundraiser

2025 AJ Gala Recipients - Frie Asamoah, Joshua Douglas Mathis, and Jonah Elijah Morris

Celebrating 50 Years of Honoring Antonio Johnson!

Join the Black Students Association for the Antonio Johnson Legacy Weekend:

February 27, 2026 – March 1, 2026

Weekend Highlights include:

  • Friday, February 27th: Cocktails & Mocktails, 6:00 pm, Gallagher Student Center, first floor
  • Saturday, February 28th: Antonio Johnson Gala and Scholarship Fundraiser, 6:00 – 9:00 pm, Cincinnati Museum Center at Union Terminal
  • Sunday, March 1st: Soul Brunch & Worship, 10:00 am, Conaton Board Room, Schmidt Hall

Click here to purchase tickets or to make a donation.

 

History of Antonio Johnson and the AJ Scholarship

Mr. Antonio Johnson began his academic career at Xavier in June 1971. While majoring in Urban Studies, he participated in the school band and was an active member of St. Roman Catholic Church. He worked hard and dedicated his time to the Black Student Association as President. This title earned him the respect of the Xavier University campus and the adjoining community. Mr. Johnson organized and implemented activities for Black Awareness Month in February 1975 and 1976. Mr. Johnson sadly passed away at the young age of 22 on February 8, 1976, just before he could see his vision for Black Awareness Month activities take shape on campus for a second year. Since Mr. Johnson's initial recognition, Xavier has commemorated Black Awareness Month, which later transformed into Black History Month, continuing this tradition every year without exception. He is remembered as a caring, compassionate, and confident individual who was dedicated to the principles of social change and justice.

The Antonio Johnson Scholarship is awarded to a Xavier University student who is currently a junior, has a cumulative 3.0 GPA (or higher), has made contributions to the African, African American, or Black community on and off campus, and embodies the Jesuit Catholic value of Cura Personalis. A student with 55.00 – 89.99 credit hours qualifies as a junior. The annual scholarship covers tuition for the final 30 credit hours, fees, on-campus room & board, and an on-campus meal plan.