UCLA Black Alumni Association to Host Winston C. Doby Legacy Scholarship Gala

Mayor Karen Bass to deliver keynote address at March 7 event supporting student access and success

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

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The UCLA Black Alumni Association (UBAA) will host the biennial Winston C. Doby Legacy Scholarship Gala on Saturday, March 7, 2026, at the InterContinental Los Angeles Downtown. The gala is a primary fundraiser for the Winston C. Doby Legacy Scholarship, a merit-based program that provides financial support to UCLA undergraduate and graduate students to cover tuition, housing, books, and other academic resources. Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass will deliver the keynote address, and the event will honor excellence across media, athletics, law, healthcare, and public service.

Why it matters

Established in 2006 following declines in Black student enrollment after the implementation of Proposition 209, the Winston C. Doby Legacy Scholarship has awarded more than $10 million to over 800 students. The gala underscores how targeted funding and community-driven solutions can expand access and strengthen institutional outcomes for Black students at UCLA, which enrolls the largest number of Black students in the UC system.

The details

The gala will bring together alumni and leaders in higher education, philanthropy, business, and public service to support student access and long-term academic success. Proceeds from the event help cover tuition, housing, books, and other academic resources for students navigating financial barriers to higher education. The evening will be hosted by UCLA alumnus Chris Spencer, a writer, director, producer, and comedian.

  • The UCLA Black Alumni Association will host the biennial Winston C. Doby Legacy Scholarship Gala on Saturday, March 7, 2026.
  • The scholarship was established in 2006 following declines in Black student enrollment after the implementation of Proposition 209.

The players

UCLA Black Alumni Association (UBAA)

A 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization focused on alumni engagement, student success, and community partnership.

Winston C. Doby

A nationally recognized higher education leader who dedicated more than four decades to expanding student access, diversity, and support services at UCLA and across the University of California system.

Karen Bass

The Mayor of Los Angeles who will deliver the keynote address at the gala.

Chris Spencer

A UCLA alumnus who is a writer, director, producer, and comedian, and will host the gala.

California Community Foundation

The organization that administers the Winston C. Doby Legacy Scholarship Fund and supports both undergraduate and graduate students at UCLA.

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What’s next

The 2026 Winston C. Doby Legacy Scholarship Gala will take place on Saturday, March 7, 2026, at the InterContinental Los Angeles Downtown.

The takeaway

The UCLA Black Alumni Association's biennial gala highlights the importance of targeted funding and community-driven solutions in expanding access and supporting long-term academic success for Black students at UCLA, which has made significant progress in increasing its Black student enrollment and becoming a national leader in this area.