The Keeper of the Dream Scholarship is awarded to students who positively contribute to breaking down racial and cultural stereotypes as leaders on campus. Student Nia Matthews embodies this mission and honors the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. through her activism focused on promoting racial understanding.
For Matthews, the first time she felt moved by the struggle of Black America was in middle school. Witnessing the arrest of Sandra Bland in a news media class led to a passion for raising awareness about racial inequalities.
“This made me want to fight for disadvantaged people of color and against the system that oppresses them,” Matthews said. “Ever since then, I’ve always tried to be an agent for change in my communities.”
Her desire to educate others through powerful narratives, especially stories involving injustice toward the Black community, is rooted in that early experience. As her passion for film developed, so did her vision for using it as a vehicle for change.
As a film production student, one of Matthew’s biggest inspirations is Ava DuVernay, creator of the Netflix documentary “13th,” which examines racial inequality in the U.S. prison system.
“I am more appreciative of the importance of recognizing the contributions of Black people in history thanks to people like Ava DuVernay who are creating modern history,” Matthews said. “I have other aspirations in film, such as adopting manga and webtoons into live-action or anime, but I think after watching this documentary, my interest shifted towards educational and provocative storytelling.”
Matthews sees film as a powerful way to bridge knowledge gaps. Her long-term goal is to educate people about often overlooked but highly influential Black leaders such as Assata Shakur, Dr. Frances Cress Welsing and Huey P. Newton.
“As an aspiring film producer, I want to teach the complete story of America’s history through film,” Matthews said. “People will have a deeper understanding of the society around them and be inspired to advocate for causes that they are passionate about.”
Beyond the screen, Matthews is highly engaged on campus. She serves as the president of Entrepreneurs in Action, executive board co-chair of the Student Activities Funding Board and event coordinator for the Association of Black Students.
Through these roles, she supports her fellow students and promotes inclusion. One of her proudest accomplishments with these organizations is helping fund many cultural events that foster understanding across communities.
“During my time as Assistant Chair for the Student Activities Funding Board, we have funded a multitude of cultural events and worked closely with Student Congress to promote inclusion and understanding,” Matthews said. “Entrepreneurs in Action promotes entrepreneurial ventures in communities that need it and has expanded its reach to a multitude of different cultures, such as African American, Indian and Asian.”
Matthews credits her parents with instilling in her a strong sense of cultural identity and determination.
“My parents have achieved greatness despite their circumstances, proving to me that anything is possible if you work harder than anyone else for it,” Matthews said.
For Matthews, the Keeper of the Dream Scholarship isn’t just recognition. It’s a powerful validation of her work.
“To me, it means that the work and connections I’ve made matter,” Matthews said.
